You may have heard about cold or low-level laser therapy. The body of research is growing, and organizations and agencies across the country and around the world are increasingly making this therapy available to patients. Here’s how cold and low-level lasers, like those offered here at Dr. McSweeney’s holistic chiropractic office in Reno, bring pain relief for so many conditions.
WHAT IS COLD LASER TREATMENT?
Low-level laser therapy is also known as cold cold laser therapy or photobiomodulation therapy. All three names describe a kind of phototherapy intended to repair tissue, reduce pain and inflammation, target fat and provide other benefits for patients as a medical treatment. The capabilities of low-level lasers have been used in fat loss and pain relief for more than 50 years.
During a treatment regimen, a small device emits a laser beam or, in the case of Zerona treatments, visible nonthermal lasers are placed over the target area. The low levels of light penetrate the tissue without heating or damaging the skin.
Unlike traditional lasers, which use around 300 watts, cold lasers use between five and 500 milliwatts. They don’t burn the skin or produce pain, and the FDA gives them NHN (non-heating instruments) classification.
HOW LOW-LEVEL LASERS CAN BE USED FOR PAIN RELIEF
Cold lasers can stimulate all types of cells, including muscle, ligaments, nerves and cartilage. This stimulation of light energy is similar to photosynthesis in plants, in the way it’s absorbed and interacts with light-sensitive components in the body’s cells. The treatment promotes the body’s natural healing — which may have been impeded through the tissue damage — by stimulating mitochondria and encouraging the cells to produce more ATP.
As a non-invasive procedure, low-level therapy can be performed at an outpatient clinic. There is no recovery time and there no side effects.
Plus, low-level therapy can be effective for a variety of conditions, including:
- Low Back Pain
- Neck and Shoulder pain
- Onychomycosis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Post-Operation Wound Healing
A SOLUTION FOR NUMEROUS CONDITIONS
Since 1967, over 2,500 studies have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in providing relief from pain and other symptoms. What’s more, many of these studies attest to its reliability in treating these conditions and recommend low-level laser therapy as a preferred non-invasive technique.
Learn more about low-level laser therapy for pain relief and fat loss – schedule an appointment with Dr. McSweeney in Reno today.