Understanding cold laser therapy

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), low-power laser therapy (LPLT), soft laser biostimulation, or photobiomodulation, is an innovative medical laser treatment that uses low-intensity laser light to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation. This non-invasive technique has gained popularity in recent years due to its effectiveness in treating a wide range of conditions without needing medication or surgery.

What is Cold Therapy?

Cold laser therapy, as explained by Dr. Brad Holden of Health for Spine and Wellness, involves using a laser unit that emits a beam of photon energy. Unlike high-power lasers used in surgery, cold lasers operate at lower power levels that don’t generate heat, hence the term “cold.” The wavelengths used in cold laser therapy typically range from 600 to 950 nanometers (nm), with shorter wavelengths (600-700 nm) used for superficial treatments and longer wavelengths (780-950 nm) for deeper penetration.

How Cold Laser Therapy Works

The science behind cold laser therapy is rooted in cellular biology. When the low-level light penetrates the skin and reaches the cells, it stimulates the mitochondria – often referred to as the “powerhouse” of the cell. This stimulation leads to increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), essentially cells’ energy currency.

Nichelle Thomson, an expert in the field, provides a more detailed explanation of this process. She describes how the light is absorbed by a specific photoreceptor in the mitochondria called cytochrome C oxidase. This absorption process helps break down nitric oxide, a byproduct of inflammation that can interfere with normal cellular function. As the nitric oxide is removed, oxygen can bind to the cytochrome C oxidase, allowing for increased ATP production and initiating the healing process.

The Effects of Cold Laser Therapy on the Body

Cold laser therapy has several beneficial effects on the body:

1. Increased Blood Flow: The therapy promotes better circulation in the treated area, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
2. Decreased Scar Tissue: It can help reduce the formation of scar tissue and may even help break down existing scar tissue.
3. Reduced Inflammation: By decreasing inflammation, cold laser therapy can help alleviate pain, promote faster healing, and enhance recovery.
4. Enhanced Cellular Growth: The increased energy production stimulates cellular reproduction and growth, accelerating the healing process.
5. Pain Relief: Many patients experience a reduction in pain levels after treatment.

Dr. Holden uses an analogy of a construction site to explain how cold laser therapy aids in healing. Imagine an injury as a damaged building. Cold Laser therapy is like adding more workers to the site – some to clear away the debris (damaged tissue and waste products) and others to rebuild the structure (repair and regenerate tissue). Moreover, these “workers” are supercharged, working more efficiently than usual.

The Treatment Process

CLT or LLLT is a painless and non-invasive procedure. During treatment, the laser device is placed directly on the skin over the affected area. Patients typically feel no sensation during the treatment, although some may experience a slight warmth in the treated area.

The duration of each treatment session is relatively short, usually ranging from 5 to 10 minutes per body part treated. However, the number of sessions required can vary depending on the condition being treated and its severity. While many patients report feeling some improvement after just one session, most conditions require between 6 to 12 sessions for optimal results.

Applications of CLT

Cold laser therapy has a wide range of applications in various medical fields:

1. Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy: It’s commonly used to treat minor injuries and sprains, including:
   • Ligament sprains
   • Muscle strains
   • Tendinitis
   • Bursitis
   • Tennis elbow
   • Neck pain
   • Lower back pain
   • Knee pain
   • Muscle spasms
2. Dentistry: Dentists use cold lasers to treat inflamed tissues in the mouth and heal ulcerations.
3. Rheumatology: It’s used to treat inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other chronic autoimmune diseases.
4. Pain Management: Pain clinics use cold laser therapy to help patients with acute or chronic pain from conditions such as fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome.
5. Dermatology: Cold laser therapy is used for skin rejuvenation and to treat various skin problems, including:
   • Acne and acne scars
   • Psoriasis
   • Burns
   • Vitiligo
   • Edema (swelling of the skin)
   • Dermatitis and rashes
6. Wound Healing: It’s particularly effective in treating difficult-to-heal wounds, including those related to diabetes.
7. Acupuncture: Some acupuncturists use cold laser therapy as an alternative to needles, stimulating acupoints without piercing the skin.

Safety and Side Effects

One of the significant advantages of LLLT is its excellent safety profile. Over the past 25 years, as the therapy has grown in popularity, no significant long-term side effects have been documented. Dr. Holden, who has been using cold laser treatment in his practice for over a decade, reports never having encountered any adverse reactions in his patients.

However, it’s worth noting that some individuals who are particularly sensitive to light might experience minor skin irritation. This is rare but has been documented in some cases. As with any medical treatment, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting.

The Future of Cold Laser Therapy

The potential applications for cold laser therapy continue to expand as researchers explore its use in treating a variety of ailments and conditions. Some areas of ongoing research include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease

These studies highlight the versatility and potential of cold laser therapy in addressing a wide range of medical conditions.

Cold laser therapy represents a significant advancement in non-invasive medical treatments. By utilizing the power of light to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, offers a safe and effective alternative or complement to traditional therapies for a wide range of conditions. From reducing pain and inflammation to promoting tissue repair and skin rejuvenation, this laser therapy has proven its value in various medical fields.

As research continues and technology advances, we can expect to see even more applications for this innovative therapy in the future. Whether you’re an athlete recovering from an injury, a chronic pain sufferer seeking relief, or someone looking for non-invasive skin treatments, this laser therapy might be worth exploring as part of your healthcare regimen. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if cold laser treatment is appropriate for your specific condition and to ensure you receive the most effective treatment plan.