Book Now

Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy

Imagine waking up every morning with a sharp pain in your back. The kind that makes even pouring a cup of coffee feel like lifting weights. 

You start popping painkillers, opt for hot compresses, or go for endless stretches. Yet, nothing seems to bring lasting relief.   

Now every remedy starts to feel like a compromise and a waste of time. Your day starts with frustration and ends with discomfort. 

What if you could swap these limitations for a scientific solution? Cold laser therapy is one such non-invasive treatment that targets your pain without complex techniques. 

It utilizes beams of low-level light to treat pain, jump-starting cellular healing and minimizing inflammation without the need for surgery. 

Cold laser therapy is the art of activating your body’s natural repair system with the gentle touch of a beam.  

If you’re interested in trying this treatment and learning about its effectiveness, you have come to the right place. 

In this blog, we will discuss the process, the benefits of cold laser therapy, and the conditions it can help heal. 

Understanding Cold Laser Therapy 

Cold Laser Therapy (CLT), also known as low-level laser therapy, is a safe and effective method for reducing inflammation and alleviating tissue pain with minimal side effects.  

The method has demonstrated effectiveness in treating various conditions, including musculoskeletal issues, arthritis, and wound healing.  

Here, the term “cold” indicates that the low level of light doesn’t have the power to heat your body tissue. Instead, it uses a smaller beam to interact with tissues and boost its regeneration. 

The energy frequencies used are colder compared to other laser therapies that treat tumors or burn cancer cells. 

CLT uses specific wavelengths to support the healing process. If you have acute or chronic conditions, this therapy can be valuable. 

Red and infrared light is applied to the affected areas, causing a reaction in the damaged cells for regeneration. 

Through a systematic treatment, you can gain relief from swelling, spasms, and pain. Moreover, the therapy will amplify your overall functionality. 

How Does Cold Laser Therapy Work? 

Cold laser therapy treatment employs a straightforward method to alleviate pain throughout the body. A clinician uses handheld devices that are often the size of a flashlight to pass the light. 

When these lasers get absorbed by your tissue, light energy converts into a significant amount of heat energy. 

Light energy is ideally carried by tiny particles called photons that stimulate the injured tissue.  

The process creates chemical changes that enhance the natural healing cycle and blood flow. 

The process is very similar to photosynthesis in plants. Just like the laser lights in your tissue, plants absorb the sunlight and convert it to usable energy. Plants need light to grow effectively. 

Here’s how the entire cold laser treatment works for your pain.  

  • A medical practitioner puts the laser over the injured section for 30 seconds or more, depending on the treatment area. He decides the dosage or laser level depending on the pain. 
  • Non-thermal photons are passed through your body via lasers. They penetrate through the skin layers like the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.  
  • This light penetrates 2 to 5 centimeters below the skin. Ideally, doctors prefer a 90mW of power output and an 830 nm wavelength for the treatment. 
  • Once it reaches the target area, it interacts with the light-sensitive elements in the cell. 
  • After cells absorb light, a series of events occurs that results in the repair of damaged tissue.  

By the end of therapy, you notice a reduction in edema, inflammation, and pain. Moreover, your intracellular metabolism increases, resulting in a reduction in overall healing time. 

What Conditions Are Treated by Cold Laser Therapy? 

Cold laser treatment is a component of chiropractic care that helps alleviate various clinical conditions. It utilizes a specific radiation intensity to achieve a minimal temperature increase. 

Since it uses lower laser energy, it is safe for athletes or sportspersons suffering from chronic pain. One of the best aspects of this treatment is its versatile nature, which helps boost the range of motion and reduce recovery time. 

Each session ensures that you notice immediate improvement. Here are some common conditions for which CLT is applicable. 

  • Soft Tissue Injuries  

Cold laser treatment helps repair damaged ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It stimulates the blood flow and minimizes the inflammation. The lasers can ease the pain quickly by enhancing your body’s natural healing process. 

