Is Low-Level Laser Therapy Right for You?

If you’ve ever visited a chiropractic clinic or sports therapy clinic, you may have heard of the terms low-level laser therapy (LLLT), or cold laser therapy. While the word laser usually denotes images of light beams cutting through steel, low-level lasers provide perfectly safe and effective pain relief.

How Does Low Laser Therapy Work?

LLLT involves exposing tissue to low levels of red and near infrared (NIR) light, and is referred to as “low level” because of its use of light at energy densities that are low compared to other forms of laser therapy that are used for surgery, cutting and thermally heating tissue. LLLT appears to have a wide range of effects at the molecule, cell, and tissue levels. Within the cell, there is strong evidence to suggest that LLLT acts on the energy-making part of the cell (called mitochondria) to increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production which is then used as additional energy for cell repair. It has also been demonstrated that LLLT causes protein synthesis in the cell which then triggers a cascade of downstream effects including increased cell proliferation, modulating certain cell factors (cytokines, prostaglandins, etc.) that are related to inflammation, and affects nitric oxide release which is a potent smooth muscle dilator. LLLT is also used to treat pain and it is thought to do so by local site stimulation and release of serotonin and acetylcholine.

Who Would Benefit from Low-Laser Therapy?
If you suffer from joint and muscle pain, headaches, lower-back pain; chronic pain associated with arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, osteoarthritis, and pain associated with sports injuries, you’d be surprised by how quickly LLLT can help relieve your pain to give you a better quality of life. Most patients see results within five treatments.

Who Uses Low-Level Laser Therapy?
Chiropractors use LLLT to treat a variety of ailments, such as pain, nerve damage and tissue damage. Many people with chronic lower back pain and osteoarthritis have reported great improvements. Since its inception in 1960, LLLT has helped people all over the world. Low-level laser therapy is safe and effective for people of all ages and has been used as a primary pain solution for professional and Olympic athletes in Canada for over 20 years.

Who Should Not Use Low-Level Laser Therapy?
There are no known side effects of getting LLLT treatment. However, there are some areas of the body where LLLT is not recommended. Low-level lasers can interfere with tattoo ink, so it’s not recommended to use it in areas where you have tattoos. Lasers should never be used over the eyes or your thyroid gland. Before your LLLT session, be sure to tell us what sort of medications you are taking, as they may be affected by the treatment, especially light-sensitive medication.

Does Symtrio Chiropractic Offer Low-Level Laser Therapy?
Yes! Symtrio Chiropractic offers low-level laser therapy to our Kelowna patients. Our practice utilizes the Multi Radiance MR4 Therapeutic Laser, which is cleared by both Health Canada and the FDA. Our treatments take only minutes but provide long-term relief for your chronic pain. If you suffer from a long-standing ailment, LLLT may be your safe, effective, and non-invasive alternative to surgery. Book your appointment Online, or contact us to find out how cold laser therapy can provide you long-term relief.