Cold Laser Therapy

What is Cold Laser Therapy?

Cold Laser Therapy, also referred to as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or therapeutic laser, is an FDA-cleared medical treatment that provides a safe, non-invasive, non-addictive, drug-free, well-tested solution for reducing inflammation and acute or chronic pain (unlike pain medications that only mask symptoms).

Unlike “hot” lasers that are used for surgery, therapeutic lasers are photochemical, and cannot burn the skin. Another way to think about it is this: hot lasers are used for surgical precision, therapeutic lasers are used for healing precision.

Cold laser technology, also known as photobiomodulation, was originally developed in 1967 by Professor Andre Mester who began using low power lasers in medicine. Since then it has undergone dramatic refinements, resulting in today’s powerful treatment technology that is highly effective.

The low level laser delivers specific frequencies of light to the cells of the body. Each treatment consists of placing the targeted area under the laser light for an average of 3 to 5 minutes. Combined with chiropractic, laser therapy is a very effective way to reduce inflammation and get out of pain!

What are the Benefits?

  • Reduces pain
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Reduces swelling
  • Accelerates recovery/healing
Play Video
Dr. Todd administering cold laser therapy on a patient's lumbar spine

Why Does it Work?

Low level lasers are set at a frequency consistent with the frequency of all cells in the body. The laser penetrates the skin and projects light photons deep into your cells stimulating the cell mitochondria (often described as the “powerhouse” of a cell) to produce Adenosine TriPhosphate (ATP). ATP is known as the source of energy for every cell in the body. An increase in ATP results in increased cellular regeneration and communication. In this way, therapeutic laser: 

  1. Heals damaged cells; LLLT helps sick or injured cells take in oxygen and nutrients at a level similar to that of a healthy cell, and it helps them release wastes and toxins.
  2. “Up-regulates” the function of normal, healthy cells.

What Conditions Can be Treated with Cold Laser Therapy?

The FDA has approved Low Level Laser Therapy for neck and shoulder pain, as well as low back pain and plantar fasciitis (heel pain). Therapeutic lasers are also safely used for treatment of conditions including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Athletic injuries
  • Back pain
  • Bursitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Inflammatory and scarring conditions
  • Ligament sprains
  • Migraine headaches
  • Muscle strain
  • Muscle/joint pains
  • Post-operative pain
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Sprains and strains
  • Tendonitis
  • Tennis elbow

Why You Should Try It

Therapeutic laser is highly recommended because it has the following characteristics:

  • Easy to apply
  • Extremely safe
  • Non-toxic
  • Non-invasive
  • No adverse side effects - lasers do not damage skin, tissue, or muscle; there is no recovery needed
  • Cost effective
  • Highly effective in treating pain and injury (more than 90% efficacy)
  • Treats the root cause rather than symptoms; safer than analgesics, NSAIDs, opioids and other medications
  • Reduces the need for surgery
  • Works synergistically with other modalities such as chiropractic care and physical therapy

FAQs About Therapeutic Laser

Each therapeutic laser session lasts approximately 3-5 minutes.