  • Arthritis 

CLT is the most effective method for reducing stiffness and swelling in athletes’ joints. By lessening discomfort and enhancing mobility, the treatment allows you to move more freely. 

  • Ligament Sprains 

Sprained ligaments are the worst kind of pain that you can suffer. The healing process can take several weeks to complete. This therapy speeds up the tissue repair process to minimize pain and restore joint stability. 

  • Tennis Elbow 

Through this therapy, you can reduce the swelling caused by stressed tendons in the elbow. With regular sessions, you can improve your movements and elevate grip strength. 

  • Back Pain 

CLT relaxes tense muscles while reducing pain in the spine or soft tissues. It’s a non-invasive method of managing sudden or chronic back pain. 

  • Tendonitis 

Tendonitis can occur due to rheumatic disease or infection in the tendon. Cold laser therapy works by calming the irritation and supporting quick tissue repair. Moreover, it can repair vigor and elasticity with fewer flare-ups. 

  • Wound Healing 

Cold laser therapy increases cellular repair within the injured tissues and skin. You will notice that the wound starts to heal quickly. It also reduces puffiness and the risk of infection. 

  • Post-Surgical Recovery 

Surgery procedures take a long time to heal and have the highest risk of scarring. The CLT technique repairs the tissue and reduces the chances of injury. You will notice minimum swelling and soreness under control. 

  • Bursitis 

By using a low-intensity laser, you can effectively treat bursitis. It enhances cellular function and regulates cytokine production. CLT promotes tissue healing through higher fibroblast activity and collagen creation. 

What are the Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy? 

Do you know that major league teams use the CLT as a pain management and rehabilitation tool? This treatment can help alleviate the constant aches and pains associated with sports injuries. 

Cold laser therapy benefits include accelerated tissue repair, pain relief, and inflammation reduction.  

By minimizing nerve sensitivity and boosting blood flow, it reduces swelling and eases pain. CLT is an option for individuals with critical conditions, such as arthritis. 

It improves tissue detoxification and oxygenation, supporting overall cellular health. Research indicates LLLT may benefit a range of conditions. 

Cold laser therapy demonstrates latency in improving tissue repair and managing pain. This painless treatment can enhance your performance while minimizing the muscle recovery time. 

The following are some of the benefits of cold laser therapy that can be achieved through the cumulative effect of the treatment. 

  • Wound Repair: It has been observed that CLT can accelerate the wound healing process, even in diabetic foot ulcers. Lasers promote cell proliferation and enhance collagen production, thereby accelerating the repair process.  
  • Musculoskeletal Conditions: Multiple studies have shown that CLT is effective in treating musculoskeletal conditions. With regular therapy, you can cure conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and TMJ joint disorders.  
  • Joint Pain: Cold Laser Therapy is impactful in reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis. LLLT is ideal for improving conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and joint swelling.  
  • Neurological Conditions: Low laser technique has the potential to treat neurological conditions like traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke. It restores the damage by promoting neural restoration and reducing inflammation.  
  • Safe and Painless Treatment: One of the top benefits of cold laser therapy is that it is both painless and safe for athletes and everyday people. The cold laser procedure does not require surgery or incisions, eliminating the need for a prolonged recovery time. It uses low-power light that stimulates cell function and boosts healing without impacting the tissue.  
  • Skin Rejuvenation: Cold laser therapy is also used for supporting the skin rejuvenation process. Dermatologists use this method to treat different skin conditions. CLT is ideal for treating issues including acne scars, psoriasis, burns, and vitiligo.  
  • Acupuncture: Acupuncturists have been known to use LLLT on clients who prefer not to use needles. The low-level laser beams stimulate your acupoints just like the needles. Moreover, you don’t need to worry about getting pricked by the pins. 
  • Compatible with Other Therapies: Light therapy is ideal for use in conjunction with other treatment methods. Doctors use the therapy while treating conditions that need oral or topical pain-relieving medications. In fact, the cold laser method may decrease your reliance on heavy drugs that often have side effects. 

