Cold Laser is the latest medical science combined with the most advanced technology
Therapeutic lasers have been used in the healing arts since 1965 and are constantly being improved upon. They work by supplying energy to the body in the form of non-thermal photons of light. The body is able to absorb this external energy on a cellular level and transform light energy into chemical energy, which the body uses to accelerate the normal healing rate of tissue for a wide range of ailments.
The type of therapeutic laser used at Shaw Chiropractic Center is called a cold laser (also called a Low Level Laser) because it operates at a light wavelength that will not increase the thermal temperature of what it is contacting. Our device has received FDA clearance and is very different from the "Hot"lasers used in medicine for cutting and cauterizing tissue, removing tartar from teeth and hair removal. In fact, very few people can actually feel a cold laser yet the positive biological effects are amazing
Cold Laser Therapy's results include:
- pain management
- reduction of inflammation (swelling)
- acceleration of the healing of the damaged issue
- decreasing muscle spasm
Cold Laser Therapy has been well researched with more than 100 double-blind positive studies confirming its clinical effect. In fact, there are more than 2500 published research reports regarding this type of treatment.
Ailments Treatable by Cold Laser Therapy include:
- rheumatic pain
- osteoarthritis
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- frozen shoulder
- back and neck pain
- joint and muscle pain
- sprains and strains
- trigeminal neuralgia
- headache
- sinusitis
- fibromyalgia
- bruising
- tendonitis and bursitis
- plantar fascitis
- wound and burn healing
- scarring
- muscle and nerve regeneration
- sciatica
- neuropathies and radiculopathies
Treatments are usually quick and always painless while results are often rapid and sustainable! Cold Laser treatments are also very affordable. Call our office to find out more about this amazing therapy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COLD LASER THERAPY
1. What is Cold Laser Therapy (Low Level Laser Therapy)?
Cold laser is a pure form of light energy of a specific color and wavelength that does not increase thermal temperature of what it is contacting. It WILL NOT burn or cut.
2. How does Cold Laser Therapy work?
The laser light interacts with tissue causing the occurrence of certain photochemical reactions and stimulating the natural biological processes. Many of these reactions have beneficial effects including wound healing, tissue repair swelling reduction, increased blood flow and pain reduction. This process is called photobiomodulation. (Many of the research papers substantiating these claims can be found at www.laser.nu)
3. Is Cold Laser Therapy painful?
No. Low power lasers such as this do not generate perceivable heat. Most of our patients don't feel anything during treatment. Occasionally there is a very slight tingling or warm sensation at the site of stimulation during the treatment of certain nerves.
4. Is Cold Laser Therapy harmful?
No. Lasers used for this type of tissue stimulation have insufficient strength to damage cells. However, as the laser beam is often invisible, you should avoid staring directly into the beam as it could irritate the retina and in a sustained dosage could permanently damage the eye. After 30 years of clinical use, low power lasers have not been found to have any adverse effects or cause cancer. In fact, lasers are proving useful in pain management for chronic cancer patients.
5. How often do I need to be treated? How long does a treatment session last?
This is very dependent upon the nature of your condition. Treatments may last from 2 to 5 minutes. Some conditions require rehabilitative therapy in addition to Cold Laser Treatments. The total number of treatments required is usually 6-20, depending on the body's natural healing rate. The less severe or acute the condition, the fewer number of treatments are required. The more severe or more chronic the condition, the greater the number of treatments are required. Some degenerative conditions will require periodic maintenance treatment to keep it controlled.
6. What kind of results should I expect?
While some patients get immediate results, others require 3 -8 treatments before there is a lasting effect. Each person will respond differently according to his or her own body's natural healing rate.
7. Is Cold Laser Therapy covered by my insurance?
While some practitioners may tell you that it is, this is usually not correct. Most major insurance carriers have specifically stated that cold laser therapy is an UNCOVERED benefit. However, this does not change the fact that Cold Lasers have been proven to be successful therapeutically for nearly 40 years! Our goal is to deliver excellent care at reasonable costs. Our prices are very affordable and we have a number of payment options to fit your needs.