Cold laser therapy is commonplace to treat various diseases and medical conditions. Ever since it emerged as a modality of therapy devoid of the risk of hazardous side effects, many patients go for this form of therapy for their pain, inflammation and other ailments. Of course, safety is always the main priority if any intervention has any degree of efficacy. In this article, we will define what cold laser therapy is, how it works and most importantly, whether it is okay to seek it for yourself or your family members.
Cold laser therapy is defined as low-level laser therapy, this method uses relatively low-intensity light to activate many functions in the body. It is also important to note that cold lasers do not perform incisions or burn a specific area within the human body, unlike surgical lasers. However, they are located in areas that allow them to pierce the skin to incite tissue regeneration and decrease inflammation. This therapy is preferred in the treatment of conditions like arthritis, back pains, and tendon injuries.
To be able to apply cold laser therapy, it has to be safe. However, one has to learn about the various disadvantages or side effects related to these medical advantages.
Cold laser therapy is not a new tool in humans and veterinary medicine it is widely used now. People have opted for this therapy since it is non-interventional, a drug-free procedure, and has minimal side effects. This is true because pets also need this treatment for example dogs suffering from arthritis or those with soft tissue injuries.
What exactly is Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy is an increasingly popular treatment method being integrated into healthcare systems. Also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), it uses a laser with low output power to treat various conditions. Cold lasers are a non-invasive approach to surgery because it does not shave or burn the tissue as sizzling lasers do in surgeries. They do not emit energy but use what light there is to help initiate constructive processes in the body.
How Does It Work?
It involves the use of a low-intensity light, this light is focused towards the part that is affected by the disease or ailment in this case. These rays then get to the cells and tissues beneath after gaining entry to the skin. This light energy helps to:
- Increase Cell Activity: It increases the metabolism rate of the cells, which leads to repairation and multiplication.
- Reduce Inflammation: It can help fight inflammation which in turn lowers pain and swelling.
- Promote Healing: It helps to heal tissues faster and this is very useful for cases of trauma and many chronic diseases would also benefit from this.
Applications of Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy is employed to address numerous conditions, such as:
- Arthritis: It helps manage the flare of arthritis, although it offers some relief when it comes to pain and rigidity.
- Back Pain: One of the most common uses is to help reduce chronic back pain which is a common affliction with many patients.
- Tendon Injuries: It can also help with problems related to tendons like those that arise as a result of a sports injury.
- Wound Healing: It enhances the speed of new tissue formation in case of a wound and prevents the buildup of scar tissue.
People prefer cold laser therapy because it is:
- Non-Invasive: No cutting, slicing, or any form of using needles on the body’s skin is used in this procedure.
- Painless: This treatment is non-invasive, which makes it easy for the patients to undergo the procedure maximal.
- Quick: Sessions usually are brief and can last a matter of minutes, or at most, an hour at the most.
- Drug-Free: It does not entail consumption of medicine and so it comprises fewer side effects and interferences.
How does it Work?
When the light from the cold laser therapy device reaches the cells, several important things happen:
- Increased Energy Production: In addition when exposed to light energy ATP (adenosine triphosphate) synthesis in the cell is increased. ATP also can maximize the functions of cells and have them repaired.
- Enhanced Blood Flow: The hot light also regulates the circulation of blood to the affected part of the body. Increased blood flow has a beneficial effect on the injured tissues, the extent of healing and healing time since there is increased availability of oxygen and increased removal of wastes.
- Reduced Inflammation: There are ingredients which work to decrease inflammation in the body and light is among them. This is important because inflammation leads to pain and swelling, which are also the feeling one gets when he/ she is dead bored.
- Pain Relief: It also aids in preventing the agony-sending instructions from the nerves being felt as the therapy soothes any pain felt.
Steps of how a cold laser therapy session is administered
A typical cold laser therapy session is simple:
- Consultation: It is important to seek medical advice from the therapist who will assess whether the cold laser therapy is suitable for you based on your condition and state.
- Preparation: In the case of new ulcers or recurrent lesions, the area to be treated is cleaned and prepared. They may ask you to sit or lie down, more often in any comfortable position that you wish to be in.
- Application: The treatment procedure is carried out with a small handheld unit and the laser light is directed on the site requiring treatment. The device is slid gently across the parts of the body that are to be treated.
- Duration: This treatment is generally done in a session which spans 5-20 minutes depending on the treatment area.
