When it comes to alternative complementary treatments for acute and chronic pain, cold laser therapy is among the lesser-known options – after all, it sounds like “science fiction” to those with little or no medical background. However, cold laser therapy does offer a number of benefits that are changing the way healthcare practitioners across various disciplines help patients regain their function and improve their quality of life.
If you’re currently gathering information about cold laser therapy, read on to learn about its mechanism of action, various applications, and benefits.
What Does Cold Laser Therapy Do to the Body?
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate a photochemical reaction within the target cells. The reaction converts light energy into electrical impulses that are then sent to your brain’s visual processing center.
Cold laser therapy is carried out using a handheld device, about the size of a flashlight. The laser is applied directly over the diseased or injured area for up to several minutes, depending on the severity or duration of your problem or the dose provided by the device.
The device, also known as a light gun, emits photos (tiny particles of light) with nonthermal energy, meaning it does not heat your tissues – thus the term “cold laser.” The light can penetrate as deep as 5 centimeters through your skin.
Once the light seeps into the layers of your skin and reaches the target area, it gets absorbed and sets off a series of chemical changes that eventually result in the healing and regrowth of damaged cells and tissues.
What Does Cold Laser Therapy Treat?
Cold laser therapy has been shown to be an effective adjunctive treatment for patients suffering from pain, inflammation, and limited mobility associated with the following:
- Arthritis
- Musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., fractures, strains, and sprains)
- Diabetic wounds and ulcerations
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Spine conditions (e.g., disc herniation and degenerative disc disease)
- Muscle spasms
- Surgery
Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy is gaining traction for various great reasons, a few of which are mentioned below:
- Noninvasive and safe – Cold laser therapy is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has very minimal side effects.
- Fast (takes only minutes)
- Requires no downtime – Allows people to return to their daily routines right away
- Cost-effective – Consider how much money you’ll save when you reduce your reliance on pain medications and eliminate the need for surgery.
Cold Laser Therapy in Sarasota, FL
At SA Aesthetics, our board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, Dr. Susan Aull, offers a variety of treatment options – including laser therapy – to help people with acute and chronic pain return to the highly functional life they desire.
Book your visit with Dr. Susan Aull now. Call our staff at (941) 487-7244, or submit an appointment request by filling out this form. We look forward to serving you!
