Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Laser Therapy
Does it hurt?
There is little or no sensation during cold laser treatment.
What does the cold laser treatment feel like?
Occasionally one feels a mild, soothing warmth or tingling sensation. It is very subtle energetic light therapy and completely painless.
Are there any side effects or associated risks?
During more than 20 years of the cold laser use by healthcare providers all over the world, very few side effects have ever been reported. In the extremely rare case that a patient is allergic to light, then they may get a rash or blister, which goes away within a few days. Occasionally some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated, indicating the body’s need for a “healing crisis” as the healing response is more active after treatment. This type of reaction, while uncomfortable, tends to support the healing process overall, as more energy and blood circulation work their way through the body. Any such discomfort tends to clear in a couple hours or days, depending on the individual. Other than that, the vast majority of users experience a myriad of positive benefits free from the use of drugs and surgery. Cold Laser therapy is extremely safe with very few contraindications.
What are the contraindications of Cold Laser Therapy?
Irradiation Of The Eyes: Cold lasers are potentially harmful to the retina. Although accidental retinal damage is highly unlikely, it is recommended that laser protective eye-wear, with the correct filter for the wavelength and power being used, be worn.
Pregnancy: Laser is NOT contra-indicated for use over the pregnant uterus, however it should be used with caution. It is ideal as an adjunct to other modalities used for the treatment of back pain or other complaints.
Carcinoma: Do not use the laser over any known primary or secondary lesions.
Thyroid: Laser should not be used over the thyroid gland.
Hemorrhage: It is conceivable that laser-mediated vasodilatation may worsen the hemorrhage.
Steroid Injections: Patients may suffer an exacerbation of symptoms after laser therapy in conjunction with a recent steroid injection. For this reason laser should be used with caution following a steroid injection on or near the same site. We usually wait 2 weeks after the injection.
Anti-Coagulants: It is possible that probe pressure may cause slight bruising after treatment.
Anti-Inflammatories: Patients taking anti-inflammatories for acute soft tissue injuries may not respond as quickly to laser therapy as those who are not. Ideally, we would suggest a combination of ice and laser therapy without the use of an anti-inflammatory.
Pins, Metal Plates and Plastics are Not Contraindicated: Laser may be safely used over stitches, as well as pacemakers, metal implants, pins, plates and plastics.
Tattoos and Other Pigmented Tissues: Dark pigments, such as tattoos and melanin, may absorb light at the wavelengths used in laser therapy. Where probes with high power densities are in use, the absorption of laser energy by these pigments may cause localized heating, and subsequent discomfort or injury, of the irradiated tissue.
How long does each treatment take?
The typical treatment duration is 5-15 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated and the condition being treated. The MR4 Super Pulsed laser comes with comprehensive user and protocol manuals to allow owners to receive maximum benefits. Your treatment visit should not be longer than 30 minutes.
How many different types of conditions can be treated with cold laser therapy?
There are over 300 conditions that respond well to cold laser or low level laser therapy including: back pain, sciatica, neck pain, spinal osteochondrosis, frozen shoulder, radial carpal (wrist) arthritis, ankle joint arthritis/arthrosis, hip joint arthrosis/arthritis, cervical spine pain/sprain and strain, hip tendonitis, acute patellar tendonitis, calcaneal spur, cervical strain, elbow joint injuries, lumbar pain hip sprain, wrist sprain, knee pain, tennis elbow, disc herniation, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fascitis, ACL sprains, contusions, hematomas, biceps tendonitis, trigeminal neuralgia and much more.
How often should the patient be treated?
While benefits and pain relief are often noticed after the first 1-3 treatments, depending on what’s being treated, ongoing treatments tend to produce better and longer lasting results. Acute conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they are accompanied by significant pain. More chronic problems respond better when treatments are received 2-3 times per week tapering off to once per week or once every other week, with improvement.
How many treatments does it take?
This depends upon the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions, 1-6 treatments may suffice. Those of a more chronic nature may require 10-15 (or more) treatments. Conditions such as severe arthritis may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.
How long before the results are felt?
You may feel improvement in your condition (usually pain reduction) after the very first treatment. Sometimes you will not feel improvement for a number of treatments. This does not mean that nothing is happening. Each treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after 3-4 sessions. The rule of thumb for chronic conditions is that you should start feeling improvement after you have had one treatment per decade you have been alive. For example: a 40 year old with a chronic condition should start feeling improvement after their forth treatment. Very often acute conditions are improved after the first treatment.
Can it be used along with other forms of treatment?
Yes. Laser therapy is often used with other forms of therapy, including physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, massage, soft tissue mobilization and electrotherapy. It is also used after surgery. Other healing modalities are complementary and can be used with cold laser to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
How long has the MR4 Super Pulsed laser systems been in use around the world?
The manufacturers of MR4 Super Pulsed laser systems have been serving customers for 20 years with leading edge therapeutic laser technology.
Is cold laser therapy well documented?
YES, it is supported by over 4,000 clinical studies around the world in over 30 countries, with a proven track record of nearly 40 years.
Who uses the MR4 Super Pulsed Cold laser therapy systems?
In addition to tens of thousands of private home users, this cold laser system is used in 3,000+ hospitals, in 10,000+ private practices, in 30 countries. They are also used by professional and Olympic athletes.