Cold Laser Therapy
Overview
Wavelengths between 632 nm and 905 nm penetrate through the skin, and soft tissues deep enough (2-5 centimeters) to where the light can affect pain, inflammation and tissue repair.
Trusted Source
MedCrave Online Journal of Orthopedics & Rheumatology
Peer-reviewed journal
Written by experts
Go to sourceCold laser therapy has other names including: photobiomodulation, low-level laser therapy, low-power laser therapy, and laser biostimulation.
Patients with muscle injuries like sprains and strains, aches, pains, or who are looking for accelerated wound healing would be candidates for cold laser therapy.
Cold Laser Therapy has roots the early 1900s but it wasn’t until 1967 where a surgical professor in Hungary, Endre Mester, was able to document the first therapeutic effects with laser therapy.
Trusted Source
Academic textbook
Backed by various research articles
Written for professionals
Go to sourceWhat does cold laser therapy do?
Cold laser works by super charging the mitochondria in our bodies. This makes it easier for our bodies to generate energy FASTER and for use in specific functions in healing.
Benefits of cold laser therapy include:
Accelerated tissue repair and cell growth.
Faster wound healing.
Trusted Source
Lasers in Medical Science
Peer-reviewed journal
Internationally recognized journal
Leading journal in the field
Go to sourceReducing inflammation.
Trusted Source
MedCrave Online Journal of Orthopedics & Rheumatology
Peer-reviewed journal
Written by experts
Go to sourceDecreased pain.
Improved nerve function.
Patients commonly seek cold laser therapy for:
- Rheumatoid arthritis[10]
Trusted Source
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Peer-reviewed journal
Leading journal in the field
Go to source - Osteoarthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome[12]
Trusted Source
Journal of athletic training
Peer-reviewed journal
Respected United States Organization
Go to source Fibromyalgia pain
Knee pain
- Neck pain[12]
Trusted Source
Journal of athletic training
Peer-reviewed journal
Respected United States Organization
Go to source - Muscle and joint pain[12]
Trusted Source
Journal of athletic training
Peer-reviewed journal
Respected United States Organization
Go to source - Stiffness associated with arthritis[12]
Trusted Source
Journal of athletic training
Peer-reviewed journal
Respected United States Organization
Go to source - Pain associated with muscle spasms[12]
Trusted Source
Journal of athletic training
Peer-reviewed journal
Respected United States Organization
Go to source - Lower back pain[12]
Trusted Source
Journal of athletic training
Peer-reviewed journal
Respected United States Organization
Go to source - Improving Wound healing[12]
Trusted Source
Journal of athletic training
Peer-reviewed journal
Respected United States Organization
Go to source
Risk factors
Cold laser therapy is very safe and does not have any long-term side effects. Since cold laser therapy uses a low-power light, treatments are painless, but cold laser therapy isn’t for everyone.
Your doctor might caution against cold laser therapy if:
- You have epilepsy[14]
Trusted Source
North American Association for Laser Therapy.
Respected International Organization
Go to source - Are pregnant[14]
Trusted Source
North American Association for Laser Therapy.
Respected International Organization
Go to source - You have certain types of cancers[14]
Trusted Source
North American Association for Laser Therapy.
Respected International Organization
Go to source
How you prepare
You do not need to do anything special in order to prepare for cold laser therapy. There are no diet or medication restrictions before or after treatment.
before the procedure
During the initial visit, your chiropractor will ask questions about your problem and do an exam. After the exam, your chiropractor will give you a diagnosis, discuss treatment options, answer any questions you may have, or refer you out to another healthcare provider.
The initial visit is the longest due to the need for examination. Subsequent visits are much shorter.
The goals of the evaluation include:
- Diagnosis of the problem
- Identify anything that would be a contraindication to care
Your chiropractor may also recommend additional tests such as X-rays or an MRI.
Specific tests/procedures you may undergo include:
- Orthopedic testing
- Reflex testing
- Range of motion testing
- Imaging studies such as x-ray
- A general health exam
What happens during a cold laser treatment?
Trusted Source
MedCrave Online Journal of Orthopedics & Rheumatology
Peer-reviewed journal
Written by experts
Go to sourceTreatment in one region takes about 5-15 minutes.
After treatment
Cold laser therapy is cumulative; so, each session builds upon the previous one. Typically, acute injuries are treated 2- 3 times a week
Trusted Source
Academic textbook
Backed by various research articles
Written for professionals
Go to sourceTrusted Source
Academic textbook
Backed by various research articles
Written for professionals
Go to sourceMost patients should be able to return to normal activities immediately after cold laser therapy and there are no special precautions after.
