Cold laser therapy, also known as low level laser therapy or the more descriptive photobiomodulation, is a treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of light by way of laser diodes to interact with tissue and is known to accelerate the healing process of a variety of clinical conditions. By definition, this type of therapy uses light energy radiation intensities that create minimal temperature elevation (not more than 0.1 to 0.5 degrees celsius), if any. Cold lasers have been shown as an effective way to produce pain relief.
Cold laser therapy is widely used for treatment of:
- Acute and chronic pain
- Ligament sprains
- Muscle strain
- Soft tissue injuries
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Tennis elbow
- Back pain
- Bursitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Wound healing
Cold lasers are handheld devices used by the doctor and are typically the size of a flashlight. The laser is placed directly over the injured area for 30 seconds to several minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated and the dose provided by the cold laser unit.
POWER IMPROVES PENETRATION OF THE TISSUES
Low level lasers (Class 3) operate at 5 mWatt or less thereby creating no heat, but penetration for stimulation of tissues is also limited.
The Apollo laser used at David City Chiropractic operates at 3000 mWatts (Class 4) and incorporates a special diffusing lens to create a "cold" beam. The extra power of the Apollo laser helps to penetrate deeper into the tissues and stimulate the structures in need of healing.
Cold laser therapy is one option among a variety of treatment approaches that can potentially alleviate pain symptoms without the use of surgery or drugs.
