Cold laser therapy — also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT) — is a newer treatment used to relieve pain and promote tissue healing. Though not one of the traditional chiropractic treatments, it’s gaining ground as its benefits become clearer.
What it is
“Laser” stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Unlike other lasers, a cold laser doesn’t produce enough heat to damage tissue — hence “cold.” The handheld device, about the size of a flashlight, is held over the treatment area for 30 seconds to a few minutes depending on the dose and the area treated.
How it works
The light passes through the skin, where light-sensitive areas within your cells convert that energy — much like plants respond to sunlight. The theory is that this increases intracellular metabolism, helping to normalize injured tissue and relieve inflammation.
Conditions it may help
- Arthritis
- Back, neck and knee pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Tendinitis
Advantages
Cold laser therapy is non-invasive with short treatment and recovery times, and it involves no medication. In the hands of a properly trained chiropractor, it has no known side effects.