Laser Therapy

Cold Laser Therapy and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Cold laser therapy or Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is one option among a variety of treatment approaches that can potentially provide pain relief or pain reduction, especially for patients seeking a treatment without the use of surgery or drugs. It can be used alone or in combination with a number of other therapies.

While the use of laser has been utilized in clinics around the world for many years, it is only recently that the effects have been researched and documented in scientific research.  Laser has shown to be beneficial and provide marked improvement in patients who have long struggled with chronic pain. Professional athletes and athletic trainers also report that this is now one of their ‘go-to’ therapies for acute injury.

It is still a relatively new treatment option and there is incomplete information about its optimal treatment protocol. It is however considered a viable treatment option for those seeking an alternative to invasive treatment, is yet another method in the set of tools to help assist in pain relief, and it is considered a reasonable treatment option for certain types of pain by most health care professionals.

Did you know that LLLT:

• Increases micro-circulation
• Increases cell metabolism
• Reduces Inflammation duration
• Increases pain threshold
• Reduces oedema/swelling magnitude
• Increases tissue and bone repair
• Increases lymphatic response
• Enhances nerve regeneration

What to Expect from Cold Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy is completely painless and totally non-invasive, and there are no known side-effects.

There are no pulsating shocks felt, as is the case with electronic stimulation and you generally don’t feel heat. The most noticeable sensation is the touch of the probe head of the laser, as it comes in contact with the skin.

Some patients (3-5%) have reported a slight tingling or tapping in a nerve or along a nerve pathway. Some have noted that they are able to sense a slight feeling of warmth. But for the most part, the treatment, which may last from 2 to 20 minutes, is not noticed at all.

Following (and even during) a cold laser therapy session, approximately 75-80% of patients being treated can notice an immediate improvement in their condition. This will depend primarily on the type of condition and the length of time the condition has been present.

Generally, the more chronic or severe the condition, the longer it takes to respond. The majority of conditions treated will take anywhere from 6-8 treatments. Once again, the number of treatments depends upon the severity of the condition and its duration. If your condition does not change immediately, it may take 3-4 sessions before a dramatic or marked change is perceived.

Conditions that may be a candidate for cold laser therapy Spinal and Sports Care are:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Back Pain
• Disc Injuries
• Neck Pain
• Post-surgery healing
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Shoulder Pain
• Knee Pain
• Rotator Cuff Injury
• Tennis Elbow
• Whiplash
• Joint Pain in Knees, Elbow, and Ankles
• Nerve Injuries
• Low Back Pain
• Sciatica
• Scar Tissue
• Many other musculoskeletal injuries

LLLT has become part of our everyday treatment protocol at Spinal and Sports Care. It is easy-to-use, safe and effective. It is the perfect adjunct when utilized in combination with a number of other therapies.