Laser therapy is a modern treatment used in chiropractic care. It helps reduce pain, heal injuries, and improve mobility. This non-invasive method uses light energy to boost the body’s natural healing process.
A laser therapy chiropractor offers laser therapy to help patients recover without the need for medication or surgery. This laser therapy in chiropractic care is also known as low-level laser therapy or cold laser therapy. It’s completely safe and does not cause pain. Patients with chronic pain, joint issues, or muscle injuries often benefit from this safe yet advanced approach.
How Does Laser Therapy Work?
Laser therapy works by using specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the body’s cells. When applied to the skin, the light energy reaches deep into tissues. The cells absorb this energy, which increases their ability to repair and regenerate. This process is called photobiomodulation.
Here’s what laser therapy does inside the body:
- Reduces inflammation by lowering the production of harmful molecules.
- Speeds up tissue healing by boosting cell function.
- Relieves pain by reducing nerve sensitivity.
- Improves circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to damaged areas.
This therapy helps the body recover faster and provides long-term relief from pain and discomfort in a short amount of time. Depending on your condition, you may either feel better in one session or might need multiple sessions. In any case, differences can be noticed from the very first session.
What Conditions Can Laser Therapy Treat?
Chiropractors use laser therapy to treat a wide range of conditions.
Some of the most common ones include:
Chronic Pain Conditions
Laser therapy is effective for patients with long-term pain. It helps relieve discomfort in patients with conditions like arthritis, lower back pain, and fibromyalgia. By reducing inflammation and promoting healing, it provides lasting relief.
Muscle and Joint Injuries
Sports injuries, muscle strains, and joint pain heal faster with laser therapy. It helps repair torn muscles, tendons, and ligaments quickly. A significant number of athletes use laser therapy to recover quickly in order to continue training optimally.
Sciatica and Nerve Pain
Laser therapy is useful for treating sciatica, neuropathy, and carpal tunnel syndrome. It reduces pressure on nerves and decreases swelling, which helps with pain and numbness.
Joint Disorders
People with knee osteoarthritis, shoulder pain, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) benefit from laser therapy. It improves joint movement and reduces stiffness.
Post-Surgical Recovery
Laser therapy is often recommended after surgery to speed up healing. Laser therapy in chiropractic care minimizes swelling and pain while promoting tissue repair.
Key Benefits of Laser Therapy
Non-Invasive and Drug-Free
Laser therapy does not require surgery or medication. The non-invasive approach is a natural treatment that helps the body heal itself, making it popular.
Quick and Effective Relief From Discomfort
Many patients notice relief from various types of discomfort, including pain, after just a few sessions from a renowned laser therapy chiropractor. Some feel better immediately, while others improve over time.
Complements Chiropractic Adjustments
Laser therapy enhances the effects of spinal adjustments by reducing muscle tightness and inflammation.
Minimal Side Effects
Unlike medications, laser therapy has no serious side effects. It’s safe for people of all ages.
Customizable Treatment Plans
Chiropractors are able to adjust the intensity and duration of laser therapy based on the patient’s needs. This ensures an effective and customized treatment that offers the best possible results.
What Happens During a Laser Therapy Session?
Initial Consultation
Before treatment of laser therapy in chiropractic care, the chiropractor evaluates the patient’s condition. They determine whether laser therapy is the right option.
The Treatment Process
- The chiropractor applies a handheld laser device to the affected area.
- Every chiropractic laser therapy session typically lasts between five to fifteen minutes.
- Patients may feel a gentle warming sensation, but no pain.
After the Session
- While some people feel immediate relief, others improve gradually.
- There is no recovery time required.
- Patients can resume normal activities right after treatment.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
The number of sessions required depends on the condition being treated.
- For acute injuries, three to six sessions may be enough.
- Chronic conditions may need ten to twenty sessions.
- Maintenance therapy may be required for long-term relief.
Patients should follow their chiropractor’s recommendations to achieve the best results.
Is Laser Therapy Safe?
Laser therapy is FDA-approved and has been tested for safety. It does not cause harm when used correctly. The light used in this treatment is low-intensity, so there is no risk of burns or tissue damage.
A vast majority of patients tolerate laser therapy well. However, it’s important to receive treatment from a trained chiropractor to ensure proper application.
Who Should Avoid Laser Therapy?
Although laser therapy is safe, it may not be suitable for everyone. It’s not recommended for:
- Pregnant women, especially over the abdominal area.
- People with active cancer, as the laser may stimulate cell growth.
- Patients with epilepsy, since light exposure may trigger seizures.
- Individuals taking certain medications that cause light sensitivity.
Before starting treatment, patients should discuss any of their prevalent medical conditions with their chiropractor.
Common Myths About Laser Therapy
Laser Therapy is Painful
Many people think laser therapy will hurt, but it’s actually painless. However, patients might feel a mild, warming sensation that doesn’t cause discomfort.
Laser Therapy is Only for Athletes
While athletes use laser therapy in chiropractic care to recover from injuries, it’s not just for them. It helps anyone with muscle pain, joint issues, or nerve discomfort.
Results Take a Long Time
Some patients feel relief after one session. Others may need several treatments, but improvement usually happens quickly.
It’s Not Backed by Science
Laser therapy is supported by research and used by medical professionals worldwide. Many studies confirm its effectiveness.
Should You Try Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy is a great option for people looking for a safe, drug-free way to manage pain and recover from injuries. It provides fast relief and works well with chiropractic care.
If you are struggling with chronic pain, joint issues, or muscle injuries, consider talking to a chiropractor about laser therapy. It may be the solution you need to feel better and move more easily.
If you are looking for an experienced chiropractor in Kelowna for laser therapy, you should check out the right chiropractic care in Kelowna at LifeWorks Family Chiropractic. They offer one of the best chiropractic services,and more. The company has been around for more than ten years and has a highly experienced team that can support your family on your healing journey.