Cold Laser Therapy

What It Is?

Cold Laser is a handheld noninvasive, light emitting medical device. Cleared by the FDA for sale and use in the treatment of a variety of soft and connective tissue disorders as well as certain neurological disorders, this device is a low energy laser also known as a “cold laser.” In contrast to general surgical or cosmetic lasers that produce heat and thermo-destructive laser energy, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) produces no harm to human tissue in normal use and thus is classified by the FDA as a Class IIIB medical device. Cold lasers used in LLLT have been in medical use for over 30 years and have a long record of successful clinical studies demonstration medical efficacy and safety.

What It Does

Through the action of photo-stimulation of light reactive biological receptors (chromophores) in the body, Low Level Laser Therapy has demonstrated the ability to significantly accelerate and enhance the body’s natural defense and repair components in the presence of injury, inflammation and certain disease processes. By modifying the effects and limiting the duration of inflammation as well as enhancing specific repair and healing processes.  LLLT is consistent in providing pain relief, reducing injury damage and loss of function, in addition to facilitating more rapid repair and stronger healed tissue structures.

Studies have reported the following results of Low Level Laser Therapy:

  • Enhanced nerve regeneration
  • Increased vasodilation
  • Reduced inflammatory duration
  • Increased cell metabolism
  • Increased pain threshold
  • Increased tissue and bone repair
  • Increased lymphatic response
  • Increased collagen production

How It Works

FDA cleared Cold Laser therapy is a form of phototherapy or light therapy. The cold laser device produces a beam of light, which is applied over the injured area to stimulate healing. There is no pain with the treatment.

When laser light is absorbed by a living tissue, it triggers biological reactions in the cells. Chemical substances are produced, released and carried by blood and lymphatic flow to other parts of the system. In this way the effects of cold laser light may not be only local, but can also achieve wide systemic effects.

Here are some of the specific physiological responses:

  • Reduction in pain by causing production of natural pain killer endorphins.
  • Reduction in inflammation by suppressing inflammatory enzymes that create swelling, redness, pain, and heat.
  • Enhanced lymphatic drainage, which increases circulation and speeds healing.
  • Release of tight muscles that create chronic pain, joint problems, and decreased mobility.
  • Faster bone repair by stimulating fibroblastic and osteoplastic proliferation.

Are Lasers Safe?

Cold lasers are called "cold" because they do not induce any temperature change in the body's tissues. It is a safe, painless and medication-free treatment with virtually no negative side effects.

Cold laser therapy has been used worldwide for over 30 years with no documented adverse side effects. The FDA has cleared laser therapy for the treatment of many pain syndromes and health conditions.