Low-level laser therapy has been clinically proven to improve lung function in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). And while our understanding of COVID-19 is still developing, one clinical trial is underway to determine if the same laser therapy can help patients with COVID-19 during their recovery.
A CLINICAL TRIAL
The Ministry of Health in Brazil approved the clinical trial. A group of international physicians and scientists are leading the study, which will “use low level laser therapy for general improvement of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in intensive care units by decreasing the length of hospitalization of these patients though improving ventilation and immune response and decreasing inflammation,” according to a press release.
The hospital contacted Drs. Fabio Francio, Ernesto Leal-Junior and Thiago MeMarchi, after their previous work with laser therapy demonstrated solid outcomes in a number of randomized clinical trials.
In fact, this is one of several studies underway. A small trial in the US is investigating the efficacy of cold laser therapy as a treatment for pulmonary complications from COVID-19 infection.
UNDERSTANDING LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY
Low-level laser therapy is an alternative medicine that’s been used for years to effectively mitigate pain and inflammation, as well promote cell function and healing. Also known as cold laser therapy, low-level light therapy stimulates mitochondria, which converts the light into cellular energy.
Because of its efficacy for conditions and ailments ranging from arthritis to carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia to neck, back, and knee pain, Dr. McSweeney has made low-level laser therapy available to patients here in her Reno practice. It’s a safe, effective treatment option that involve neither medications nor surgery, and there is no downtime with treatment. If you’re struggling with chronic pain, ask Dr. McSweeney what low-level laser therapy can do for you.
In the meantime, we’ll be watching for results of this clinic trial.