What is Cold Laser Therapy?

Cold Laser Therapy, also known as Lower Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), is a painless therapy that accelerates healing, reduces inflammation, mitigates muscle spasms, and allows muscle tissues to recover more quickly.  Cold Laser Therapy does not require a surgical incision and is a non-invasive procedure.  

How Does Cold Laser Therapy Work?

Using a hand-held laser, approximately the size of a flashlight, the physician or clinician will point the laser at the injured body part allowing non-thermal, red-light photons to penetrate 2 to 5 centimeters underneath the skin.  Essentially, when muscle tissues absorb the light of the laser, the cells within the tissues have a chemical reaction that begins the regeneration process, which, in turn, begins the healing process.  The various wavelengths of light applied can treat different conditions.   For maximum results, it is recommended to receive multiple treatments by a licensed expert.

Cold Laser Therapy is FDA approved and known as a safe, homeopathic treatment because it is a “lower-level laser” rather than other high-power lasers.   Although you can find Lower Level Lasers over the counter, for safety purposes it is always recommended to have a  homeopathic doctor perform the laser treatment.  Also, never point the laser at your eye, as that can cause damage to your retina.

 

How Can Cold Laser Therapy Benefit Seniors?

1. Arthritis  - One of the most common conditions affecting senior citizens is arthritis.  Most commonly, arthritis leads to stiffness and swelling of the joints, and although Cold Laser Therapy is not a cure for arthritis, it has proven to increase circulation in the area of discomfort.  With almost no negative side effects, Cold Laser Therapy is a safe treatment for stiffness and joint inflexibility caused by arthritis.

2.  Chronic Pain - Anytime pain lasts longer than 3 months it is considered chronic pain.   According to a 1997 survey conducted by the National Council on Aging, nearly one in five Americans over the age of 60 take medication for chronic pain.  Cold Laser Therapy can produce anti-inflammatory effects and tissue regeneration - both of which can mitigate chronic pain.

3. Reduces Swelling and Bruising - When capillaries (small blood vessels) near the skin's surface are broken, blood leaks out and causes black and blue bruises.  As we age, our skin becomes thinner and it is easier for our capillaries to break.   In addition, certain medication such as Aspirin can contribute to easy bruising.  Lower Level Lasers has been shown to speed up the healing process in bruises by redeveloping damaged tissue. 

Although Cold Laser Therapy is not a "cure" for any specific condition or disease, it is a safe alternative to traditional medicine and has proven to accelerating healing, reducing inflammation, and allow muscle tissue to recover more quickly.  Seniors are in a constant battle to improve and maintain their overall health.   Although there are numerous benefits to traditional medicine, when deciding on treatment for arthritis, chronic pain, or simply a bruise or swelling that won't go away, consider alternative medicine treatments such as Cold Laser Therapy.  For other conditions and ailments, we recommend also researching other alternative medicine therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and message therapy. 

Article written by Alexander Milzer with Senior Directory.  Special thanks to Dr. Aaron Bebe, D.C.