Cold Lasers...Credible or Cold Fusion

Cold Lasers...Credible Modality or Cold Fusion

Cold Lasers, aka Low Level Lasers, are an emerging trend in rehabilitation. Specifically in relation to the treatment of carpel tunnel and low back pain. Among the known effects of "Laser Therapy" are:

* Endorphin release

* Anti-inflammatory

* Increased enzyme production

* Facilitation of Cellular repair

* Increased ATP (Adenosine TriPhospate) production

* Increased blood flow

* Increased lymphatic flow

Clinical use of laser began in 1967, they have been used throughout Europe for years, and they are now FDA approved. Cold lasers are defined as such because they are low powered, and do not emit heat. Most of your patients will feel little or no sensation when they are being treated.

Cold lasers have been found to be effective for:

* Pain relief for low back pain, spondylosis, knee osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid conditions.

* Increasing the rate that soft tissue injuries and wounds heal. They are especially effective to treat Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.

In the University of Washington's double blind study on rheumatoid arthritis, cold laser therapy reduced pain by 70%, reduced morning stiffness, and increased flexibility relative to the placebo group.

The Institute of Spinal Disorders found low level lasers to be effective in the treatment of cervical spondylosis in combination with other modalities, as a part of physical therapy. The Bio-Medical Center of Musculoskeletal Disorders, with the Arthritis Resource Center determined that Cold Lasers were effective in the treatment of knee pain due to osteoarthritis even 8 weeks after the end of treatment.

Known contraindications include application near a cancerous area, near a fetus or thyroid gland (may increase thyroid activity). Though the mechanism is widely debated, it appears clear that for specific conditions Cold Laser can be a very effective modality for treatment of pain. I have personally seen dramatic and