Dr. Justine Bellefeuille, D.C. using cold laser on patient

Why Cold Laser?

In the 196O’s, low power lasers were introduced to the medicine field. Cold laser therapy has exploded and is utilized by many practitioners like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and physical therapists. These professionals are using low level laser therapy (LLLT) or cold laser therapy in addition to their primary treatment method. Let’s briefly explain why cold laser therapy is so effective.

L.A.S.E.R which stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, this fascinating process is referred to as Laser Light Therapy or Cold Light Laser. A mitochondrion exists inside each human cell. It is a cell organelle referred to as the power plant of the cell. This powerhouse of the cell is basic to all life of the human body because it can manufacture a substance called ATP. ATP is essential because it is what the human body uses for energy. In fact, it is the only substance your body can ultimately use as energy. Everything you eat must first be completely digested and then converted to ATP to extract any energy from it. Without adequate amounts of ATP, living organisms cannot do what they must to survive and thrive. On the contrary, abundant supplies of ATP means that cells have adequate energy to do all the things they must for survival, easily and quickly heal and repair from assaults and/or illnesses that affect the body.

Cold Laser Therapy allows us to direct the light to cells, which arrives with the instruction for the cell to make more ATP. The light donates photon absorption by mitochondria which causes Laser Therapy to increase cellular energy. Mitochondria can absorb light, which then activates a series of reactions to increase and store more cellular energy in the form of ATP. With additional ATP, those cells can do all the things that they do for daily survival while having energy left over to do other things that go beyond simple survival. Extra energy in the form of ATP can be used by cells, tissues, and organs, to “clean houses” (detoxify themselves of accumulated waste products and toxins) repair themselves, regenerate/ rebuild themselves and perform a multitude of other things beyond staying alive.

Light from the cold laser also stimulates cells to speed up collagen synthesis in damaged tissue. Collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, is the building block for muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, bones, skin, and several other connective tissues.

FDA approved Cold Lasers are used to:

  • Increased Cell Growth: Laser photons accelerates cellular reproduction and growth. It also has the opposite effect on cancer cells, slowing down their rate of division.

  • Increased Metabolic Activity: Photons initiate a higher output 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).

  • Increased Immune System Function: Numerous studies show that coherent light from Cold Laser stimulates the immune system.

  • Increased ATP: also known to provide increased cellular energy for “cellular housekeeping”. This results in faster healing.

  • Faster Wound Healing: light from the cold laser stimulates cells to speed up collagen synthesis in damaged tissue. Collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, is the building block for muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, bones, skin, and several other connective tissues.

  • 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 both the amount of blood, as well as increasing the blood’s function.

  • 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, helping to bring numb or tingling areas back to life.

  • Pain Reduction: is due not only to accelerated healing processes, but is also result of increased release of endorphins.

Cold Lasers are widely used for many treatments, including but not limited too:

  • Acute and chronic pain

  • Ligament sprains

  • Muscle strain

  • Soft tissue injuries

  • Tendonitis

  • Arthritis

  • Tennis elbow

  • Back pain

  • Bursitis

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Fibromyalgia

What To Expect

Cold laser therapy is administered with a small handheld device. It’s a noninvasive procedure that can be performed by a doctor, clinician, or physical therapist. It can harm your eyes to look directly into the laser, so you will be asked to use protective eyewear. The doctor will hold the device close to or just touching the skin on your problem area for 30 seconds up to a few minutes. The length of time is determined by the dose and the size of the area being treated. The light energy will pass through the skin and into your tissues, where it will be absorbed. The light energy helps reduce inflammation and promote regeneration of damaged tissue. It generally takes more than a single treatment to feel better. How many it takes will vary depending on how much damage there is and the duration. You may need to return several times per week for a few weeks or months. You might feel a slight tingling sensation, but you won’t feel heat or cold,it is painless. There’s no lengthy recovery time,post treatment so you can go home right away.

Resources: https://store.coldlasers.org | http://www.integrativehealthgroup.com/laser-light-therapy/