Cold Laser Therapy Used in Chiropractic Care

Laser therapy works by stimulating inter-cellular activity. This causes a natural reduction in pain and inflammation in the area and speeds recovery of the damaged tissue. Laser therapy is one of the newest and most exciting therapies for common musculoskeletal injuries on the market. Laser Therapy is completely painless. Occasionally a comfortable sensation is experienced in the area of treatment. Treatment takes 5-10 minutes. It can be used on the young as well as the old, on the athlete as well as the office worker. Some of the conditions treated by laser therapy include: tendon and ligament injuries, soft tissue injuries, muscle strains, degenerative joint conditions, neurological pain, chronic non-healing wounds, pre and post surgical treatment, disc disease, arthritis, edema and bursitis. Common results are: rapid diminishment of pain, decreased inflammation, more rapid healing of sprains and strains, diminished edema and swelling, increased wound healing speed. The lasers we use are state of the art, Mix 5 lasers made by Cutting Edge Lasers. Recent technological advancements have made cold laser therapy (also termed “Low Level Laser” therapy) more readily available to a broad range of chronic and acute pain sufferers. A licensed Mission Chiropractic chiropractor can provide you with information on the benefits of cold laser therapy as an alternative to medications or more complicated procedures in the treatment of a range of conditions and related symptoms including:

• Acute and chronic joint pain
• Arthritis
• Soft tissue injury
• Back pain
• Bursitis
• Tendon strain
• Muscle strain and spasms
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Trauma healing
• Achilles tendonitis
• Heel spurs

How Does Cold Laser Therapy Work?

Cold laser therapy uses light to create a specific wavelength that interacts with tissue and accelerates the healing process of the affected area. A wide range of conditions associated with acute pain can be treated using cold laser therapy within a Mission Chiropractic chiropractic care treatment plan. The affected area is penetrated at a depth of up to five inches with light energy via infrared laser radiation to replenish damaged cells and return them to a healthy state. Certain photochemical reactions occur when light interacts with tissue that stimulates the body’s natural healing processes and provides overall health benefits.

Long-term healing and health benefits linked to Cold Laser Therapy include:

• Improves the production of the body’s proteins and natural building blocks
• Increases cellular metabolism
• Stimulates the formation of new blood vessels
• Promotes cell energy production
• Improves cell membrane function
• Facilitates neurotransmission to accelerate healing

What to Expect During Chiropractic Cold Laser Therapy Treatment

Mission Chiropractic offers treatment plans using cold laser therapy that vary from 8-20 recommended visits, though each patient may respond to therapy differently. Treatment is slightly more favorable for injuries when compared to cold laser therapy used for conditions involving chronic pain though significant success has been documented for all types of acute pain. A cold laser therapy session normally lasts for about 30 minutes depending on your particular condition. A small device is placed against the skin for several minutes using varying light wavelengths between 600 and 700 nanometers (nm) used to treat superficial tissue, while wavelengths between 780 and 950 nm may be used for deeper penetration according to your particular requirements. Cold laser therapy does not involve heat or sound and is generally painless. Some patients report some discomfort during treatment which is quickly relieved using an ice pack for several minutes. Subsequent therapy sessions are then adjusted to ensure your complete comfort. Your Mission Chiropractic chiropractor will develop a customized cold laser treatment plan according to your specific needs following a complete evaluation of your condition and review of your medical history.

Is Cold Laser Therapy Safe?

Numerous research studies have revealed cold laser therapy to be safe and effective. Non-invasive and non-toxic, this form of chiropractic care is a helpful alternative for individuals dealing with acute and chronic pain who have not responded favorably to more traditional therapy. Discuss your specific condition with a licensed Mission Chiropractic chiropractor to determine whether cold laser therapy is the right solution for you.