- Frequency: Although, it may take several days to get the best results out of the program. The therapist then gets to determine how many sessions are required for the treatment process.
Common Applicatio of Cold Laser Therapy
- Pain Management
- Arthritis: It is glandular and helps in minimizing joint pain as well as inflammation.
- Back Pain: Offers temporary cure for constant back pains and muscular rigidity.
- Neck Pain: Helps to reduce pain and enable enhancing the range of motion in the neck.
- Headaches: Helps in reducing tension and migraine headaches.
- Wound Healing
- Surgical Incisions: Can enhance surgeries, and consequently, speed up the healing process of injuries.
- Ulcers: They are effective in ulcer healing and also decrease the chances of infections.
- Burns: Its primary uses are for the reduction of pain and to rejuvenate the skin.
- Dermatological Conditions
Skin-related issues can also benefit from cold laser therapy, such as:
- Acne: Helps in easing inflammation and hence users can enjoy better and healthier skin.
- Eczema: Reduces inflammation and can assist in healing skin that is irritated or scratched.
- Psoriasis: Helps in the treatment of skin rashes and the alleviation of itchiness that is associated with psoriasis.
- Dental Procedures
In dentistry, cold laser therapy is used for:
- Gum Disease: This can aid in the recovery of gums and reduce the inflammation of the organ.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Reduces the occurrence of patients experiencing sensitive teeth after specific dental work is done.
- Nerve Pain
- Neuropathy: Alleviates the pain associated with neuropathy and many other conditions and helps restore the proper functioning of nerves.
- Sciatica: Relieves nerve pain because it blocks the feeling that runs along the sciatic nerve to cause pain.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Reduces stress and inflammation in the wrist that may cause tingling sensations or discomfort.
Is this a Safe?
- Non-Invasive: Cold laser is a non-invasive procedure which does not in any way involve surgical operations or cutting of the skin.
- Painless: It does not cause any form of pain during the procedure or after it is over.
- No Side Effects: Nonetheless, cold laser therapy is not much associated with severe side effects of some of the medications.
- No Downtime: Cold laser therapy does not require any period of rest implying that people can be administered the therapy and then lead their normal lives.
Safety Measures
- Qualified Practitioners: A patient must intend to undergo cold laser therapy under the care of a qualified healthcare provider well-equipped with knowledge and experience in the administration of laser therapy.
- Eye Protection: One must solicit for affirmation from the practitioner that both the patient and the practitioner must wear protective goggles to avoid being affected by the laser light.
- Skin Sensitivity: For people with skin sensitive to any particular products or procedure, some could feel slight redness or warmth of the skin during or after the session.
- Cold laser therapy is not advisable for people with particular health conditions or those using certain medicines they should first consult their doctor.
Possible Side Effects of Cold Laser Therapy
Minor Discomfort
A few individuals might experience mild discomfort, such as a warm or tingling sensation. Although this warmth can be uncomfortable momentarily, it typically subsides soon after the treatment. Particularly, you should tell your doctor if you feel some kind of pain during this process.
Skin Sensitivity
Skin reactions common to cold laser therapy are slight redness or sensation of skin tenderness which are generally temporary. Usually, irritation occurs on the skin and this is known to subside within a few hours to a day after the process is done. Do not wash the treated area frequently to prevent washing off the solution and also do not use strong creams or oils or expose yourself to the sun too much.
Rare Adverse Reactions
In some cases, patients may suffer more severe side effects including blistering or skin alterations. These violent reactions are rather rare and can occur only when improper treatment techniques are applied or the patient has certain skin problems. However, if any skin condition such as rash, swelling, redness, or any other reaction arises after cold laser therapy, please take the patient to a doctor immediately.
Eye Safety
Laser light poses a health risk, particularly to our eyes, potentially causing vision problems if exposed. Both the patient and healthcare provider must wear protective goggles during treatment to prevent any injuries from the radiation.
Despite its incredible benefits, cold laser treatment should be commenced only after sharing with the physician any health complication or condition. After the treatment is also over, you should observe changes in your skin and any other abnormal symptoms you might be exhibiting. Follow up with healthcare providers for checkups as advised to ensure that one is firth from the operations and or from the effects of the chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Although cold laser therapy is considered to be safe, one should note that like many procedures, it has certain side effects and if one experiences any discomfort after the procedure, he or she should report the matter to the doctor immediately.