At Function First Chiropractic, we are dedicated to providing you with well-rounded and evidence-based chiropractic care to help you achieve optimal health and wellness. One of the less common treatment modalities we offer is Cold Laser Therapy, a non-invasive, painless, and highly effective treatment option for a wide range of conditions. Especially those conditions that you may not typically see your chiropractor for, such as muscle strains or ligament sprains.
What is Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold Laser Therapy, also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation Therapy, is a form of treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc.), promoting healing and reducing pain and inflammation. This technology was cleared by the FDA in 2001. There are different classes of lasers, the lower the class, the lower the power. The most powerful class of lasers on the market is a Class IV laser. The power of the laser is directly proportional to the effectiveness of the laser in the fewest treatments. At Function First Chiropractic, we are proud to offer Class IV laser therapy.
How Does it Work?
During a Cold Laser Therapy session, a handheld device is placed directly over the affected area. The cold laser emits low-level light energy, which penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the damaged tissue. This is unique to cold laser therapy. Other light devices do not have the ability to penetrate as deeply, making them a good treatment option for more superficial injuries, but making cold laser therapy the most effective option for skeletal muscular injuries.
Cold laser therapy stimulates a series of cellular reactions, including:
Increased Circulation: Cold laser therapy helps to increase blood flow to the affected area, promoting faster healing.
Reduced Inflammation: By reducing inflammation, cold laser therapy can help alleviate pain and discomfort.
Accelerated Healing: Cold laser therapy stimulates the production of collagen and other essential proteins, helping to repair and regenerate damaged tissue.
What Conditions Can Cold Laser Therapy Treat?
Cold Laser Therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, including:
Muscle Strains and Sprains
Joint Pain and Arthritis
Back and Neck Pain
Disc Injuries
Tendonitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Sports Injuries
Mastitis
TMJD
While cold laser therapy has been shown to be effective in treating both acute and chronic conditions, it is most effective when applied to acute injuries in close proximity to the injury onset. Laser therapy is most effective when applied consistently over a short period such as 2-3x per week for 2-3 weeks.
The Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy
There are numerous benefits to choosing Cold Laser Therapy as part of your treatment plan, including:
Non-Invasive: Cold Laser Therapy is non-invasive and painless, making it an excellent alternative to surgery or medication. Not only is it painless, most describe it as a pleasant treatment modality.
No Side Effects: Unlike some medications and other forms of treatment, Cold Laser Therapy has no known side effects.
Fast and Effective: Many patients experience significant pain relief after just a few sessions, with results often lasting long-term.
Quick: Laser therapy sessions vary anywhere from a 3-minute to an 8-minute treatment. Therefore it is easy to include with a traditional chiropractic visit or to fit within your busy schedule.
Experience the Difference at Function First Chiropractic
At Function First Chiropractic, cold laser therapy can be added to your typical chiropractic visit at no charge or it can be booked as a completely separate treatment. If your injury is new and we feel it could benefit from consistent laser therapy, your provider will most likely suggest a package of laser sessions. Ask if cold laser therapy is right for you at your next visit, better yet, book a cold laser session today and see for yourself!