Cold laser is a safe and effective therapy that works well with chiropractic philosophy in that it helps the body to heal itself. It works by penetrating the targeted tissue and stimulates the mitochondria in the cells to produce more energy called ATP. This increase in cellular energy allows the cell to repair and regenerate quickly and effectively. As well, the laser uses a non thermal wavelength of light so there is no risk of tissue damage.
There have been numerous studies on the safety and effectiveness of laser therapy by the medical profession as well as independent research by Theralase, the laser developer. Some clinical trials that have been done recently to support the use of laser therapy are:
- Laser Therapy in the Management of Chronic Myofascial Pain of the Neck
- Action of Diode Laser in Orthopaedics and Traumatology
- Effects of Laser Therapy in the Management of Lateral Epicondylitis
- Acute Cervical Pain Relief with Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) Laser Radiation
- Efficacy of Low Level Laser Therapy for Fibromyalgia
At Back to Health, we use laser therapy with many of our patients who have a variety of conditions such as:
- Acute/Chronic strained muscles (Tennis/golfers elbow)
- Acute joint sprains (ankle, knee, wrist, elbow, etc.)
- Carpal Tunnel syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Arthritic pains
- Plantar fascitis and heel spurs
- TMJ dysfunction
- Shingles
- Cold sores
- Wound healing
- Sinusitis
We see the usefulness of laser therapy everyday with our patients whether they are a young high school athlete, an adult weekend warrior, or a senior with aches and pains. Here are some of the benefits of using laser therapy:
Rapid Cell Growth
Laser light accelerates cellular reproduction and growth.
Faster Wound Healing
Laser light stimulates fibroblast development and accelerates collagen synthesis in damaged tissue.
Anti-Inflammatory Action
Laser light reduces swelling caused by bruising or inflammation of joints to provide enhanced joint mobility.
Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation
Laser light reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from: cuts, scratches, burns, or post surgery.
Increased Metabolic Activity
Higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particle loads for blood cells and thus greater production of the basic food source for cells, Adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Increased Vascular Activity
Laser light induces temporary vasodilation increasing blood flow to damaged areas.
Stimulated Nerve Function
Slow recovery of nerve function in damaged tissue can result in “dead” limbs or numb areas. Laser light speeds up the process of nerve cell reconnection to bring the numb areas back to life.
We are not the only people who use this type of therapy. As a matter of fact, along with the use of chiropractic, all NFL teams use laser therapy as a part of their rehab for players with serious and non-serious injuries. The Toronto Blue Jays have also been using the Theralase system with their pitching staff for years. Roy Halliday is a proponent and has seen the many benefits of laser therapy on his way to winning two Cy Young awards for best pitcher.
So if you or someone you know can benefit from laser therapy today, talk to one of the doctors at Back to Health today!
