STACY MEDICAL CENTER
ALAMEDA INDUSTRIAL MEDICAL
Cold Lasers
Cold laser therapy is a relatively new technology compared to many alternative therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic therapy (since 1895) and physical therapy. The first cold laser was FDA cleared in 2001. Cold lasers are sometimes called Low Level Lasers (LLL) or soft lasers.
In general, cold lasers can be used in 2 distinct ways:
- Targeting acupuncture trigger points (similar to acupuncture but without the needles)
- Broad coverage of tissue and bone with IR or Red light photons to reduce pain and stimulate healing
Cold Laser therapy offers a non-intrusive option to acupuncture and surgery. It also provides a non-addicting treatment that eliminates the complications of long-term drug treatment programs. Cold lasers are FDA cleared and widely used for treatment of:
- Acute and chronic pain
- Ligament sprains
- Muscle strain
- Soft tissue injuries
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Tennis elbow
- Back pain
- Bursitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
Healing With Cold Lasers
The cold laser produces an impulse of light at a specific wavelength (usually 600 to 980nm) that minimizes reflection and scattering of the beam but maximizes absorption of the energy (in photons) at a desired depth. The Pilot laser operates at 810nm. Some conditions like joint pain require a deep penetration (4-5 inches) that can only be achieved using a powerful laser emitter. The goal of laser therapy is to deliver light energy units from red and infrared laser radiation, called photons, to damaged cells. It is the consensus of experts is that photons absorbed by the cells through laser therapy stimulate the mitochondria to accelerate production of ATP. This biochemical increase in cell energy is used to transform live cells from a state of illness to a stable, healthy state. Over 4000 studies have been conducted in recent years to validate the effectiveness of cold laser therapy. The Pilot cold laser treatment system is cleared by the FDA.
Benefit of Cold Lasers
- Easy to apply
- Extremely safe
- Non-Toxic
- Non-Invasive
- No side effects or pain
- Cost effective for both the practitioner and patient.
- Highly effective in treating ailments (more than 90% efficacy)
- Superior alternative to analgesics, NSAID's and other medications
- Reduces the need for surgery
- Works synergistically with other modalities such as Acupuncture, Physical Therapy and chiropractic manipulation
General Therapeutic Laser Biological Effects
- Increased Cell Growth: Laser photons accelerates cellular reproduction and growth.
- Increased Metabolic Activity: Photons initiate a higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particle loads for blood cells and thus greater production of the basic food source for cells, Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP).
- Faster Wound Healing: Cold laser photons stimulates fibroblast development and accelerates collagen synthesis in damaged tissue
- Anti-Inflammatory Action: Laser photons reduce swelling caused by bruising or inflammation of joints resulting in enhanced joint mobility.
- Increased Vascular Activity: Laser photons induce temporary vasodilation that increases blood flow to effected areas.
- Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation:Laser photons reduce the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from: cuts, scratches, burns or post surgery.
- Stimulated Nerve Function: Laser photon exposure speeds the process of nerve cell reconnect ion to bring the numb areas back to life.
- Pain Reduction: Almost all systems have a mode of operation specifically designed to reduce pain.
Risk of Cold Laser Therapy
Class 4 Continuous Laser (For professional use only)
The Class 4 laser (Pilot Laser) has the ability to do damage to the eye and other tissue if used improperly. Tissue damage is very rare as the manufacturer developed treatment protocols that will provide a balance between power and safety. However, like many devices, if misused, cold lasers can cause damage. If any single laser beam is over 500 milliwatts, the device is considered a class 4 product. The Pilot Laser is an 810nm 900 milliwatt system. Lasers that diverge the beam at a 28 to 30 degree angle to cover a wider area have better healing results. This also results in a safer product. The increase in the power of class 4 continuous wave laser shortens treatment time which is critical for practitioner's and patients alike.