What Is Low-Level Laser Therapy?

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser, is the use of low-power lasers or light for medical benefits. It’s called “cold” laser because the light is not concentrated enough to heat the tissues.

High-powered lasers use concentrated light which is hot and invasive; these laser can cut like a knife. Low-level lasers are non-invasive and painless.

Uses

LLLT is used for several different types of therapies, although exactly how is works is not well understood. It is used to pain relief, relief of inflammation from injury or chronic disease, wound healing, and even for hair growth.

There is real peer-reviewed science that supports its use for all these modalities. Since it’s painless and well tolerated by patients, it is becoming more and more common. It is an FDA-approved therapy.

What It Does

Low-level laser therapy applies light to body tissue, and the tissue absorbs it. The light causes changes within the cell biology to relieve inflammation. Only a very narrow range of light wavelengths is used: between 600 and 950 nanometers.

How Does It Feel?

It really doesn’t feel like much of anything. There is no pain, no heat, and no vibration. So, the fact that is works seems pretty amazing. Research into low-level laser therapy is ongoing, and there are currently many clinical trials available worldwide.

LLLT is one of several types of therapies that we offer. If you think that low-level laser therapy might be of benefit for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Total Care Health, based in Surrey, BC, offers science-based therapy in a compassionate environment. They have chiropractors, kinesiologists, physiotherapists, and massage therapists available to help you.

If you have any questions about this article, or you would like to book an appointment with one of our professionals, please call us at (604) 854-3090.