Cold laser therapy is a treatment that involves low-frequency lasers to stimulate healing in the body. This technique has been used for years in pain management. It is called “cold” laser therapy because the lasers are not strong enough to heat body tissues.
While other forms of light therapy use stronger lasers in order to kill cancer cells or tumors, the type of light used in cold laser therapy does not damage cells. It is used to stimulate the natural biochemistry of the body and encourage healing.
Cold laser therapy may also be known by other names, such as:
- Low Power Laser Therapy
- Low-Level Laser Therapy
- Soft Laser Biostimulation
- Photobiomodulation
The photons from the lasers used in cold laser therapy interact with the cells in our body. This stimulates the cells and increases healing abilities. Due to the low frequency of the laser, the treatment is completely painless and non-invasive. There are even at-home kits used for treatment as well.
What Are the Uses of Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy has been used for years by many different medical professionals. It is often used to manage pain, treat inflammation, and encourage healing in a variety of different injuries.
This technique can aid in the treatment of inflammation. Doctors have utilized cold laser therapy in the treatment of inflammation caused due to autoimmune disorders and rheumatoid arthritis. Dentists have used to treat inflamed mouth tissues. Physical therapists have also used cold laser therapy in a variety of injuries like ligament sprains, tendonitis, bursitis, and tennis elbow.
Cold laser therapy has also worked wonders for pain. It has been used to help with pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome and fibromyalgia.
Because this technique stimulates healing, it has also been used by dermatologists in order to treat skin issues. These problems can include burns, acne, edema, dermatitis, vitiligo, and psoriasis. The photons can help make skin healthy and heal from previous damage. It can even help with acne scars!
Is it For You?
Although cold laser therapy can help with many different ailments, it isn’t for everything or everyone. It shouldn’t be used on cancerous lesions or carcinomas. The eyes and thyroid should also avoid treatment. The effect of cold laser therapy on unborn children is unknown, so pregnant women should also avoid the use of cold laser therapy.
Treatments can also take a long time to take effect. While the sessions themselves may only last a few minutes, it may take regular treatments spread out for over a month before you begin to see results. Insurance may also not cover these sessions.
However, if these exceptions do not apply to you, cold laser therapy may be a good option. It is FDA approved and can be performed under the direction of a doctor. It is also painless and noninvasive.
While cold laser therapy may not be the perfect fit for everyone, it can improve the quality of life and help in the treatment of certain illnesses or injuries. Understanding what is cold laser therapy can allow you to find new treatment options.