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Three Things You Should Know About Cold Laser Therapy

by Stephen Silva

Cold laser therapy, sometimes called low-level or low-power laser therapy, is a treatment for a variety of health problems that many people experience. It is used for therapeutic treatments by health professionals throughout the country. The following are a few things you should know about it.

This type of laser does not burn

The reason this therapy is referred to as cold is because the light from the laser is not sufficient to generate heat. This is different from other laser treatments that you may be familiar with. The laser device generates infrared wavelengths that are designed to interact with cells. This, in turn, provides a stimulus for your body to repair these damaged cells. There is no pain or discomfort associated with this type of therapy. The only sensation you will experience is with the laser device touching your skin.

There are many uses for this therapy

A wide range of medical professionals and physical therapists have found a productive use with this type of laser therapy. Physical therapists find use with muscle and ligament strains that may heal quicker and relieve pain during the healing process. There are ongoing pain issues that people have experienced relief, such as fibromyalgia. Many health professionals have used cold laser therapy to successfully reduce inflammation, including arthritis. But because it seems so effective with skin tissues, it is dermatologists that have found success as well. They have used cold laser therapy for conditions such as psoriasis, acne and dermatitis. How successful any of these treatments are will vary by patient.

Handheld devices are available for home use

You can purchase a cold laser therapy device that you can use at home. These are handheld devices that are safe when used properly. If you are currently undergoing treatment for pain or physical therapy, you may be a candidate for using such a device at; however, you should speak to your healthcare professional first to see if you may benefit from using a cold laser therapy handheld device. If you choose to buy one for pain relief as part of a pain management strategy, make sure to read and follow the instructions in the owner's manual.

Cold laser therapy gets its name due to the fact that the laser uses low-power wavelengths that do not produce heat in your tissue cells. There is no sensation felt from the laser, so there is no pain. Today, in the healthcare field, this type of laser therapy has found many uses with pain relief, healing and reducing inflammation. In addition, you can buy a handheld device for use at home. It is a good idea to discuss using one with your healthcare provider, but if you decide to use one, make sure to follow the instructions in your owner's manual.

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