Cold laser therapy, also known as low level laser therapy (LLLT), has been shown in research to have clinical effectiveness for a variety of conditions. This device can be used for targeted relief of muscle pain,1,2 joint inflammation,3 and lymphatic clearance.4 Studies show that LLLT is a safe alternative for pain-management in conditions such as osteoarthritis, likely due to a reduction in tissue oxidative stress and inflammation. Newer research is showing benefits of cold laser for Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis5 due to its reduction in thyroid-tissue immune reactivity and positive impact on structural repair. One mechanism of cold laser revolves around speeding mitochondrial function (mitochondria are what produce energy in our cells), allowing for increased cellular processing and repair of targeted areas. 

Our cold laser utilizes both red and infrared light which have been shown to safely aid in human cellular repair, with few potential side-effects when used by a skilled practitioner. All of the doctors at our clinic have significant experience with LLLT. Symptom relief tends to occur within one to five treatment sessions with approximately two minutes spent per problem area with each session. For eye-safety, both patient and practitioner use eye protection throughout treatment. You may feel a warming effect during treatment as the laser is speeding cellular processing and creating heat. If you have questions about this treatment modality, please reach out to us!

References

1) Clijsen R, Brunner A, Barbero M, Clarys P, Taeymans J. Effects of low-level laser therapy on pain in patients with musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2017;53(4):603-610. doi:10.23736/S1973-9087.17.04432-X

2) Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials. Lancet. 2009 Dec 5;374(9705):1897-908. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61522-1. Epub 2009 Nov 13. Erratum in: Lancet. 2010 Mar 13;375(9718):894. PMID: 19913903.

3) Bjordal JM, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RA, Bogen B, Chow R, Ljunggren AE. Short-term efficacy of physical interventions in osteoarthritic knee pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2007;8:51. Published 2007 Jun 22.

4) Baxter GD, Liu L, Petrich S, et al. Low level laser therapy (Photobiomodulation therapy) for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review. BMC Cancer. 2017;17(1):833. Published 2017 Dec 7. doi:10.1186/s12885-017-3852-x

5) Höfling DB, Chavantes MC, Juliano AG, et al. Low-level laser in the treatment of patients with hypothyroidism induced by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lasers In Medical Science. 2013; 28(3):743-753. doi:10.1007/s10103-012-1129-9.

Our medical assistant, Raven, performs this service with a providers referral or in house recommendation.