Columbia Gorge Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine sometimes uses a Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) device to speed up the healing process. Also known as “cold laser”, this therapy has been scientifically proven to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling, as well as accelerate the healing process by strengthening damaged tissue. Our experienced physical therapists treat a wide range of conditions with Low Level Laser Therapy, including:
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Back Pain |
TMJ |
Fibromyalgia |
Arthritis Osteo and Rheumatiod |
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Neck Pain |
Tendonitis |
Tennis Elbow |
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome |
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Muscle Pain |
Sinusitis |
Plantar Fasciitis |
Post Operative Healing |
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Contusions |
Bursitis |
Wound Healing |
Repetitive Stress Syndrome |
What is Cold Laser Therapy?
Low Level Laser Therapy harnesses and magnifies energy from the invisible spectrum of light to reach tissues up to two inches below the skin’s surface. This process delivers energy and therapeutic light into damaged cells, greatly accelerating the process of repair and healing.
Is it safe?
Yes! Low Level Laser Therapy has been used for over 20 years around the world. Hundreds of clinical studies and scientific papers have documented the effectiveness and safety of this therapy. The Federal Drug Administration has cleared this laser device for use in the United States.
How long does a treatment take?
Laser treatment may last as little as five minutes, or as long as 20 minutes. The total number of treatments is generally between 8 and 15 minutes, depending upon many factors, which your physical therapist will consider before treating you. It’s important to remember that an immediate relief of pain does not mean the condition is fully healed. So, if a course of therapy is suggested, completing all the prescribed treatments will improve your chances of long-term success.
When will I feel results?
The actual effect of laser therapy begins at the time of treatment, but generally only becomes noticeable several hours after the treatment. Some patients will feel pain relief and experience an increased range of motion right away. If the condition being treated is chronic and severe, it may take several treatment sessions to produce a noticeable result.
Are the results long lasting?
Laser therapy produces a healing effect in the cells and structures of the body. Unlike other therapies, which mask or cover up the condition, laser light is actually influencing your body to speed up and strengthen the healing process. The effect of laser therapy is not just temporary relief; it is cumulative over time. So the more treatments you have, the stronger and more permanent the effect will be. Because laser light interacts with the cells and a natural healing process is generated, the results are quite long lasting. In many cases, the problem may be permanently resolved.
What does Cold Laser Therapy feel like?
Most people feel nothing at all during the treatment session. Some patients will feel a slight tingling sensation brought on by the increased blood flow to the area being treated. The laser does not produce heat, so no burning sensation or warmth can be felt. Low Level Lasers are sometimes referred to as Cold Lasers or Soft Lasers.
