As physicians we are always on the lookout for the best form of therapy for our patients. Laser technology is the newest of all therapeutic modalities and is starting to receive high accolades in the treatment of many physiological problems associated with injuries. Laser technology uses specific wavelengths of light in order to penetrate deep into the body’s tissue. Currently there are four widely accepted therapeutic benefits of laser therapy. These include the following:

• Biostimulation/Tissue Regeneration – Research shows that laser therapy helps aid the regeneration process that our body possesses naturally. When the light is projected into the tissue, it excites the energy factories of our cells called mitochondria. Mitochondria are responsible for the production of ATP which is what our cells use for energy. With the increased amount of ATP available, the tissues in the injured area have the ability to regenerate faster.
• Reduction of Inflammation – It is no secret that inflammation is one of the main causes of pain in the body. As the laser penetrates deep into the tissue, it allows the inflammatory chemicals that have built up in cells to be released and allows for nutritious molecules to flood into the cells. The laser also stimulates the venous and lymph system to dilate which allows the trapped fluid (swelling) to return to the heart more efficiently.
• Acute/Chronic Pain Reduction – Laser therapy causes the cells of the body to become more permeable allowing for the release of common pain mediators which include Substance-P, Nitric Oxide, Carbon Dioxide, and Lactic Acid. Laser therapy also has an effect on the nerves allowing them to operate optimally by providing ATP which is needed to transport much needed nutrients to nerve cell bodies.
• Antibacterial/Antiviral – White blood cells are the body’s natural defense to anything foreign in the body. The subcategories include cells that are responsible for the fight against viruses, bacteria, allergens, parasites and others. Laser therapy gives the immune system the energy needed to make antibodies more quickly by stimulating ATP production. The laser also helps with dilation of the lymphatic system which is where white blood cells are housed until called into action.

An important fact to note about laser technology is that the therapeutic benefits can be localized to the site of injury. By reducing pain and inflammation the patient will not have to depend on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, aspirin, and ibuprofen which all have an effect on the entire body. If you would like to learn more about laser technology and what it can do for you then give the doctors at Cole Chiropractic Clinic a call for a FREE consultation.