How Effective is Laser Therapy For Pain Relief?
For those suffering from acute or chronic pain, finding safe and effective relief is a top priority. While medication provides temporary symptom relief, it comes with side effects and doesn’t treat the root cause. Fortunately, advances in medical technology offer new lasting solutions for pain reduction through light-based treatments like laser therapy.
Laser therapy leverages specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation and ease pain naturally. This non-invasive treatment can provide significant relief for many painful conditions. Read on to learn how laser therapy works and its proven benefits for pain relief.
What is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy, also called low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation, uses concentrated light beams to stimulate healing and reduce pain. Medical lasers emit powerful beams at certain wavelengths measured in nanometers (nm).
When these light beams penetrate tissue, the photons are absorbed by specialized receptors. This triggers biological reactions to reduce pain signals and inflammation at the cellular level.
During a laser therapy session, a handheld device is directed over the painful area for a set length of time. The beam delivers therapeutic levels of light energy targeting the source of the pain non-invasively.
Laser therapy is drug-free, non-toxic, and painless. It can be used alone or combined with other treatments like physiotherapy or chiropractic adjustments. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after.
How Does Laser Therapy Reduce Pain?
Laser therapy provides pain relief through several biological mechanisms and effects:
– Increases Blood Flow – Photobiomodulation stimulates circulation and oxygen flow to the treatment area. Improved supply of nutrients and removal of waste aids tissue healing.
– Reduces Inflammation – Laser light decreases inflammatory cytokine levels and neutralizes oxidative stress compounds that propagate pain.
– Stimulates Endorphins – Endorphins are the body’s natural “feel good” chemicals. Low-level laser boosts endorphins to block pain signal transmission.
– Modulates Nerve Signals – Light therapy can reduce excitability of nerve fibers that transmit pain signals to the brain. This provides an analgesic effect.
– Eases Muscle Spasms – Lasers relax overactive muscles by lowering acetylcholine levels and encouraging muscle fiber elongation. This relieves muscle tightness and spasms.
– Accelerates Cell Repair – Photobiomodulation energizes the mitochondria in cells, speeding up metabolic processes and regeneration. Faster tissue repair reduces pain.
Through a combination of these mechanisms, laser therapy therapy can offer significant, lasting pain relief without medication side effects.
Effectiveness of Laser Therapy for Common Pain Conditions
Research shows low-level laser light can successfully reduce many types of acute and chronic pain, including:
Lower Back Pain
Studies demonstrate laser therapy reduces chronic low back pain better than placebo treatments. A 2020 meta-analysis found it significantly improved pain and function in over 1,700 patients with chronic low back pain.
Osteoarthritis
Laser therapy decreased inflammation and joint pain in multiple studies on hand, knee, and hip osteoarthritis. It also increased grip strength, range of motion, and function.
Frozen Shoulder
In clinical trials, laser therapy plus exercise eased pain and improved mobility better than exercise alone for adhesive capsulitis. Patients experienced less stiffness and disability.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Low-level laser eased pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness from carpal tunnel syndrome in multiple studies. It also reduced inflammation in the carpal tunnel.
Tendon Injuries
Photobiomodulation accelerated healing after rotator cuff tears and Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) in trials. Lasers decreased pain and improved range of motion in these common overuse injuries.
Neuropathic Pain
For pain disorders like diabetic neuropathy, light therapy reduced abnormal nerve hyperactivity and associated burning pain based on brain scan studies.
Laser therapy has also shown positive pain relief results for neck pain, headaches, sprains and strains, fibromyalgia, scar tissue, burns, and dental pain.
Are There Any Risks With Laser Therapy?
When performed by a licensed professional, laser therapy is very safe with minimal risks. It is non-invasive and does not damage skin or tissue. Mild side effects like redness or itching at the treatment site may occur but resolve quickly.
Laser therapy is not appropriate for cancerous tumors or areas with poor circulation. Safety glasses should be worn during treatment to avoid eye damage from direct laser light exposure. Follow your clinician’s usage and precaution guidelines.
Overall, low-level laser presents an extremely low risk profile compared to medications or surgery. It offers an effective way to address many painful conditions without negative effects.
Achieve Safe, Proven Pain Relief at MDPhysio
Are you searching for a ‘Physiotherapist Near Me in York, ON‘, to address your back pain, arthritis, neuropathy, or sports injury? Look no further than MDPhysio, where our experienced team offers innovative laser therapy treatments. This cutting-edge technology is designed to not only reduce inflammation but also provide significant pain relief in a non-invasive manner.
At MDPhysio, we understand that each individual’s needs are unique, which is why our physiotherapists develop personalized treatment plans. Our goal is to offer natural, lasting relief, enabling you to return to your daily activities without the burden of pain.
Don’t let pain control your life. Contact MDPhysio today and take the first step towards a pain-free life. Our proven approach to physiotherapy ensures that you receive the best possible care right here in York, ON. Start your journey to recovery and enjoy living life to its fullest with MDPhysio!
