Cold Laser Therapy In Bethesda MD

What is a “Cold Laser”?

Cold Laser Therapy, also known as Low Level Laser Therapy, is a cutting edge FDA approved technology with mounting research supporting its effective use in treating musculoskeletal pain conditions. There are 4 classes of Lasers that have been FDA approved for therapeutic use. The higher the class, the higher energy the laser is. In our office we solely use class III and class IV laser due to their higher strength, effectiveness and fast results. In general, class III is used for smaller pressure point areas, while class IV is used for larger, more diffuse areas. All devices in our office are FDA approved for therapeutic use.

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Why is it called “Cold Laser”?

Unlike surgical lasers, whose purpose is to ablate (destroy) tissue, therapeutic lasers are designed to stimulate tissues and tissue processes. The frequency and wavelength of laser light that is emitted is designed to penetrate through the skin and deep into the muscle, joint and other soft tissues. Because temperature sensors are in your skin but not in the underlying tissue, little to no heat is felt during the treatment.

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How does it work?

Cold laser therapy works by stimulating cellular pathways that in turn elicit the positive responses listed below:

• Anti-inflammatory: Cold laser therapy stimulates the production of nitrous oxide, which is responsible for aiding in the reabsorption of inflammatory fluid.
• Improved Circulation: Causes vasodilation, which increases blood flow to the area, allowing oxygen and other healing elements to reach the site of injury.
• Pain Reliever: Removes the pain signal at is source: The Nerves. It does this by helping to balance the sodium and potassium along the nerve cell, which in turn shuts down the pain signal. Because of this, cold laser therapy can be especially effective in conditions involving the nerve, including sciatica, tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Stimulates Healing: The last and most unique property of cold laser therapy is the stimulation of ATP production within the mitochondria of the cell. ATP is the molecule that your body uses for every cellular process. By stimulating ATP production, much needed energy is made available in the cell which speeds up healing.

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Is it safe?

While generally considered safe, Cold laser therapy should only be administered by a trained healthcare professional. Our practitioners have the proper credentialing and are aware of the proper use, risks and contraindications.

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Is it painful?

Cold laser therapy should not be painful. The majority of our patients experience no sensation at all during treatment, but some common experiences from our patients include a gentle warming sensation or a mild tingling sensation.

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How do I know if I’m a good candidate?

If you think you could benefit from Cold Laser Therapy, the first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our clinicians. This will give them an opportunity to take a full health history and evaluation and find out if you are a good candidate for this type of treatment.

Don’t Wait, Call Montgomery County Chiropractic Today at (301) 907-6533!