Cold Laser success rates
A systematic review and meta-analysis done in 2017 concluded that cold laser therapy is effective at reducing pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders.
Trusted Source
European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
Peer-reviewed journal
Non-profit journal
Go to sourceCold laser therapy treatments are cumulative. Patients typically start to see results in 10-30 treatments depending on condition and severity.
In order to back up the information in our articles, Arizona Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center exclusively cites high-quality sources such as peer-reviewed research. We strive to provide accurate, dependable, and trustworthy content based on the best evidence avaliable.
- Bjordal, J. M., Lopes-Martins, R. A., Joensen, J., Couppe, C., Ljunggren, A. E., Stergioulas, A., & Johnson, M. I. (2008). A systematic review with procedural assessments and meta-analysis of Low Level Laser Therapy in lateral elbow tendinopathy (tennis elbow). BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-9-75
- B Cotler, H. (2015). The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) For Musculoskeletal Pain. MOJ Orthopedics & Rheumatology, 2(5). https://doi.org/10.15406/mojor.2015.02.00068
- Turchin, C. (2011). Light and Laser Therapy: Clinical Procedures. Independent Publisher. ISBN13 978-0998391007
- K-LaserUSA. (2009). K-LaserUSA Training Manual and Treatment Atlas. Franklin, TN. K-LaserUSA, LLC.
- Frigo, L., Fávero, G. M., Lima, H. J. C., Maria, D. A., Bjordal, J. M., Joensen, J., Iversen, V. V., Marcos, R. L., Parizzoto, N. A., & Lopes-Martins, R. A. B. (2010). Low-Level Laser Irradiation (InGaAlP-660 nm) Increases Fibroblast Cell Proliferation and Reduces Cell Death in a Dose-Dependent Manner. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 28(S1), S-151. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2008.2475
- Basso, F. G., Oliveira, C. F., Kurachi, C., Hebling, J., & Costa, C. A. D. S. (2012). Biostimulatory effect of low-level laser therapy on keratinocytes in vitro. Lasers in Medical Science, 28(2), 367–374. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-012-1057-8
- Jaafar, M. K., & Al-Tamemi, E. I. (2014). Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Transforming Growth Factor - Beta on Osseointegration of CpTi Implant Radiated by Low Level Laser Therapy. Journal of Baghdad College of Dentistry, 26(2), 79–86. https://jbcd.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/jbcd/article/view/454
- Agaiby, A. D., Ghali, L. R., Wilson, R., & Dyson, M. (2000). Laser modulation of angiogenic factor production by T-lymphocytes. Lasers in surgery and medicine, 26(4), 357–363. https://doi.org/10.1002/(sici)1096-9101(2000)26:4<357::aid-lsm3>3.0.co;2-o
- Moore, P., Ridgway, T. D., Higbee, R. G., Howard, E. W., & Lucroy, M. D. (2005). Effect of wavelength on low-intensity laser irradiation-stimulated cell proliferation in vitro. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 36(1), 8–12. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.20117
- Brosseau, L., Welch, V., Wells, G. A., de Bie, R., Gam, A., Harman, K., Morin, M., Shea, B., & Tugwell, P. (2005). Low level laser therapy (Classes I, II and III) for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2010(7). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd002049.pub2
- Stausholm, M. B., Naterstad, I. F., Joensen, J., Lopes-Martins, R. L. B., Sæbø, H., Lund, H., Fersum, K. V., & Bjordal, J. M. (2019). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials. BMJ Open, 9(10), e031142. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031142
- Hopkins, J. T., McLoda, T. A., Seegmiller, J. G., & David Baxter, G. (2004). Low-Level Laser Therapy Facilitates Superficial Wound Healing in Humans: A Triple-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study. Journal of athletic training, 39(3), 223–229. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15496990/
- Tumilty, S., Munn, J., McDonough, S., Hurley, D. A., Basford, J. R., & Baxter, G. D. (2010). Low Level Laser Treatment of Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 28(1), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2008.2470
- North American Association for Laser Therapy. (2010, June 4-6). Safety and Contraindications [Consensus Meeting]. 10th Annual Conference, West Palm Beach, Fl, United States.
- Clijsen, R., Brunner, A., Barbero, M., Clarys, P., & Taeymans, J. (2017). Effects of low-level laser therapy on pain in patients with musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 53(4). https://doi.org/10.23736/s1973-9087.17.04432-x