Cold Light Lasers…Pain Relief Hype or Hope?
cold light laser
By Amy Price PhD
Laser therapy has been reported helpful in wound healing and chronic pain. It is a fast, painless modality which can be administered by a medical professional or self administered in some localities by a patient trained and licensed in laser protocol. The light that the laser uses is not visible to the naked eye and special laser light spectrum goggles are needed. They are sensitive to the spectrum of the laser used. According to the Cochrane report results for wound healing and chronic pain relief are evident however more study is needed to determine protocols for effectual wave lengths and time exposure
What is a cold light laser?
Low-level laser light is compressed light of a wavelength from the cold, red part of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. It is different from natural light in that it is one precise color; it is coherent (it travels in a straight line), monochromatic (a single wavelength) and polarized (it concentrates its beam in a defined location or spot). These properties allow laser light to penetrate the surface of the skin with no heating effect, no damage to the skin and no known side effects. Rather, laser light directs biostimulative light energy to the body’s cells which the cells then convert into chemical energy to promote natural healing and pain relief.
These are ways laser treatment has been found to help
Speeds Up Tissue Repair: Increased energy to the cells means increased cellular activity for all of the cell’s components that rely on this energy including collagen formation. Speeding up tissue repair means less scar tissue formation.
Increases Endorphins: Endorphins can produce analgesia (pain relief) and feelings of well-being. They are known as the bodies natural pain killers.
Increased Lymphatic Drainage: Studies have shown that cold laser therapy can increase the size of the lymphatic ducts thus facilitating protein waste removal.
Increased Blood Flow: to the tissues because of increased capillary formation. This helps healing. The laser affects deeper tissues as well including muscles and tendons.
It appears Laser can generate relief for chronic pain treatment
