Low Level Laser: A Palliative for Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

An innovative form of pain relief for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), in which joints become extremely painful, is known as low level laser therapy (LLLT). A study by medical experts in Hungary compared LLLT with a placebo, finding that pain relief was much more significant with the LLLT group than the placebo group. The 2009 study, headed by Bela Hededus, M.D. of the Balneotherapy Center in Hungary, also found that LLLT improved microcirculation in irradiated areas. The following information summarizes various LLLT research on KOA patients.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis usually occurs in knees that have experienced injury, infection, or trauma. Articular cartilage, which is a smooth, slippery, and fibrous connective tissue is a protective cushion between bones. As the cartilage begins to deteriorate or is lost, osteoarthritis sets in. The joint space between the bones narrows as the articular cartilage is lost. Over the years, the joint changes slowly. In cases that become severe, after the articular cartilage is lost, the thickened bones end up rubbing against each other and start wearing away. Thus, deformity in the joint develops, making normal activity painful and difficult.

Knee Osteoarthritis Diagnosis: How It's Done?

The diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis can be done in two ways: by patient-reported symptoms, such as pain or disability, or actual physical signs, like changes in the joint as seen on x-rays. In most of the cases, both patient-reported symptoms and pathology are present. Knee osteoarthritis evaluation includes complete patient history and a physical examination.

Laser for Knee Osteoarthritis Patient- LLLT Origins

Hungarian physician, Endre Mester, began experimenting with lasers in 1967 as a treatment for skin cancer at Semmelweis University in Budapest. He became a pioneer in low power laser surgery. He went on to publish several articles about his research in this field. Since then, this type of treatment has been controversial in the medical industry as to its effectiveness and has yet to be approved by the FDA.

Research Details

The 2009 study began with 35 patients but only 27 of them completed the study, consisting of 22 women and 5 men. The active LLLT group had 18 patients while the placebo group had 9 patients, in which 8 abandoned the study without an explanation. Over a four-week period, LLLT patients were given treatment on painful knee joints twice a week. Patients were not allowed to consume coffee, alcohol, or cigarettes prior to testing, since these substances can affect circulatory conditions.

Conclusions

Pain relief was sustained for two months with the LLLT group. In the past, over 100 double-blind studies using control group comparisons have been conducted and published on low-level laser therapy. The consensus from these studies has pointed toward an anti-inflammatory effect and that LLLT is helpful in reducing pain for KOA patients, at least in the short term.

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Arthritis Pain: Cold Laser Therapy Can Work Wonders

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.

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Will Low Level Laser Therapy Cure Your Hair Loss?

Low Level Laser Therapy has been proven to deliver results over time. Low Level Laser Therapy is beginning to establish itself on the market as the top choice for hair loss treatment. However, before your schedule your appointment, make sure you have done your homework to ensure this treatment is right for you.

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