 What are the Side Effects of Cold Laser Therapy? 

By now, you have a basic idea of what a cold laser treatment is and how it benefits you. However, just like every coin has two sides, this treatment comes with certain limitations. 

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that long-term cold laser therapy has side effects when used appropriately. On the positive side, it doesn’t require any complex techniques, such as surgery, which necessitates a lengthy recovery period.  

You also don’t need to have medications or take preparations for the treatment. Potential side effects of cold laser therapy are rare but can cause temporary discomfort during the procedure. 

You may likely experience subtle redness or skin irritation at the treatment site. 

Here are some common side effects of cold laser therapy that may occur when the treatment isn’t performed under the supervision of a medical professional. 

  • Needs Exact Setup  

CLT can only work when your doctor or chiropractor adjusts the light to the right level. Any mistake in the process can cause serious injury to the tissue.  

Hence, you need to ensure that the intensity, position, frequency, and duration of treatment are precise. If any of the requirements are not met, the treatment may not be effective. 

  • Over-the-Counter Options Don’t Work 

You can buy a laser device for your home, but it’s not a good idea. The tool may appear safe to use; however, proper training is necessary to use it correctly. Ultimately, the solution won’t ease your pain; instead, it becomes a hassle. 

  • Can be Expensive 

Cold laser therapy could be pretty expensive, depending on the facility you choose. Some institutions may drain your wallet. A single treatment session can cost up to $200. Since you may need up to 30 sessions, the treatment can become quite expensive.  

  • Risky for Eyes  

Exposing one’s naked eyes to the laser can be pretty harmful. It is always safer to avoid going near the laser light during treatments. You should wear special goggles to safeguard your eyes. 

  • Heath Conditions  

Certain health conditions restrict the use of CLT treatment. It is better to prevent laser exposure over cancerous lesions or skin growths. For instance, if you have epilepsy, the pulsating lights can trigger your seizures.  

Pregnant women should stay away from cold laser therapy as it can impact the fetus.  

Treat Your Pain with the Best Cold Laser Therapy from Action Chiropractor  

There are several benefits to cold laser therapy when a medical practitioner supervises it. It is a safe and non-invasive option for pain relief and tissue healing.  

By using low-level laser light, this therapy stimulates cellular repair and regeneration. Moreover, it increases blood flow to the affected area, promoting faster recovery. 

It is especially beneficial for the times when you need surgery and a drug-free alternative to manage chronic pain. For the treatment to be successful, you need guidance from an expert team, such as the one at Action Chiropractor. 

We specialize in offering high-quality cold laser therapy to help alleviate your pain and boost your natural healing processes. 

Our expert team uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver targeted treatment safely and efficiently. Beyond pain relief, we also treat common sports injuries, including sprains, golfer’s elbow, shin splints, IT band syndrome, and more. 

If you are an athlete or suffer from severe joint pain, Action Chiropractic and Sports Injury Center can help you on your healing journey.  

Don’t spend your days in pain anymore – connect with us to find the right solution today! 

 FAQs 

  • How effective is cold laser therapy? 

Cold laser therapy or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is quite effective for pain management. It is ideal for reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair by utilizing very low-intensity light to stimulate cellular processes. 

  • How Long Does Cold Laser Therapy Take to Work? 

The results of CLT vary from person to person. However, you may start to feel relief within a few minutes. Noticeable results may start occurring after 3 to 5 sessions. You might need a month or more to see the changes in the damaged area. 

  • Who makes a good candidate for cold laser therapy? 

The best candidates for getting cold laser therapy are people struggling with nagging pain that regular treatments haven’t cured. If you are seeking ways to minimize the pain without relying on medications or surgery, CLT can be a good choice.   

  • How Do Cold Lasers Promote Healing and Relief? 

