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Cold Laser Therapy

Cold laser device being applied to a patient

Cold laser therapy is also known as photobiomodulation. It uses specific wavelengths of light (red and near infrared) to trigger a photochemical response in damaged or poorly functioning tissue. Kingsbridge Physiotherapy Centre offers cold laser therapy in Mississauga, Ontario.

The laser increases vasodilatation (blood supply), which brings more oxygen to the cells. It also stimulates the lymphatic system, helping draw edema and inflammation out of the area. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production is stimulated as well, giving cells the energy to work normally. The pain reflex is broken, which offers immediate pain relief.

Laser therapy may help ease pain, reduce inflammation and support recovery from many acute and chronic conditions. A significant reduction in edema (swelling) has been noted, and tissues can move fluid out more easily through the lymphatic drainage pathways.

Class IV laser therapy was cleared by the FDA in 2003 and has become the standard of care for many musculoskeletal injuries. Class IV lasers can reach more than 4 inches into deep musculoskeletal tissue. The number of treatments you need depends on the problem and how long you have had it. Some conditions may settle with as few as one treatment. Chronic or deep-seated conditions may need up to 10.

Laser therapy technology has recently been endorsed by professional organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). There are no known side effects from laser therapy, and the results are long lasting.

Conditions Treated with Cold Laser Therapy

Laser therapy may help with a wide range of conditions, including:
  • Soft Tissue Injuries
  • Degenerative Joint Conditions
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
    • Osteoarthritis (OA)
  • Neurogenic Pain
  • Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
  • Post-traumatic Injury
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Diabetic Neuropathy
  • Chronic Non-Healing Wounds
    • Diabetic Foot Ulcers
    • Burns

Cold Laser Therapy FAQs

Is cold laser therapy painful?

No. The therapy is painless and completely non-invasive. You will only feel a deep, gentle warmth as your body’s cells respond to the light.

Is low-level laser therapy safe?

The FDA has proven that the therapy is safe. The only contraindication (warning) is direct use on the eye.

Is the laser FDA approved?

Yes. The laser was first approved on Feb. 11, 2002 for the treatment and management of carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is low-level laser therapy?

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation, uses light and photon energy to stimulate cellular metabolism. It has been shown to work for many painful and inflamed conditions of the soft tissues and joints, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, back pain and sports injuries. Cold laser can penetrate up to two inches below the skin surface and increase cellular metabolism without any tissue damage.

Does laser therapy for pain really work?

Yes. Research has shown that:
  • Injuries treated with laser therapy heal faster
  • Laser therapy strengthens tissue repair
  • Laser therapy improves blood flow and lymphatic drainage
  • It is an effective way to relieve many pain syndromes
  • It can improve immune response

How long is each treatment?

Treatments last between 8 and 20 minutes, depending on your injury and the body part being treated.

How many treatments do I need before I see results?

You should notice improvement within 5 to 10 short treatments.

What are the effects of laser therapy?

Physiological effects:
  • Biostimulation, including improved and increased cell metabolism
  • Improved blood circulation and vasodilatation (blood supply)
  • Analgesic (pain-relieving) effect
  • Anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects
  • Faster tissue repair and wound healing
  • Relief from acute and chronic pain
  • Better speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair
  • Stimulated immune system
  • Stimulated and improved nerve function
  • Development of collagen and muscle tissue
  • Generation of new, healthy cells and tissue
  • Faster wound healing and clot formation
  • Angiogenesis (improved circulation)
  • Less fibrous (scar) tissue formation
Biochemical effects:
  • Releases nitric oxide
  • Increases ATP production
  • Increases fibroblast migration
  • Increases macrophage activity
  • Increases keratinocyte activity
  • Increases RNA and DNA synthesis
  • Increases enzyme production
  • Increases SOD production

How does laser treatment work?

Your physiotherapist places the laser in contact with your skin. The photon energy passes into the tissue and interacts with intracellular biomolecules, which restores normal cell function. This enhances and essentially speeds up the body’s natural healing processes.
The treatment results in a disappearance of symptoms. It also stimulates the immune response, improves lymphatic drainage and increases growth hormone production, which further speeds up natural healing.

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