Modern chiropractic care can feature far more than adjustments. Among those supplemental treatments is cold laser therapy, which is very different from the hot lasers that do precision cutting.
What is Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy is a low-intensity laser light used to stimulate healing. Also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), low-power laser therapy (LPLT), soft laser biostimulation, photobiomodulation or near-infrared laser therapy, it does not heat tissue like surgical lasers do.
What Does Cold Laser Treatment Do?
In a cold laser therapy treatment, low-level light is applied to the body part desired, causing a reaction that promotes healing in damaged cells. The process is noninvasive, painless, non-toxic, silent, and creates no vibration or heat. Other than the device touching your skin, you won’t feel anything.
What Are The Benefits of Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy reduces inflammation and promotes wound healing. Even rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from cold laser therapy. It also has been shown to reduce pain, including pain associated with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia.
What Does Cold Laser Therapy Help Treat?
Cold Laser Therapy is used to treat conditions such as:
- Minor injuries and sprains
- Back pain
- Sprains
- Arthritis
- Neck Pain
- >Tendinitis
- Knee pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Temporomandibular jaw disorder (TMJ)
- Fibromyalgia
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Ligament sprains
- Bursitis
- Tennis elbow
- Pain associated with muscle spasms, etc.
How Often Can You Use Cold Laser?
Treatment frequency depends upon the condition it’s being used for and its severity. Chronic problems could have as many as 2-3 treatments a week. For other conditions, once a week might be sufficient.
How Long Does It Take for Laser Therapy to Work?
While some people feel improvements after their first treatment, more commonly the results are cumulative with a difference noticed after 2-4 sessions.
What Are The Side Effects of Laser Therapy?
As of this writing, the FDA has found no side effects of cold laser therapy itself. However, the FDA does warn against looking at the red laser light. It’s also not recommended for the midsection of pregnant women, those with pacemakers or spinal stimulators, or areas containing tumors or malignancies.
Does Insurance Cover Laser Therapy?
Some insurance plans do cover cold laser therapy. Contact us at Total Chiropractic Care, and we can check whether your insurance company covers this treatment.
Does Medicare Pay For Cold Laser Therapy?
As of this writing, Medicare does not cover cold laser therapy.
Talk to Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness
If you’re wondering whether Cold Laser Therapy is right for you or have any other questions about chiropractic care, contact us at Total Chiropractic Care. You will receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine if it’s the right solution for your needs and when. Dr. Goldman creates treatment plans that incorporate pain management services as well as general lifestyle recommendations to help you live the best life you can. Contact us today.