As a persistent injury that refuses to heal, conditions like tennis elbow or rotator cuff tears can cause a great deal of frustration and disruption to daily life. Whether it’s a sports injury or a repetitive strain from work, chronic inflammation can make even simple movements painful. This fact sheet is designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of Cold Laser Therapy and how it may offer a non-invasive path to recovery.
In this article, Dr. Simon Nash (Chiropractor) discusses the benefits of Cold Laser Therapy and how it is used at Our Chiro Brisbane to treat various musculoskeletal conditions.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.
Table of Contents
- What is Cold Laser Therapy?
- How Does Cold Laser Therapy Work?
- Conditions Treated with Cold Laser
- The Patient Experience: What to Expect
- Why Choose Cold Laser?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Book a Consult with Our Chiro Brisbane
- References
- Video Transcript
What is Cold Laser Therapy?
A question that we get quite often at the clinic is, “What is cold laser therapy?” While the word “laser” might sound intimidating, this technology is actually a gentle, evidence-based tool used to accelerate the body’s natural healing processes.
“Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive, painless procedure using specific low intensity light wavelengths,” explains Dr. Nash. Unlike surgical lasers that use heat to cut tissue, cold laser (also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy or LLLT) uses light in the red to infrared spectrum to penetrate the skin without generating heat.
How Does Cold Laser Therapy Work?
The primary goal of this therapy is to interact with the cells in a way that triggers a biological response. When these specific wavelengths of light are applied to damaged tissue, they help to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.
“We use specific wavelengths on the red to infrared spectrum to stimulate cellular repair,” says Dr. Nash.
“It allows us to target the site of injury directly, helping to settle inflammation and get the healing process back on track.”
According to Cotler et al. (2015), LLLT works in part by decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential in dorsal root ganglion neurons, which reduces ATP production and is thought to contribute to neural blockade and pain relief.
Conditions Treated with Cold Laser
At Our Chiro Brisbane, we find that Cold Laser Therapy is particularly effective for chronic tendon issues where traditional treatments might have stalled.
Dr. Nash notes: “It’s a technique that we often use with a tendinitis or tendinosis.” Common conditions treated include:
- Tennis Elbow: Persistent pain on the outside of the elbow.
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: Shoulder pain that limits your range of motion.
- Frozen Shoulder: Significant stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Any localised area where persistent inflammation is preventing recovery.
The Patient Experience: What to Expect
One of the most common concerns for patients experiencing high levels of pain is whether the treatment will hurt. Dr. Nash is quick to reassure patients about the gentle nature of this technology.
“The reason or the advantage of it that patients like is that it’s completely painless,” he explains. “We just use it over the site. We use it over a few different treatments and we objectively measure the patient’s response to that.”
“When patients are in quite a bit of pain, we can use this pain-free laser,” Dr. Nash explains. “Because it doesn’t involve manual manipulation of the inflamed tissue, it is a fantastic first step for those who are too sensitive for traditional adjustments.”
Why Choose Cold Laser?
Peer-reviewed literature in the Journal of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine suggests that integrative, multimodal chiropractic care is more effective than usual medical care alone in reducing pain, improving range of motion, and enhancing overall health outcomes for patients with low back pain (Wong et al., 2023).
We don’t just “guess” if it’s working; we track your progress. As Dr. Nash says, “Usually we have really good results in those areas,” especially when we combine the laser with specific rehabilitation exercises tailored to your injury.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does the laser feel hot on my skin? A: No. Despite the name “laser,” it is referred to as “cold” because it does not produce heat. You won’t feel any burning or discomfort during the procedure.
Q2: How many sessions will I need? A: This varies depending on the chronicity of the injury. As Dr. Nash mentions, we use it over a few different treatments and objectively measure your response to find the ideal frequency for your recovery.
Q3: Is Cold Laser Therapy safe? A: Yes, it is a non-invasive, TGA-approved technology. It has been used for decades in sports medicine and clinical settings to reduce inflammation without the side effects of anti-inflammatory medications.
Q4: Can I use Cold Laser for a new injury? A: Absolutely. It is excellent for acute injuries to help manage swelling and pain immediately, as well as for chronic “osis” conditions where the tissue has failed to heal properly over time.
Q5: Will I still need a chiropractic adjustment? A: Not necessarily. Cold laser can be used as a standalone treatment or as part of a broader plan including mobilisation and exercise. We tailor the approach to what your body needs.
Book a Consult with Our Chiro Brisbane
We know how exhausting it is to deal with a “niggle” that has turned into a chronic limitation. Whether you can’t lift your arm to put on a shirt or you’ve had to stop playing the sport you love because of elbow pain, we understand the frustration of feeling like your body is letting you down.
At Our Chiro Brisbane, we pride ourselves on using the latest technology to get you back to your best. Our team will assess your injury, explain the science behind the treatment, and walk with you every step of the way toward recovery.
Ready to try a painless solution for your pain? Book an appointment with Our Chiro Brisbane today or 0732570399
References
Cotler, H. B., Chow, R. T., Hamblin, M. R., & Carroll, J. (2015). The use of low level laser therapy (LLLT) for musculoskeletal pain. MOJ Orthopedics & Rheumatology, 2(5), 00068. https://doi.org/10.15406/mojor.2015.02.00068
Video Transcript
Question that we get quite often is what’s cold laser therapy? So cold laser therapy is a non-invasive, painless procedure using specific low intensity light wavelengths. So on the red to infrared spectrum to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation and to help alleviate pain. Um, it’s a technique that we often use with a tendinitis or tendinosis. Um, for example, tennis elbow or rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, uh, the reason or the advantage of it that patients like is that it’s completely painless. So we just use it over the site. We use it over a few different treatments and we objectively measure the patient’s response to that. And usually we have really good results, um, in those areas.
This blog post was written and approved by Dr Simon Nash
Dr Simon Nash (M.Chiro, B.Chiro Sci.) is a chiropractor with over 20 years of clinical experience. He is a full professional member of Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) and Chiropractic Australia, and is AHPRA registered (CHI0000970189). Simon graduated from Macquarie University and is dual-registered to practise in Australia and Hong Kong.
He began his career in a multidisciplinary neurology-focused clinic in Sydney, developing a strong interest in treating headaches and migraines. Since 2006, he has operated Our Chiro Brisbane, now alongside his sisters Jessica and Rebecca.
Simon treats everyday injuries, workplace rehabilitation cases and complex presentations using a wide range of techniques. His sports medicine experience spans elite athletes including NRL and Rugby Union players, Olympians, and events like the Australian Open and Hong Kong 7s. He has also treated Guns N’ Roses during tour.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or replace professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a chiropractor, GP, or other qualified health professional regarding any medical condition or treatment.
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