How does Cold Laser Therapy Work?

Cold Laser therapy is a form of phototherapy or light therapy. The cold laser device produces a beam of light which is applied over the injured area to stimulate healing. There is no pain with the therapy.

When laser light is absorbed by a living tissue it triggers biological reactions in the cells. Chemical substances are produced, released and carried by blood and lymphatic flow to other parts of the system. In this way the effects of cold laser light may not be only local, but can also achieve wide systemic effects. Here are some of the specific physiological responses:

• Reduction in pain by causing production of natural pain killer endorphins.
• Reduction in inflammation by suppressing inflammatory enzymes that create swelling, redness, pain, and heat.
• Enhanced lymphatic drainage, which increases circulation and speeds healing.
• Release of tight muscles that create chronic pain, joint problems and decreased mobility.
• Faster bone repair by stimulating fibroblastic and osteoblastic proliferation.

For What Condition Is It Effective?

Cold lasers may work for acute or chronic injuries, pain or inflammation. Conditions that have shown successful outcomes include:

• Soft tissue injuries
• Tendonitis
• Sprains & strains
• Back, neck and shoulder pain
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Chondromalacia patellae
• Muscle pain
• Peripheral neuropathy
• RSD (CRPS)
• Headaches and migraines
• Herpes (Shingles)
• Arthritis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tennis elbow
• Herniated disc
• Nerve pain
• Whiplash
• Bell’s Palsy
• Fractures
• Lymphedemea
• Non-healing wounds
• Sciatica
• Skin problems
• Bursitis
• Jaw pain/TMJ

Is Cold Laser Therapy Safe?

Cold lasers are called “cold” because they do not induce any temperature change in the body’s tissues. It is a safe, painless and medication-free therapy with virtually no negative side effects.

Cold laser therapy has been used worldwide for over 30 years with no documented adverse side effects. The FDA has cleared cold laser as therapy for many pain syndromes and health conditions.

The future holds promise for successful cold laser therapy outcomes for wound healing, drug addiction, weight control, and smoking cessation.

The Apollo Laser System is the most powerful cold laser in the world. As a client, laser output is important because it shortens therapy times and speeds healing. Ask your therapist about the superior performance of the Apollo system.

Frequently Asked Questions.

• Is Cold Laser Therapy painful?

No. Low level lasers do not generate perceivable heat. Therefore, when the laser contacts the skin the client experiences no warmth or burning as a result of the laser. Most people feel nothing at all while a few may feel a slight tingling during the sessions.

• Is this just a temporary fix to my problem?

For most clients results from the sessions have been sustainable. While some clients get immediate results, others usually require 6-12 sessions before there is a lasting effect. Since each person’s condition varies in severity the therapist will determine, after reviewing your condition, if laser sessions may benefit you.

• Has Laser Therapy been proven?

There are more than 2500 scientific research studies on laser therapy. These reports verify the clinical value of laser therapy.

• Can I have therapy if I have a pacemaker or joint replacement?

People with a pacemaker or other types of implants or prosthesis can still safely receive cold laser therapy. It may be necessary to adjust session times and dosage for clients with artificial joints since implanted metal can reflect laser light in a way that increases absorption. We suggest you contact your doctor and discuss dosage with your therapist prior to therapy.

• How many sessions will I need, and how often will I need them?

A client usually comes in for a session several times a week.  If that is not possible, for instance if you work of live far away, then alternate arrangements would be made. The number of sessions can range anywhere from 2-20, depending on the nature and severity of the condition.

• How will I know if the laser is working?

Many people will see a reduction in symptoms immediately. Others will experience relief more gradually. An important indicator in planning the session regimen will be how soon after laser therapy symptoms improve.

• Why Cold Laser Therapy instead of Electrical Stimulation or Ultrasound?

Alternative modalities may relieve pain but do nothing to promote deep healing of damaged tissue. Electrical stimulation is often uncomfortable. It lacks the consistent pain reduction of laser and does not provide the same stimulation of tissue healing. Ultrasound is not as effective at blocking pain as a laser. It can mildly stimulate healing, but studies show that it does this by weakening the tissue, whereas laser actually causes tissue to strengthen.