What is Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy, also known as low level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation therapy (PBT), is one of the most effective forms of treatment for musculoskeletal injuries. Laser therapy restores the proper functioning of soft tissue at the cellular level, increasing tissue repair while reducing pain and inflammation.
At The Physicaltherapy Centre in North Sydney, our experienced practitioners use cold laser therapy to treat issues including but not limited to:
- Acute or chronic tendinopathies
- Sprains and strains
- Neck and back pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Post-operative pain
- Tissue healing
How Does Low Level Laser Therapy Work?
Low level laser therapy works by passing laser or LED lights over the affected area. This type of light therapy is non-invasive, only needing skin contact to function.
LLLT targets the affected cells as they more readily absorb the rays transmitted by the laser. Once these photons are inside the affected cell, they stimulate repair by creating a biological movement directed at the function of the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell).
Cold laser therapy has a long-term effect on the cells at a biological level, as well as a short-term pain reducing function. The laser disturbs the pain-receptors in the area giving an analgesic effect. Photobiomodulation therapy can be used on soft tissue, tendons, joints, and superficial wounds.
A more scientifically in-depth explanation below:
When cells are stressed, nitric oxide (NO) inhibits oxygen consumption by mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase. This reduces production of ATP and causes oxidative stress leading to increased inflammation and reduced production of ATP. LLLT displaces NO from cytochrome c oxidase thereby reducing inflammation and restoring ATP production, helping tissues heal more quickly.
At The Physicaltherapy Centre, our practitioners use the THOR LX2 Pro Laser – the most advanced low level laser therapy product available in the market today.
About THOR Low Level Laser Therapy System
With over 3,000 customers using THOR lasers in 70 countries including Harvard Medical School, NASA researchers, US Navy, RAF, British Army, Royal Navy, NHS, BUPA, premier division football teams, and British Lions Rugby – THOR can rightly claim to be the number one supplier in the world of LLLT technology and training.
Over 400 LLLT clinical trials and over 4,000 laboratory studies have been published on low level laser therapy. It has proven more effective and safer than pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories across a range of musculoskeletal conditions. LLLT also improves healing and reduces muscle fatigue, muscle damage and DOMS.
Results include:
- Significant reduction of inflammation equal to or better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) within 2 hours.
- Analgesic effects that last for 48 hours.
- Healing time of chronic tendinopathies reduced by 70%.
- NSAIDs slow healing and often have side effects whereas LLLT actually improves healing, as well as reducing inflammation and pain.
“The use of low levels of visible or near infrared light for reducing pain, inflammation and edema, promoting healing of wounds, deeper tissues and nerves, and preventing cell death and tissue damage has been known for over forty years.”
Prof. Michael Hamblin, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology
“I use laser immediately on acute injuries, it is a very useful adjunct to have at major sporting games, treating acute and chronic injuries alongside manual therapy for pain relief and reduction of inflammation.”
Sarah Cooper BSc (Hons), physiotherapist to the British Olympic Athletic Team.
“I use laser where manipulation is contraindicated and where pain relief is required.”
Julian M. Winer Bsc (Ost) DO
When should I seek Photobiomodulation Therapy?
With acute injuries and painful conditions, same day photobiomodulation therapy treatment is ideal. Otherwise, as soon as possible to the date of injury or onset of pain.
How many Treatments are required?
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) improves tissue repair, reduces pain and inflammation wherever the beam is applied. Treatments take only a few minutes and can be applied multiple times per week.
- For acute injuries and pain conditions: Treatment administered on 3 consecutive days is ideal, followed by 2 to 3 times per week for up to 3 weeks.
- For chronic injuries: Depending on severity, 2 to 3 times per week for 2 to 7 weeks total.
NOTE: The area being treated dictates the number of treatments because certain tissues respond more quickly than others. A larger area such as your back is likely to take longer than a smaller area such as your forearm.
How does Cold Laser Therapy Benefit me?
- Initiates the body’s natural healing response to restore tissue at a faster rate
- No side effects
- Reduces inflammation quickly
- Provides an analgesic effect (pain relief) quickly, whilst concurrently working to reduce pain permanently.
What does Photobiomodulation Therapy feel like?
Most of the time, patients will not feel anything while undergoing photobiomodulation therapy treatment. If the patients experience anything, it will be a very light tingling or heat sensation. Patients have also reported feeling sleepy following treatment.
When can LLLT not be used?
- The use of LLLT is not recommended on areas where known cancer sites exist.
- It is also not recommended for pregnant women over the developing fetus.
- Patients should never look directly into the laser – protective eyewear is supplied during treatment.
WARNING!! Laser therapy must be used with caution with patients who:
- Have had an organ transplant
- Have photosensitivity
- Have photosensitive epilepsy
- Possible mild adverse reaction for patients with tattoos or very dark skin
Start Today with Cold Laser Therapy in North Sydney
Book online today to experience your first cold laser therapy treatment in North Sydney at The Physicaltherapy Centre.
