Does Low-level Laser Therapy Work for Pain Relief?

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is also titled many other things. These include cold laser therapy, photobiomodulation, low-power laser therapy (LPLT), and soft laser biostimulation. It is a therapy that involves beaming light energy at specific areas of your skin.

 

LLLT helps reduce inflammation and pain deep inside an area of the body. It is ideal for low back pain, knee pain, and nerve pain. LLLT is also helpful with rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, fibromyalgia, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

How LLLT Works

The LLLT device works using low levels of photons or energy. It is a non-invasive procedure, unlike other higher-frequency laser surgeries. The photons that the device emits penetrate deep into the painful areas of your body. The low-level light from the device triggers chemical variations in the body. The chemical changes help regenerate worn-out cells and tissues.

 

During therapy, the physician directs the laser device to the areas of your body that are causing the pain. The device can either be close to your skin or gently touch it. It works by sending a quick light pulse to that area of your body for between 30 to 60 seconds. You require more than 1 therapy session to receive results. There may be between 8 to 30 sessions depending on the severity of your condition.

 

Advantages of LLLT for Pain

LLLT has set a good trend for relieving pain in major joints like the knee. It helps improve joint flexibility and sensitivity to pressure. The therapy helps ease swelling in joints by opening up blood vessels. It relieves your pain by triggering natural hormones like endorphins. For tissues with low connectivity, LLLT builds them up. Apart from relieving pain, the therapy helps heal tissue by boosting your immune system.

 

LLLT is an ideal alternative to opioids for pain relief. Opioids have grave disadvantages when it comes to chronic pain. They are highly addictive and have side effects like drowsiness, constipation, and nausea. Another advantage of LLLT is that it is non-invasive and has few side effects.

 

Are You Eligible for LLLT?

LLLT is a safe, non-invasive procedure that does not require any additional preparation or medication. However, the therapy has some restrictions. It is not ideal for use on cancerous lesions and carcinomas. LLLT may also be dangerous for unborn children. This means you should not use it when pregnant.

 

One shortfall of this form of pain relief therapy is time. A therapy session may last only a few minutes, but you will have to do many more to feel its effectiveness. If you are a person with a busy schedule, this can be a great disadvantage to you. Also, most medical insurance policies do not cover the procedure.

 

Side Effects of LLLT

Low-level laser therapy has little to no side effects if you use it correctly. However, it is not advisable for people with epilepsy as it might trigger seizures due to photosensitivity.

 

Where to Receive LLLT

LLLT devices are readily available for use from the comfort of your home. Keep in mind that the devices vary in output.  If you are unsure of its use, visit a medical practitioner for the procedure.


 

To experience the benefits of LLLT in pain relief, contact Dr. Dan Kirschner Chiropractic at our office in Arcadia or Sarasota, Florida. You can call (863) 494-7110 or (941) 214-6150 today to schedule an appointment.