Cold Laser Therapy for Arthritis: Can It Reduce Pain and Inflammation?

Arthritis comes in many forms, from osteoarthritis to rheumatoid arthritis, often resulting in chronic pain and decreased mobility. Patients and healthcare providers are searching for innovative ways to manage these symptoms. By targeting inflamed joints with light energy, cold laser therapy may provide relief without the side effects associated with some medications.

This blog will explore the science behind cold laser therapy for arthritis, how it compares to other treatments, and what patients can expect.

What Is Cold Laser Therapy?

Unlike high-power lasers in invasive procedures, cold lasers operate at much lower energy levels. They emit light in specific wavelengths that penetrate the skin without generating heat, called “cold” lasers.

The light energy is absorbed by cells, where it can promote biological changes that support tissue repair and reduce inflammation. Cold laser therapy is FDA-approved for specific conditions and is often used by chiropractors, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers to treat musculoskeletal issues, including arthritis.

How Cold Laser Therapy Works for Arthritis

Cold laser therapy targets arthritis symptoms: pain and inflammation. When the low-level laser light penetrates the skin, it stimulates cellular processes that can reduce inflammation and improve tissue repair.

In people with arthritis, inflammation occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissues or when wear and tear on cartilage triggers inflammatory responses. This inflammation contributes to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Cold laser therapy works by:

Reducing Inflammatory Markers: The laser light helps lower inflammatory chemical levels, reducing swelling and discomfort.
Promoting Cellular Repair: The light energy stimulates mitochondria within cells, enhancing their ability to product ATP (cellular energy). This supports the repair of damaged tissues and helps maintain healthier joints.
Modulating Pain Signals: The therapy may reduce pain sensation by interacting with nerve cells.

Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy for Arthritis

Patients often seek cold laser therapy because it offers several unique advantages compared to traditional treatments:

Noninvasive: There are no incisions, injections, or anesthesia required.
No Medications Needed: For individuals who prefer to avoid long-term medication use. Noninvasiverned about side effects, cold laser therapy provides a drug-free alternative.
Complementary to Other Treatments: This therapy can be used alongside physical therapy, medications, or other treatments, potentially enhancing overall outcomes.
Convenience: Sessions are typically quick, lasting around 10 to 20 minutes, and there’s no downtime afterward.

Cold Laser Therapy vs. Other Arthritis Treatments

How does cold laser therapy stack up against traditional arthritis treatments?

Medications: While pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can be effective, they often come with side effects, particularly when used long-term. Cold laser therapy doesn’t carry these risks and can be used as a standalone or supplemental treatment.
Physical Therapy: Physical and cold laser therapy improves mobility and reduces pain. They can be complementary, with laser therapy helping to make it easier to perform exercises.
Injections: Steroid injections are commonly used for arthritis flare-ups but can cause joint damage if used repeatedly. Cold laser therapy, by contrast, is noninvasive and doesn’t carry the same risk.
Surgery: It might be necessary for severe arthritis. However, cold laser therapy may help with noninvasive before surgery becomes the only option, potentially delaying the need for invasive procedures.

Relieve arthritis pain with cold laser therapy! Contact us today to get started.

What to Expect in a Cold Laser Therapy Session

A typical cold laser therapy session is straightforward and painless. Here’s what you can expect:

Initial Assessment: They’ll determine the best areas to target with the laser.
Treatment Process: During the session, you’ll sit or lie comfortably while the practitioner positions the laser device over the affected joints.
Duration: Most sessions last between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the size and number of treated areas.
No Recovery Time Needed: Once the session ends, you can resume your normal activities immediately.
Frequency: Patients may require multiple sessions—often two to three times a week for several weeks—to see significant improvements.

Who Can Benefit from Cold Laser Therapy?

Osteoarthritis Patients: Individuals with joint wear-and-tear may relieve pain and improve joint function.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: While cold laser therapy won’t stop the autoimmune process, it may help reduce the inflammation and pain associated with RA flare-ups.
Athletes with Joint Pain: Active individuals who experience joint pain from arthritis or repetitive use can use cold laser therapy to support recovery.
Those Seeking Noninvasive Options: Patients who want to avoid medications or surgery often turn to cold laser therapy as a safer, low-risk option.
Post-Surgical Recovery: Noninvasive therapy can help reduce post-operative inflammation and speed up healing after joint surgery.

Cost & Availability

Cold laser therapy costs vary depending on location, the provider’s expertise, and the required sessions. Some providers offer package deals or discounted rates for multiple treatments.

Coverage overage for cold laser therapy can be limited, but some policies may cover it if necessary. Check with your insurance company and provider to determine your out-of-pocket expenses.

Old laser therapy is widely available at chiropractic clinics, physical therapy centers, and some medical practices. Providers often recommend an initial consultation to assess whether you’re a good candidate and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

Cold laser therapy offers a promising approach to managing arthritis symptoms. It provides a noninvasive, drug-free alternative to traditional treatments.

While it may not entirely replace conventional arthritis treatments, cold laser therapy is a noninvasive addition to the toolkit for managing this chronic condition. It is worth exploring for patients searching for a gentle, effective option. If you want to learn more, consider scheduling a consultation with a reputable provider, like Active Family Chiropractic, to see if cold laser therapy is right for you.