Cold Laser Therapy FAQ

A cold laser looks something like a flashlight. During treatment the therapist will point the cold laser over the source of the problem for up to 15 minutes. During this time the laser will emit a red light which does not produce heat. Cold laser therapy is a painless treatment. Most patients report feeling nothing at all during treatment though a few do feel a minor tingling.

Over 2500 research reports on cold laser therapy have been published. Of these, more than 90% verify the clinical effectiveness of laser therapy and its value as a treatment.

No side effects have been reported in the clinical trials or current clinical literature on cold laser therapy.

Low-level lasers aren’t experimental tools, they’ve been used successfully in the medical field for over 30 years and the FDA defines then as a “non-significant” risk.

Cold laser therapy has been found to improve the condition of injured soft tissue (muscles, tendons and ligaments) and relieve both acute and chronic pain. It's helpful for treating many chronic-pain conditions such as arthritis, back pain, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and fibromyalgia. Other positive effects of cold laser therapy include:

• Boosts the immune system
• Develops collagen
• Helps rebuild muscle tissue
• Generates healthy new cells
• Increases the speed of tissue repair
• Increased blood supply
• Reduces inflammation
• Speeds wound healing and promotes clot formation
• Stimulates nerve functions 

The number of treatments required for each patient’s specific problem depends on their injury and can be determined after a thorough assessment by our doctor. There is no set amount, though an FDA study recommends 15 sessions. Some patients respond quickly to cold laser therapy and feel their symptoms are relieved after only a few visits and some patients require more.

No, cold laser treatments are non-invasive and drug-free. Our chiropractor may recommend cold-laser as part of a multi-approach treatment plan along with some of our other chiropractic services, or it may be suggested as a stand-alone therapy.

Treatment prices depend on many factors such as how many treatments are recommended and what other services you’re receiving. Our friendly staff at Orinda Chiropractic Center will be happy to discuss treatment costs with you before any appointments are scheduled.

Please call our office today to schedule an appointment or to ask more questions about the benefits of cold laser therapy.