Cold laser energy passes through your skin to the tissues. Since different wavelengths can penetrate to varying depths within the bone, medical practitioners use the beam to target specific areas of interest. Light energy stimulates blood flow and reduces irritation in damaged tissue, causing no pain. 

  • Who shouldn’t use cold laser therapy? 

CLT doesn’t have any significant negative or life-threatening impacts on individuals. However, not everyone makes an ideal candidate for the therapy. The medical community recommends that pregnant women, epilepsy patients, and cancer survivors should avoid this type of care. 

  • Does Cold laser therapy have any side effects? 

No, there are no significant side effects associated with cold laser treatment when it’s performed under a medical practitioner’s guidance. You may feel slight irritation or discomfort during the treatment.  

However, it is always recommended to take precautions, such as avoiding direct eye exposure. Pregnant women and cancer patients should avoid such treatments. 

  • What happens during cold laser therapy? 

CLT treatment is relatively fast and effective. During the session, please lie down or sit comfortably. A chiropractor marks your affected area and then delivers a controlled dose of laser directly to your body. You will feel the laser on your skin, but the process will be painless. 

 

Dr. Norgaard’s first exposure to chiropractic was when he was a high school football player at Neuqua Valley in Naperville, Illinois. Nagging injuries led him to Action Chiropractic and Dr. Durnas. He was amazed with the results he got and knew that the treatments provided at Action Chiropractic were the best way to address his ailments.
After high school, Dr. Norgaard left Naperville and attended Central College in Pella, Iowa. While at Central, he majored in biology and played football, further piquing his interest in sports injuries and how to treat them. When he wasn’t in the classroom or on the football field, Dr. Norgaard spent his time volunteering at hospitals, and at various clinics. This is when he really developed a passion for helping people get better.
His experiences as an athlete, chiropractic patient, and volunteer shaped his decision to become a chiropractor.
After graduating from Central, Dr. Norgaard continued his education at Palmer College of Chiropractic.
While at Palmer, Dr. Norgaard took several extracurricular courses focusing on spinal diagnosis and therapy, soft tissue care, and diagnosis and treatment of the extremities. He completed a 4-month internship with Dr. Durnas at Action Chiropractic and Sports Injury Center and further developed his skills as a physician.
He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Palmer in October of 2021 and received the Academic Excellence Award.
After graduation, Dr. Norgaard joined the team at Action Chiropractic and Sports Injury Center. He currently resides in the Naperville area with his wife, Shannon, son, Parker, and dog, Alby.
“I chose to become a chiropractor because I was helped by chiropractic. I was in such discomfort it took me over 3 minutes to put on my socks. After seeing a chiropractor, and regaining the ability to tie my shoes, I realized that taking loads of NSAIDs did not address the fact that there was something causing the pain. The more I learned about it, I found that Chiropractic doesn’t just hide symptoms, like I was trying to do with pills, it fixes the origin of the problem.”
Dr. Durnas graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology and Bachelors of Arts degree in Chemistry. After graduation he worked in research and development for 3 years and dabbled in powerlifting and professional wrestling. That’s what lead him to chiropractic school. While at Palmer College of Chiropractic, he focused on learning how to best help the athlete. He took several extracurricular courses on how to address soft tissue injuries, how to adjust extremities, and how to better manage sports injuries. He graduated in June of 2012, where we were the Palmer Clinical Excellence Award winner and a keynote speaker at commencement.
In 2019, Dr. Durnas earned his Diplomate from the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP)®. He is only the 427th chiropractor in history to earn this designation, and only the 6th recipient in the history of Illinois. He completed over 300 hours of classroom and online courses focusing on in depth on the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries, concussions, and emergency procedures, and had over 100 on the field hours with athletes that ranged from cross fitters, professional and high school football players, professional BMX and Motocross riders, triathletes, and runners. Dr. Durnas passed a 6-part practical exam and a 250 question Board exam and contributed a case study involving nerve damage in a professional athlete following a hit to the shoulder.