Skokie Chiropractor Utilizes Cold Laser Therapy for Pain Relief

Cold laser therapy might sound like something out of science fiction, but it has been providing pain relief and aiding in injury treatment for almost thirty years. This therapy uses a focused beam of laser light with a specific wavelength that penetrates the skin and reaches muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and other tissues. The laser light promotes cell regeneration and healing. Skokie chiropractor Dr. Yim is an expert in using the FDA-approved Erchonia cold laser therapy machine.

How Does Cold Laser Therapy Work?

Low-level laser or “cold laser therapy” employs an infrared light wavelength that stimulates photoreceptors within the mitochondria (the cell’s energy generators). Tissues damaged by injury or chronic inflammation have mitochondria that struggle to produce energy. Exposure to cold laser therapy reactivates these cellular generators, initiating several healing processes:

  • Regenerates damaged cells, speeding up tissue repair
  • Enhances circulation
  • Reduces inflammation and bruising
  • Stimulates endorphin production for pain relief

When combined with chiropractic care, which enhances the nervous system’s ability to direct healing resources, cold laser therapy can accelerate the healing process at the injury site. This comprehensive approach significantly reduces recovery time.

What Does Cold Laser Therapy Feel Like?

Cold laser therapy is very comfortable. Unlike “hot” lasers used in laser surgery, the low-level laser does not produce heat. The therapy involves using a smooth probe that emits the light, gently applied over the injured or treated area. Sessions typically last between a few minutes to 15 minutes. Initially, a few sessions per week may be recommended, gradually decreasing to maintenance sessions as recovery progresses. This therapy works excellently alongside chiropractic care to enhance injury healing.

Cold Laser Therapy for Injury Treatment and Pain Relief

Cold laser therapy is a highly effective treatment for various injuries and conditions, including:

  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Whiplash
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Joint pain and inflammation
  • Arm pain
  • Knee pain (Chondromalacia patella and other causes)
  • Tendonitis and Tenosynovitis
  • Ligament injuries
  • Sprains and strains
  • Skin conditions (burns, dermatitis, acne, etc.)
  • Bursitis
  • Elbow pain
  • Wounds, sores, and leg ulcers
  • Hematomas
  • Myofascial trigger points

Schedule an appointment with our Skokie pain management specialist and chiropractor, Dr. Yim, today to discover how cold laser therapy can help you achieve relief.