Scientifically-backed, effective pain relief options are some of the benefits of cold laser therapy
In contrast to lasers that are used in surgical procedures to treat internal tumors, or to close blood or lymph vessels using cold laser therapy, it uses amounts of light that are which are so low as to not cause heat to the tissues. This is why the name “cold” Laser therapy.
Based on research findings, these cold laser treatments that are sometimes called Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) (also known as photobiomodulation) can be useful for many reasons. Two of these are alleviating pain and promoting healing.
Laser therapy to treat pain
Cancer, diabetes and heart diseases are three of the medical diseases that are feared by the majority of people. However according to the National Institutes of Health shares that more Americans suffer from pain than by all three conditions together. In reality it is the number reason that people seek medical care today and is one of the leading reasons for disability.
In the time, prescription painkillers commonly prescribed to offer relief for patients. But, there is a growing concern about the overdose epidemic involving opioidsan issue that is reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse claims is to blame for the death of more than 130 people every single day across the United States alone — medical professionals are beginning to realize that this approach to treatment can actually cause greater harm than beneficial. Particularly when there are other well-studied, scientifically proven treatments for pain that include the cold-laser therapy.
In 2009, for instance the Lancet published the systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 random controlled trials that involved 820 patients suffering from neck pain. After analyzing the results of each trial they came to the conclusion that laser treatment using cold (in this case , referred to as low-level therapy) was a positive treatment with both short- and long-term effects. In particular, the authors said that this method “reduces the pain right after treatment for neck pain that is acute and can last as long as 22 weeks following the completion of treatment for patients suffering from persistent neck pain.”
Another study found similar results however this study took more in depth study of the use of cold lasers and their results on lower back pain. This study appeared in Australian Journal of Physiotherapy and included 61 patients who had experienced back discomfort for at least three months.
In this section of research, the participants were split into 3 groups. The first group took part to receive cold laser treatment, while the second one was engaged in laser therapy as well as exercised, while the third group was engaged with placebo-based laser treatment combination with exercises.
After the study was concluded Researchers noted that in comparison to the only exercise group, the group who engaged in laser therapy in conjunction with exercise saw a larger reduction in pain over 12 weeks. They also observed a greater flexibility in the lumbar region , and diminished disability within the same period of time.
The enhanced healing process and the use of the use of cold lasers
Healthline describes that the cold-laser therapy is performed by applying various frequencies of light at low levels to the targeted region. Once the light is absorbed by the tissue, it triggers a reaction which ultimately encourages the growth of cells. Because of this, this treatment technique is frequently called “regenerative therapy.” Additionally it is through the process of cell regeneration that healing improves and studies confirm this.
For instance the 2004 meta-analysis that was that was published by the journal Photomedicine and Laser Surgery studied nine peer-reviewed articles on the subject and concluded that aside from offering pain relief Low-power lasers can also in enhancing tissue repair, improving a patient’s rate of healing.
The meta-analysis also pointed out that Safe Laser also has beneficial effects that are related to healing of tissues Some of these include the effect it has on collagen production and tensile strength, as well as the tensile stress, and flap survival. This is why the conclusion of the authors is the following “laser phototherapy is an extremely efficient therapeutic armamentarium to aid in healing in pain and healing.”
A systematic review published in 2014 states Low-level laser therapy reduces inflammation as well as modulates myogenic growth regulation factors and boosts the growth in the formation of blood vessels. These all help to improve the repair of muscles and enhance the process of muscle repair.
A combination effect
When cold lasers both improve healing and reduce pain patients benefit both ways. They not only have to deal with less discomfort they feel without having to take opioids however, they also feel better quicker. The benefits of cold laser therapy a possibility which should be thought about.