You may have heard about cold laser or low level laser therapy. But what is it exactly, and why is it used? What does it do? And how effective is it as a treatment? You’d be surprised! As research continues, the popularity of cold laser technology is growing. Here’s what to understand about cold laser or low level laser therapy, plus where to find it in Reno.
WHAT IS COLD LASER THERAPY?
Cold laser therapy, AKA low level laser therapy or LLLT, is known as phototherapy. It uses a non thermal laser beam or beams to reduce pain and inflammation, promote tissue repair, and even stimulate fat loss, among other benefits. As the name implies, low lever laser therapy use very low wattage — somewhere between 5 and 500 milliwatts, depending on the laser and the application. These low levels mean the light can penetrate the skin without causing any damage or even any detectable heat.
Low level lasers can be used to stimulate cells in the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and cartilage. By stimulating the mitochondria in the cell, this form of therapy can trigger adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, which promotes healing. Therapy is quick and completely painless, with no side effects or downtime. Here at Dr. McSweeney’s holistic chiropractic office in Reno, low level laser therapy is often used to treat pain in the back, neck, shoulder, or hips; for plantar fasciitis; for headache relief; for fat loss; and in a number of other applications.
SAFETY & EFFICACY OF COLD LASER THERAPY
Thousands of clinical studies have looked at the safety and efficacy of cold laser therapy, particularly in terms of pain relief. When you consider its other advantages — zero side effects or recovery time, which makes it a wonderful adjunct therapy to other treatments for a well-rounded approach to care — it’s easy to see why cold laser therapy is growing in popularity.
In Reno, you can experience the effects of cold laser or low level laser therapy yourself. Schedule a visit with Dr. McSweeney today!