Non-invasive laser therapy is revolutionizing pain management and tissue healing across numerous medical fields. By utilizing focused light energy, this cutting-edge treatment offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods like surgeries, which require significant recovery time and present the risk of complications or potentially dangerous drug therapies that may only mask the pain.
From sports injuries to chronic pain management, its applications continue to expand, offering a safer and more effective alternative to traditional therapies. But how does it work, and what makes it so effective? Understanding the science behind it can help practitioners make informed decisions about its benefits and potential drawbacks.
What Is Non-invasive Laser Therapy?
It’s a treatment method that uses laser light to treat acute or chronic body injuries without requiring invasive surgery. Instead, lasers are applied at the skin's surface to promote healing, enhance circulation, and reduce inflammation at the cellular level.
While they are already being used to successfully treat a diverse range of musculoskeletal conditions, easing pain and speeding recovery times, their potential applications continue to grow.
They’re also used in specializations like brain injury, spinal cord damage, diabetes, dentistry, and even cosmetically for skin rejuvenation, fat reduction, and body contouring.
How Does Non-invasive Laser Therapy Work?
A practitioner will hold a therapy wand over the treatment area, which may be held just above the skin's surface or in direct contact with it, depending on the treatment method used. This delivers focused light energy to the targeted tissues using various powers and wavelengths of light.
Higher-power lasers penetrate deeper tissues, while lower-power methods treat more superficial conditions. The wavelengths also affect treatment depth, with those in the 600 to 700nm range being best for superficial conditions and those between 800 and 1000nm for deeper tissues.
Laser therapies work through a process known as photobiomodulation. In photobiomodulation, light energy penetrates the targeted tissues and is absorbed by mitochondria within the cells. It triggers biochemical reactions that enhance cellular function.
As a result, it induces cell proliferation and enhances stem cell differentiation, microcirculation, collagen production, and tissue, nerve, and bone regeneration, all working together to enhance healing and significantly speed recovery times.
It also reduces inflammation, which further promotes healing, reduces pain, and improves the range of movement.
Benefits of Non-invasive Laser Therapy
There are numerous benefits of laser therapy. Notice that most of these benefits work together to promote healing and relieve pain, significantly improving patient care and comfort.
- Offers precision targeting of treatment areas.
- Increases metabolic activity of the cells.
- Stimulates cellular regeneration and promotes healing of tissues.
- Stimulates nerve regeneration.
- Stimulate the production of fibroblasts and collagen.
- Stimulates bone formation, accelerating healing.
- Enhances peripheral microcirculation.
- Stimulates the immune system.
- Speeds recovery times.
- Minimizes scarring from injuries and surgery.
- Detoxifies and eliminates trigger points.
- Improves vascular activity.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Relaxes muscles, including spasms.
- It provides pain relief by promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
- Triggers natural endorphins, further easing pain and discomfort.
- Increases joint flexibility and range of motion by promoting healing and circulation and reducing inflammation.
- Reduces symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Drawbacks of Non-Invasive Laser Therapy
There are only a few drawbacks to this non-invasive treatment modality, which can create issues in specific circumstances.
- There is a risk of eye damage, but this risk is extremely low if the patient and practitioners wear safety glasses designed to protect the eyes.
- When using very high-power Class 4 lasers (i.e., at least 30W), there is a risk of burning the skin if the wand is not being continuously moved. However, Class 4 lasers tend to be highly versatile. While many practitioners use them in the 5 to 10W range, they can be switched to a higher power if needed. Class 3B and lower do not have this risk as these are cold lasers.
- With Class 3B and below, the cold lasers, direct skin contact is usually required and may be needed for a prolonged period, which can cause bruising in sensitive patients. Class 4 needs minimal to no direct contact with the skin to work.
- Multiple sessions may be required to achieve noticeable results, particularly for cold lasers.
- Some insurance plans may not yet cover it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Non-invasive Laser Work?
Yes, non-invasive lasers work very well to help promote healing, reduce inflammation, and provide significant pain relief in many conditions and patients without the need for invasive surgeries or potentially dangerous drug therapies.
Final Thoughts
Noninvasive laser therapies offer a powerful, drug-free solution for pain relief and healing, making them invaluable tools in modern healthcare. By stimulating cellular repair and reducing inflammation, they provide targeted treatment for a wide range of conditions, from musculoskeletal injuries to chronic pain management.
While safety precautions, such as eye protection and proper dosage settings, are necessary, the overall benefits far outweigh the minimal risks. As more clinics and practitioners adopt this technology, patients can access a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment option to support their recovery and overall well-being.
If you’re ready to elevate your clinic and improve patient care with laser therapy equipment, contact the helpful staff at Maven Imaging.
