Cold laser therapy is the use of light to stimulate the healing of body pains and inflammation.
It is a non-invasive procedure that does not involve the production of heat and it is also known as low-level laser therapy, and photobiomodulation therapy.
Cold laser therapy is a cellular level treatment method that induces the healing of the body by emitting light which is absorbed by mitochondria in the affected area, leading to a production of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This translates to more energy for cell metabolism and other cellular processes.
Why Is It Called Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy is a painless and non-thermal process, this means that it does not involve heat production, this is why it is called cold laser therapy. It is also known as low-level laser therapy because it uses a lower amount of light to trigger energy production within body cells.
It is similar to photosynthesis in plants, a process that involves the use of sunlight for the manufacture of food in plants. It majorly deals with the conversion of light energy into chemical energy for the normal functioning of the plant.
This is similar to what happens in a human cell following cold laser therapy.
How Do You Use Cold Laser Therapy and For How Long?
Cold laser therapy devices are therapeutic light-emitting devices that are usually directed at the affected area for a specific duration of time. The light is absorbed by the affected area and the healing process is induced.
Cold laser therapy involves the use of red or infrared light. The red laser uses visible light that works at a wavelength of 400 to 760 nm to stimulate the healing of superficial tissue.
The infrared laser uses invisible light that works at a wavelength of 760 to 1000 nm to stimulate healing in the deep tissue.
For How Long Should You Use Cold Laser Therapy?
The light emitted by the cold laser therapy device should be directed at the affected area for 30 to 60 seconds a few times a week.
Although the outcome of the therapy may vary with different people and the condition being treated, there should be tangible improvement after 4 to 6 treatments.
Major Target Points for Cold Laser Therapy
- The point of injury for reduction of inflammation and speeding up of healing in the body.
- The nerves for pain relief
- The lymph node to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Is cold laser therapy effective?
Cold laser therapy is an effective treatment procedure for both pain and inflammation.
Research has confirmed that cold laser therapy can be used in the treatment of different conditions including arthritis, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, headaches, sports injuries, inflammation, and pain in the back, neck, and knee pain.
Research is still ongoing on the use of cold laser therapy for the treatment of other conditions.
Is cold laser therapy safe?
Cold laser is safe to use as it uses light with low-level light in contrast to other forms of laser therapy.
It is a painless procedure that does not involve heat production with absolutely no risk of side effects.
If you are sensitive to bright light, you could wear safety goggles to protect the eyes from the eye-damaging effect of the light.
Cold laser therapy is not ideal for pregnant women neither is it suitable for the treatment of cancer.