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Cold Laser Therapy in Plantation
What is Cold Laser Therapy?
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is also known simply as laser therapy or cold laser therapy. LLLT has been proven to be safe, effective, and painless and is used to treat both injuries and chronic pain. This therapy involves the use of a red and infra-red light applied over the affected area. Doing so stimulates the cells in the body that repair tissue, reduce inflammation and reduce pain.
The Original Cold Laser
Dr. Hanopole utilizes the Microlight ML830® Cold Laser. The Microlight ML830® Cold Laser started everything 25 years ago. It was developed in 1985, by leading European doctors and engineers. The laser was brought to the USA in 1990, and was the first 3B laser cleared by the FDA in 2002.
How Does Cold Laser Work?
Low level laser therapy changes sick or injured cells to allow them to take in oxygen and nutrients at a level similar to that of a healthy cell. It also helps these injured cells to release wastes and toxins. This is done by making the cells more permeable.
Finally, the laser light is made of photons and can “donate” photons to the injured cell’s mitochondria. These photons are converted into Adenosine TriPhosphate (ATP), the chemical energy required for healing and rejuvenation.
Pain results from trauma, inflammation and/or cellular disruption, malfunction, or less than optimal cellular function. Healing and pain relief come with cellular normalization.
Use of low level lasers enhances cellular function and it can also encourage the formation of collagen and cartilage in damaged joints and the repair of tendons and ligaments.
Advantages of Laser Therapy
Because of the nature of LLLT, there are some great advantages.
- It is safe – as stated in the previous section, the FDA considers LLLT without significant risk.
- Non-invasive – unlike surgery, LLLT does not penetrate the body. There will be no damage to skin, tissue, or muscle and therefore, no recovery time after treatment.
- Non-toxic – Many doctors prescribe medications for pain and inflammation known as Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS). As with any drugs, NSAIDS have side effects due to toxins. LLLT has no toxic effects.
- Easily applied – the therapy is quick, easy, and painless.
- Highly Effective – Hundreds of studies have shown that LLLT is highly effective. The FDA has approved LLLT for many issues, such as pain relief and the reduction of inflammation. More uses are being discovered continually.
What to Expect During a Laser Therapy Treatment Session
For most people, laser therapy is quite passive. There are no pulsating shocks felt, as in forms of electronic stimulation, nor heat used, as with ultrasounds. The most noticeable sensation is the touch of the probe head of the laser, as it comes in contact with the skin.
Some patients (3-5% of those undergoing light therapy) have reported a slight tingling or tapping in a nerve or along a nerve pathway. Some have noted that they are able to sense a slight feeling of warmth. But for the most part, the treatment, which may last from 2 to 20 minutes, is not noticed at all.
Following (and even during) a laser therapy session, approximately 75-80% of patients being treated can notice an immediate improvement in their condition. This will depend primarily on the type of condition and the length of time the condition has been present.
Generally, the more chronic or severe the condition, the longer it takes to respond. The majority of conditions treated will take anywhere from 4-5 or 10-18 treatments. Once again, the number of treatments depends upon the severity of the condition and its duration. If your condition does not change immediately, it may take 3-4 sessions before a dramatic or marked change is perceived.
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