Denver Cold Laser

What is Cold Laser Therapy?

Cold Laser Therapy is used to describe the use of low level laser energy to stimulate the healing of tissue. The term "Cold Laser" is used to distinguish it from hot lasers, commonly used in surgery. This therapy is also commonly referred to as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT).

How does Cold Laser Therapy work?

Photon energy is penetrated into the tissue eliciting photochemical and photobiological responses. Photoreceptors respond to laser light causing a build-up of singlet oxygen. Singlet oxygen is a free radical that influences the formation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cells energy and fuel source. Increased ATP production leads to a cascade of reactions aiding the healing process, such as, increased cell metabolism and collagen synthesis, local effects on the immune system, and many other measured effects.

Are there any side effects?

Is Cold Laser Therapy Safe?

Can I use Cold Laser Therapy if I'm pregnant?

Most patients report that they do not feel anything while the treatment is being administered. A slight tingling or heat sensation may be experienced when the laser is used over sensitive areas such as lips or open wounds.

Yes, cold laser therapy is safe. The BioMed Laser™ meets all FDA laser safety and performance standard requirements and is a registered product of the FDA. The BioMed Laser™ is designed and manufactured following the highest manufacturing practices. The BioMed Laser™ is a class 3b laser.

Laser light is contraindicated for use over the pregnant uterus. It may, however, be used on the pregnant woman as an adjunct to other modalities used for the treatment of back pain or other complaints.

What's the history of Cold Laser Therapy?

The first paper, published in 1967, demonstrating that cells in culture can be stimulated by certain dosages of non-thermal laser light was written by Professor Endre Mester of Budapest. The same year Dr. Carney demonstrated an increase in collagen production in skin wounds with the same kind of laser.
Since then, there are more than 100 double-blind positive studies confirming the clinical effect of cold laser therapy. More than 2500 research reports are published. More than 90% of these studies do verify the clinical value of laser therapy.

Research and practice of cold laser therapy grew across Europe. The use of cold laser therapy as a medical modality was approved by the Japanese government in 1987.

The FDA approved cold laser therapy in the Spring of 2002 for the treatment carpal tunnel syndrome.

What's the difference between lasers and LEDs?

Lasers emit coherent light whereas light emitting devices (LEDs) emit non-coherent light. Coherent light has so far demonstrated better results then non-coherent light. The pain-relieving and healing effect in superficial wounds may be good for both coherent and non-coherent polarized light. However, the superiority of coherent light is shown to be relevant in treating bulk tissue; tissue that requires penetration through the skin.