If you frequently experience back, knee, or neck pain, cold laser therapy can help alleviate your symptoms. From reducing swelling to healing tissue, this treatment effectively addresses a variety of health concerns. Many people are unfamiliar with this effective treatment. If you're curious about this treatment but are unsure where to start, consult this primer.

What to Know About Cold Laser Therapy

What is it? 

Cold laser therapy applies red and near-infrared light to body tissue at 600- and 950-nanometer wavelengths. Lower wavelengths offer superficial penetration, while higher measurements will go deeper into targeted areas of the skin.

The focused lasers alert the immune system to pay attention to the region, potentially speeding healing and cell growth. During the treatment, you’ll feel the laser target device touch your skin and vibrate, but it won’t create pain or heat. This process takes several minutes and can last longer if the medical professional is covering a larger area.

Who benefits from it?

Individuals who have chronic pain conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and fibromyalgia may use cold laser therapy in conjunction with other treatments to stimulate healing. Medical professionals may treat tennis elbow by aiming the lasers at the exterior of the joint, while they can target the fingers for carpal tunnel syndrome relief. 

Chiropractors use this therapy to target chronic lower back pain to help the patient alleviate pain and discomfort. 

Is it safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved cold laser therapy to treat several conditions. This list includes acute and chronic pain management, wound healing, and plantar fasciitis. The FDA has also approved some low-level lasers to address musculoskeletal disorders and degenerative joint conditions. 

Where can you get cold laser therapy?

Dentists use this method to encourage gum healing after oral surgery or trauma. Doctors and physical therapists may rely on this innovative treatment to address pain from broken bones or ligament sprains. Chiropractors often use lasers to ease back and neck pain and prevent muscle spasms from auto accidents or sports injuries.

Individuals interested in scheduling a cold laser therapy session should ask Stroud Chiropractic Clinic in Randolph County, NC, about available dates. The chiropractor has been in business for 32 years and was voted the Best Chiropractor in the Southern Triad area in 2013. Visit the website or call (336) 434-2107 to learn more about their services.