Cold Laser Therapy
Certain neuromusculoskeletal conditions require extensive treatment and rehabilitation to achieve the desired healing. Modern technologies are being developed to provide patients with options that facilitate healing faster, safer and more effectively than traditional methods. Cold laser therapy is one such treatment.
What is Cold Laser Therapy?
Laser technology has revolutionized the field of medicine. Scientists and researchers found a way to deliver intense light energy at specific wavelengths to repair tissue damage and enhance healing. The limited wavelengths ensure that surrounding, non-similar tissues are not affected. The laser may be designed to penetrate to a certain depth or only work on certain types of tissue. Cold lasers work at lower intensities than lasers that produce thermal effects. Because the low-level lasers produce no heat in the tissues, they are often referred to as “cold” lasers. The devices work by stimulating certain functions in the body that aid in healing and repairing. The treatment may stimulate cell development, improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
What Conditions are Treated with Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy is recommended for:
- Acute and chronic pain
- Strains of the soft tissues
- Wounds
- Inflammation
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and other ailments that result from overuse and repetitive movements
Who is a Good Candidate for Cold Laser Therapy?
A good candidate for our cold laser therapy treatments meets one or more of the following criteria:
- Takes pain medications at least three times per week
- Experiences lower back pain
- Has been diagnosed with migraine headaches
- Has pain that disrupts sleep
- Has been diagnosed with a condition caused by repetitive move or overuse
- Has a new or previous sports injury or trauma from an accident
What Should I Expect During a Cold Laser Therapy Treatment?
The treatment may be just a few seconds or several minutes, depending on the nature of the condition. You may need multiple treatments. The laser energy is administered in short bursts, and you should have no discomfort during the procedure. The light energy penetrates the skin and enhances immune responses in the body. A secondary benefit of cold laser therapy is increased oxygen levels in the cells which provide cells with more energy to function.
Cold laser therapy is proven to reduce inflammation that may interfere with healing and produce pain. Unlike surgery and medications, cold laser therapy heals the body rather than masking the symptoms. This treatment may be combined with body vibration and other techniques.
How Much Does Cold Laser Therapy Cost?
As laser technologies are proven in clinical environments, more insurance carriers are including the treatments in their covered services. Your insurance policy may not cover cold laser therapy. After your consultation, we will have a treatment plan to determine your coverage and out-of-pocket expenses. If you are uninsured or if cold laser therapy is not allowable under your policy, you will be responsible for the entire cost.
Cold laser therapy offers many benefits to our patients by enhancing the body’s ability to heal. To learn more about cold laser therapy, contact us to schedule a personal consultation.
