Innovations in technology have revolutionized the treatment of chronic pain and muscle aches in recent years. Cold laser therapy – also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) – is a low-intensity light therapy that encourages cell regeneration and helps the body to heal. Unlike other laser therapies that utilize heat, cold lasers use light treatments to interact with tissues to facilitate the process of healing.

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Forward-thinking medical professionals use cold laser therapy to ease muscle spasms and reduce inflammation and swelling. By alleviating the pain and discomfort associated with these conditions, chiropractors can help their patients recapture function and mobility.

How Does This Therapy Work?

The cold laser is a handheld device that the practitioner will place directly above the treatment area. The machine utilizes non-thermal light photons that permeate two to five centimeters below the skin’s surface. The light passes through the dermis, epidermis, and subcutaneous layers, reacting with targeted tissue and promoting the regeneration of damaged cells.
The most common medical uses for cold laser or red light therapy include:

  • Disc herniations
  • Nerve pain and fibromyalgia
  • Muscle or ligament strains
  • Muscle spasms
  • Carpel tunnel syndrome
  • Tendonitis
  • Tennis elbow or runner’s knee
  • Neck, lower back, or knee pain
  • Whiplash
  • Bruising, swelling, and edema
  • Joint pain and arthritis

This form of laser therapy is also for a wide variety of dermatological (skin) ailments, including acne, dermatitis, edema, psoriasis, vitiligo, and burns.

How Long Has Cold Laser Therapy Been Used?

In 2002, the FDA-approved a research study regarding the use of cold laser therapy to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Study participants included General Motors workers who were afflicted with the condition. While the research utilized a laser strength of 830 nanometers, the FDA subsequently approved lower-level lasers for other applications, such as muscle aches, joint pain, and wound therapy.

Is Cold Laser / Light Therapy Safe?

Cold laser therapy offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive solution to a broad spectrum of medical conditions. Because the treatment requires no drugs, there is no chance of adverse pharmaceutical side effects or contraindications. Red light laser therapy has provided outstanding healing outcomes compared to traditional drug treatment methods.
Some lasers (classes one, two, and three) are recommended for home usage. Still, medical treatment most often uses class four lasers, which can only be sold to trained medical professionals.
Your chiropractor will understand and employ the necessary safety precautions when utilizing cold laser therapy. These include keeping the laser directed away from the eyes and the abdomen during pregnancy – as well as not using the treatment if you are a cancer patient.

Is This Treatment Right for You?

Cold laser therapy is only FDA-approved for specific cleared conditions, including the reduction of inflammation, pain management, and tissue healing. Some physicians will prescribe cold laser therapy when more conventional medical treatments have not been successful. If you are experiencing any of the conditions listed in this article and are looking for a drug-free, non-invasive solution, call Dr. Ryan Johnson to learn more about the MR4 laser TARGET system, which locates exact areas of inflammation for more accurate treatment results.

Dr. Johnson is dedicated to helping his patients live long, healthy, and active lives through holistic and drug-free treatments. His offices are located at the South Causeway to Siesta Key in Sarasota, where he welcomes both locals and visitors. Whether you live in the Sarasota area or are here on vacation, today is a great day to experience the natural pain relief chiropractic care can provide.