Cold Laser Therapy: Using the Healing Power of Light
The use of light in medicine dates back to ancient times when the Greeks and Egyptians used various forms of light for healing. When viewed from this perspective, cold laser therapy is a relative newcomer to the scene, even though it was first used in 1967. Cold refers to the fact that non-thermal light is used, and Laser is an acronym for Einstein’s theory of Light Amplified by Stimulated Emissions of Radiation.
All light is a form of radiation. Light energy travels in waves, and is defined by its frequency (how fast it vibrates) and its wavelength ( the distance between the peaks of each wave). The electromagnetic light spectrum includes a wide range of light waves, some visible, some non-visible. The light involved in cold laser therapy is red and near-infrared monochromatic light. Like x-rays, microwaves, and radio waves, infra-red rays are not visible. Cold laser therapy, also know as low level laser, non-thermal laser, soft, low-intensity, low-power, and bio-stimulation laser has FDA approval, and is the type of laser our chiropractor uses.
The Healing Effects of Cold Laser Therapy
The near-red and infra-red rays delivered by the laser enhance the body’s natural healing process which is the goal of all chiropractic care. The light energy can be delivered with a handheld wand used to target smaller areas or a large device that emits laser light from several laser panels. Unlike the lasers used in surgery, cold laser energy does not break the skin but penetrates it and interacts with underlying tissue to increase circulation and help restore normal cellular function. The pulses of the wand or device can be adjusted to penetrate as deep as the condition and goals of therapy warrant.
As with every type of chiropractic care we offer, our chiropractor will conduct a comprehensive examination during the initial visit and ask the patient about his symptoms in order to ascertain the exact location, cause, and frequency of pain. He needs all this information to help him select the protocol that will deliver an optimum level of relief. Cold laser therapy typically requires more than one treatment since its benefits are incremental.
When used to treat the pain and injury, the laser light energy dilates small arteries and lymph vessels. This vasodilation clears edema and swelling from the site of the injury and promotes lymphatic drainage which aids the healing process. Bruises respond especially well to the healing light. Cold laser therapy has no side effects, involves no pain, and quite often negates the need for surgery. It is effective in alleviating the stiffness and pain of
- ligament sprain
- muscle strain
- tennis elbow
- rotator cuff inflammation
- tendonitis
- bursitis
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- fibromyalgia
- arthritis
Schedule an appointment for Cold Laser Therapy today!
If you suffer from any of these soft tissue injuries and would like to know more about cold laser therapy. Call for a consultation. Our office is convenient to Orlando, Celebration, Kissimmee, Clermont, and Davenport. 407-507-6976