Frequently Asked Questions about Laser Therapy and Pain Management

Q: How does low level laser therapy (LLLT) work?

A: Light energy from low level lasers, also called cold lasers, penetrates into deep tissue and initiates a biochemical response that promotes healing and pain relief. LLLT stimulates damaged cells to produce a substance called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is used to maintain normal function and promote tissue repair, without affecting healthy cells.

Q: Is low level laser therapy safe?

A: Yes. Cold laser therapy has been used for more than 30 years, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pain management, and causes no known risks or side effects. Low level lasers are used by medical professionals, such as physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, who have undergone special training and are licensed by the state in which they practice. Light energy from low level lasers cannot cause burns or tissue damage. Protective eyewear is worn by the practitioner and the patient to protect the eyes during treatment.

Q: What are the benefits of low level laser therapy?

A: Advanced cold laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that provides fast, proven pain relief, utilizing the latest technology. Although the full benefits of LLLT may require several treatments, many patients experience an improvement in symptoms after just one treatment session.

Q: Who is a good candidate for laser therapy?

A: Low level laser therapy can be used to treat many types of acute pain and chronic pain, including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, and headache. Pain caused by injury or trauma (e.g., sprains, muscle strains); pain after surgery; and pain and inflammation caused by medical conditions, such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and reflex sympathetic disorder (RSD) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), often can be treated successfully using LLLT.

Q: Who should not receive LLLT?

A: Women who are pregnant and patients who have cancer should not be treated using laser therapy because the effects of laser energy on malignant tumors and unborn fetuses are unknown at this time.

Q: What does low level laser therapy involve?

A: Depending on the size of the area being treated, most laser therapy treatment sessions last about 5-10 minutes. Acute pain may be treated daily for about 1 week and chronic pain may require 2 or 3 treatments per week for several weeks or longer. Laser therapy usually is performed in an outpatient setting, such as a medical office. The procedure does not require anesthesia or a recovery period.

Q: Might other types of pain management be used in combination with laser therapy?

A: The goal of laser therapy is drug-free pain relief. This treatment may be used alone or with other treatments, such as physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic adjustment, neurostimulation, and/or biofeedback.