Cold Laser Therapy
Cold Laser Therapy which is also called Low Level Laser Therapy LLLT is a relatively new technology used in treating many conditions. Cold laser therapy uses specific wavelength of light to interact with tissues. The depth of penetration of the light is primarily dependent on the wavelength used. Deeper penetration into the tissues is usually achieved using a wavelength of 800-900nm. The power of the light beam is measured in milliwatts mv. The low level laser is a low power laser which does not produce heat like the more powerful lasers which will ablate tissue with high heat and can be used for surgery. The combination of the wavelength and power used determine the depth of penetration and tissue which absorbs the light energy. Light energy is measured in photons. When cells absorb the light energy it causes reactions within the cell. This technology is only about thirty years old and the research to this point does not give definitive answers to the intracellular changes that occur. It is thought that cold laser causes the mitochondria of the cell to increase ATP production. ATP is the substance used for energy in the cell. This allows for the cell to repair faster and return to normal function. There is a local increase in circulation and lymphatic drainage from the treated area. This should allow for faster resolution of inflammation and speed the healing process.
Treating with Cold Laser
Most of the research done on cold laser treatment has been clinical and the mechanism and nature of its effects is not established. The effects of laser therapy are thought to include processes which help speed healing and improve function. There appears to be pain reduction with the administration of cold laser. A reduction in swelling from inflammation can improve motion in injured joints. Laser causes vasodilation which increases blood flow to the area. The absorption of light energy appears to increase cellular growth and division. The increase in ATP can increase the cellular metabolism. The stimulation of fibroblast development and collagen formation can speed healing. There is a need for more research to understand the effects and mechanism of low level laser therapy but clinical research and our experiences in treating with it have been positive. Cold laser has been used to treat many conditions and injuries with great success. We have had results with cold laser application when traditional approaches have not yielded results. We use cold laser primarily on larger extra spinal joint problems. |
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