Laser therapy was unrolled as a minimally invasive treatment for osteoarthritis almost three decades ago. Low-level laser therapy, which is also known as cold laser therapy or LLLT, can help in reducing pain and inflammation caused due to arthritis.
What Is Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy involves a light source generating pure light of a single wavelength. It produces a photochemical cell reaction as opposed to thermal or heat. Different wavelengths are used to treat different conditions.
What Are the Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy can stimulate all cell types including nerves, ligaments, cartilage, and muscles. Because of this, it can be used to treat a wide range of conditions including arthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and general back, neck, and knee pain.
Does Laser Therapy for Pain Relief Work?
Many patients seek out this therapy because they want an alternative method for pain relief that does not involve medication or surgery. It can be used alone or in combination with a number of other therapies, such as injections.
How Does Cold Laser Therapy Help in Arthritis Pain?
During the procedure, the light wavelength passes through your skin and penetrates your tissues where it causes a physiological reaction that may help in reducing inflammation and promoting regeneration of damaged or worn-out tissues.
Does Cold Laser Therapy Really Work?
During the past four decades, there have been more than 2,500 clinical studies about cold laser therapy. Many of these studies are placebo-controlled, double-blinded and have proven the therapy as a viable method of relieving pain. Most health care professionals consider it to be a reasonable treatment option for specific types of pain.
What Are the Side Effects of Laser Therapy?
It is important to familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of this therapy and follow all recommendations from your physician before undergoing the therapy.
It should not be used over the thyroid or on any potential cancerous lesions or carcinoma.
Lasers should never be aimed directly into the eyes, as they can cause permanent damage. Both patients and physicians should wear protective eyewear during cold laser therapy to avoid direct eye exposure.
If you are pregnant, you should not use cold laser therapy.
Does Insurance Cover Laser Treatments?
Not all insurance carriers cover cold therapy costs. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover these expenses. Make sure to consult with your carrier so that you are prepared for the expenses that you will face.
If you are considering cold laser therapy for arthritis, it’s recommended to consult with your doctor or chiropractor to check how it will benefit you.
Are you looking for an experienced Tustin chiropractor who specializes in cold laser therapy? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Berry.
