Cold laser therapy, also known as low level laser therapy, uses therapeutic light to help repair damaged tissue through the stimulation of normal biological processes. The proper scientific name for this process is photobiomodulation, the regulation of biology with light. At Bayside Chiropractic we use this treatment modality to deal with a wide range of problems including neck and back pain, repetitive motion injuries, myofascial pain, sports injuries, and both degenerative and inflammatory conditions. (1, 4)
How Cold Laser Therapy Works
Cold laser therapy applies a precise level of the light spectrum via a laser or an LED. The light is absorbed by the area being treated. This process activates a range of biochemical responses within cells in the area.
The result is modification of inflammation (5,11), stimulation of repair processes in the cells, and speeding up of recovery from injuries whether the cause is a traumatic injury, damage from repetitive use, or the results of degeneration or inflammation. The process does not heat the area involved, damage tissue, cut or destroy tissue, or have any reported side effects. (2, 5, 6) This treatment is effective in pain reduction (1,3,5,6,9,10) in a wide range of conditions.
What Types of Problems Benefit from Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy is useful for a wide range of problems involving reduced mobility (2), pain, and the reduced quality of life (2) that goes with such problems. Sports injuries and similar soft tissue conditions such as myofascial pain, knee injuries, and tears of muscles, ligaments, or tendons respond well to cold laser treatment. Likewise, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and tendonitis at the rotator cuff or Achilles tendon do well when treated with this approach. At Bayside Chiropractic we have used this treatment successfully in dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and degenerative problems such as osteoarthritis.
What Is a Cold Laser Treatment Like?
Individual treatments with a cold laser last 30 minutes. With subsequent appointments 15-20 minutes. They are not painful. This is a non-invasive process that produces no significant side effects. (1,2) The number of treatments required will depend on the nature and severity of the problem being addressed by the treatment. Most patients take from three to five treatments to see signs of recovery. Chronic conditions generally require a longer process than acute injuries.
Is Cold Laser Therapy the Treatment That You Need?
When you come to Bayside Chiropractic you will receive a professional evaluation to determine the best approach to your problem. We offer chiropractic, naturopathic, remedial massage, kinesiology, dry needling and a full range of pain treatment and rehabilitation processes. Cold laser therapy may be one of the ways that our professionals can help you get better. Feel free to consult the following references that provide the scientific basis for the use of cold laser therapy.
To book an appointment call our clinic on (02) 9524 9940 or request an appointment via https://baysidechiropractic.com.au/contact-page/
References
1) Khalighi, HR. Mortazavi, H. Mojahedi SM. Azari-Marhabi, S. & Abbasabadi, FM. (2016) Low Level Laser Therapy Versus Pharmacotherapy in Improving Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Journal of Lasers in Medical Science Winter, 7(1):45-50
2) Glazov, G. Yelland, M. & Emery, J. (2016) Low-level laser therapy for chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP): a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, British Medical Journal, Oct; 34(5): 328-341
3) Jang, H. & Lee, H. (2012) Meta-analysis of pain relief effects by laser irradiation on joint areas, Photomedicine and Laser Surg. Aug; 30(8): 405-417
4) Bjordal, JM. Johnson, MI. Iversen, V. Aimbrie, F. & Lopes-Martins, RA. (2006) Low-level laser therapy in acute pain: a systematic review of possible mechanisms of action and clinical effects in randomized placebo-controlled trials, Photomedicine and Laser Surg. Volume 24, Number 2: 158-168
5) Bjordal, JM. Couppe C. Chow RT. Turner, J. & Ljunggren, EA. (2003) A systematic review of low level laser therapy with location-specific doses for pain from chronic joint disorders, Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, Volume 49, Issue 2, pages 107-116
6) Bisset, L. Coombes, B. & Vicenzino, B. (2011) Tennis Elbow, British Medical Journal; 2011:1117
7) Li, ZJ. Wang, Y. Zhang, HF. Ma, XL. Tian, P. & Huang, Y. (2016) Effectiveness of low-level laser on carpal tunnel syndrome: a meta-analysis of previously reported randomized trials, Medicine (Baltimore), Aug; 95(31): e4424
8) Carcia, CR. Martin, RL. Houck, J. & Wukich, DK. (2010) Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Achilles Tendinitis – Clinical Practice Guidelines, American Physical Therapy Association – Orthopaedic Section:40(9):A1-A26
9) Ulusoy, A. Cerrahoglu, L. & Orguc, S. (2017) Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical Outcomes of Laser Therapy, Ultrasound Therapy, and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Treatment of Plantar Fascitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery 56: 762-767
10) Chow, RT.Johnson, MI. Lopes-Martins, RAB. & Bjordal, JM. (2009) Efficiacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials, Lancet, Nov
11) Christie A. Jamtvedt, G. Dahm, KT. Moe, RH. Haavardsholm, EA. & Hagen, KB, (2007) Effectiveness of nonpharmacological and nonsurgical interventions for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: an overview of systematic reviews, Physical Therapy, Dec