Laser therapy is a modern approach to managing pain, offering a non-invasive and drug-free solution to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.
Harnessing advanced photobiomodulation technology, laser therapy is a versatile tool for treating a wide range of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions while providing treatment options to those who may not be suitable for invasive approaches.
Understanding how laser therapy works, its applications, and its advantages can help clinicians make informed decisions about incorporating it into their clinics and patients’ treatment plans.
What Is Laser Therapy?
It’s a medical treatment that uses a handheld applicator to apply lasers in near-infrared wavelengths between 660nm and 905nm at the sight of pain or injury. It results in photobiomodulation, where these wavelengths of light are absorbed by the mitochondrion in dormant cells in the skin, soft tissues, and bones, stimulating energy production at the cellular level.
It also increases blood circulation in the area, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing at the cellular level in muscles, soft tissues, tendons, nerves, and bones. It makes it an invaluable tool when used independently or as a complement to traditional physical treatment modalities.
Five different classes of lasers are used in medical treatments. Cold or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) includes classes 1, 2, 3a, and 3b. These use lower energy intensities that produce no heat. Class 4 uses higher-intensity lasers with output powers greater than 0.5 Watts.
The greater energy intensity produces heat during treatment that’s typically warm rather than hot, providing an additional soothing effect on muscles and soft tissues. Class 4 is generally considered a much more efficient dose that better stimulates healing, especially for musculoskeletal conditions.
Applications of Laser Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain
It offers a noninvasive and drug-free alternative to conventional treatments. It reduces pain and inflammation, stimulates healing, enhances mobility and flexibility, and reduces muscle tightness and spasms. These factors combined reduce recovery time, making it useful for a wide range of conditions.
It works particularly well for sprains, sports injuries, and other over-use injuries, as well as any inflammation from overuse or injury, muscle strains, tendonitis, arthritis, bursitis, bone non-unions, any type of acute and chronic pain conditions in the musculoskeletal system, and for post-surgical healing.
Benefits of Laser Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain
Scientific studies have shown that Class IV lasers reduce pain while improving functionality, range of motion, and quality of life. Here are some additional benefits of Class IV lasers.
Non-Invasive and Drug-Free
Non-invasive treatments are always preferable over surgery or drugs, which may not be an option for certain patients. Surgeries are invasive, expensive, and require extensive recovery time.
Drug treatments like NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and other anti-inflammatory drugs carry side effects, and the current opioid pandemic has shown the necessity for alternatives to addictive painkillers. Conversely, lasers are a non-invasive and drug-free outpatient procedure with little risk of side effects or contraindications and no recovery time needed from the procedure itself.
Inflammation Reduction
Lasers are routinely used to reduce inflammation, swelling, and edema in the body, with effects noticeable within hours or days. This simultaneous reduction of inflammation and pain helps improve the mobility and flexibility of joints and muscles. It can also improve the efficacy of traditional physical treatments, leading to better patient outcomes.
Versatility
Lasers are a versatile treatment option since they can be used independently or alongside traditional therapies. It’s a quick outpatient procedure and can easily be moved from one room to another in a clinic setting or even used in mobile clinics. It can even be used pre- and post-surgery to help control pain and inflammation and speed recovery.
Soft Tissue Recovery
Lasers stimulate cellular energy production and blood circulation in damaged tissues while also increasing the production of growth factors that help regenerate nerves and stimulate the production of fibroblasts, which promote collagen production. These treatment results work together to significantly enhance the healing of injuries in soft tissues.
Bone Regeneration
Laser treatments can also significantly contribute to bone regeneration. Research has shown that they stimulate bone cells, allowing them to heal considerably faster than without them.
Laser Therapy vs. Other Pain Management Therapy
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound therapy has been traditionally used to treat musculoskeletal disorders. It acts as a counterirritant, temporarily increasing circulation and stimulating the release of endorphins. However, the effects are temporary, and they don’t induce healing at the cellular level.
Research has shown that Class 4 lasers offer more prominent pain relief and recovery from lumbar discopathy after three weeks of treatment than ultrasound can. Other studies have demonstrated that lasers work significantly better than ultrasound when treating shoulder and lower back discomfort.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapies use high-energy sound waves to treat soft tissue injuries, including both shallow and deep tendon and ligament injuries. Its effects are similar to lasers in that they reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to the damaged tissues; however, shockwaves also break down scar tissues and calcifications to promote healing.
Both modalities are beneficial and can be used together since each has its particular areas of effectiveness. For instance, lasers promote faster healing and also work for bone regeneration. Shockwave therapies work best for soft tissues and are more effective in treating chronic tendon conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Laser Therapy Really Work for Muscle Pain?
Yes, it works for muscle pain. It reduces inflammation, stimulates cellular healing, and moderates pain signals in the body, all of which work together to provide longer-term relief.
Final Thoughts
Laser therapy is transforming the treatment of musculoskeletal pain by providing a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option for the relief of discomfort and more rapid recovery. Reducing inflammation, promoting blood circulation, and stimulating cellular metabolism can significantly enhance bone and soft tissue healing, offering numerous benefits that improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Contact Maven Imaging for advanced Class IV laser therapy equipment and explore how this innovative technology can elevate your clinic’s offerings.
