If you have one of many conditions that causes pain, numbness, swelling and restriction, Cold Laser may be for you. Cold Laser therapy, or Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) as it is sometimes called, is a painless, non-invasive and drug-free treatment which is used to treat a variety of injuries, wounds, pain cycles, broken bones, neurological conditions and pathologies. A laser can be used when other therapies have failed. A laser also increases the healing time for many conditions. The list of what cold laser can treat includes; herniated or bulging discs, back and neck pain, arthritis, shoulder/knee pain, Bursitis/tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, TMJ, Fibromyalgia, Neuropathies, Plantar Fasciitis, sports injuries like sprain/strain syndromes, Tennis Elbow, Muscle spasms/Trigger points, Injuries from auto accidents, Migraine and other headaches, and many more.
Laser heals by supplying energy to the injured area in the form of photons of light. The light is transmitted through the skin layers at all wavelengths in the visible range. However, lightwave in the near-infrared ranges penetrate the deepest of all light waves in the visible spectrum. (Penetration can be 2 to 5 cm below the skin at 90mw and 830nm). When laser light waves penetrate deeply into the skin, (The dermis, epidermis, and the subcutaneous tissue or tissue fat under the skin), it will accelerate at the highest level, the immune responses of the cells. This reaction has both anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulative effects. It is scientifically proven that light transmitted in this way has positive effects throughout the entire body, supplying oxygen and energy to every tissue and cell.
This process can be compared to photosynthesis in plants – sunlight is absorbed by plants, which is then converted to usable energy so that the plant can grow. When cells absorb this light energy, it initiates a series of events in the cell that is theorized to eventually result in normalizing damaged or injured tissue, a reduction in pain, inflammation, edema and an overall reduction in healing time by increasing intracellular metabolism. .1,2
A lot of people believe when they receive cold laser therapy, it will feel cold. The reason it is called “Cold Laser” is because, unlike regular laser, it doesn’t generate heat, thus not harm the tissue and cells. You feel nothing but the head of the laser probe against your skin.
Depending on your condition and its severity, it can take from 12 to 20 visits to get you significant relief. The Monmouth Pain and Rehab offices use some of the most effective cold lasers on the market today.
Some health insurance covers Cold Laser. If yours doesn’t however, we’ve put together affordable care packages so you can receive this important treatment. At Monmouth Pain and Rehab, we will not allow finances to prevent you from getting the care you need that may ultimately help you overcome your condition. Our doctors will sit down with you for a consultation and explain the progressive approach we take to ensure you get the care you need.
References:
- Martin R. Laser-Accelerated Inflammation/Pain Reduction and Healing. Practical Pain Management. Nov/Dec 2003 3(6):20-25.
- Marovino T. Cold Lasers in Pain Management. Practical Pain Management. Sep/Oct 2004. 4(6):37-42.
