OUR BLOG

Cold Laser Therapy

Art of Chiropractic is your Asheville chiropractor offering cold laser therapy to support the benefits of chiropractic care. We use an MR4 laser in our office to treat injuries by stimulating healing and reducing pain. Low level laser technology has been found to offer superior healing and pain-relieving effects compared to other electrotherapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, especially in dealing with chronic problems and in the early stages of acute injuries^1. With our laser, we can treat muscle, tendon, ligament, connective tissue, bone, nerve, and dermal tissues in a non-invasive, drug-free way. It is a complete light therapy using pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMP).

How does it work?

Low level laser therapy works by administering light photons, through the laser, to the connective tissue, bone, muscles, and more. The light is absorbed into the mitochondria of the cell and by the chromophores, which are the parts of your cell that are sensitive to light and generate oxygen. Following absorption of light within the cell, the energy is then converted into electromagnetic energy in the form of stronger molecular bonds. The physical effects you feel derive from changes to your cells’ ability to absorb nutrients. When they have the proper nutrients, they are then able to function properly. Immune cells such as macrophages, as well as skin cells, and even your nerve conduction rate are affected in positive and healing ways.

The most important effect from pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMF) therapy is found on the cellular transmembrane potential (TMP). Damaged and diseased cells are very low in TMP. Our modern lives are very stressful, and this can be toxic down to our very cells that make us up. Low TMP means the electromagnetic charge of each cell is low. When TMP is low, our cells can’t maintain health and you may experience disease, injury, or even chronic fatigue

Our laser uses different wavelengths depending on the area affected and type of injury. We treat chronic and acute damage differently. If we used the improper wavelength, nothing would happen. This is a highly calibrated instrument and our goal is to help you realize your maximum potential benefits. It is best used daily or every other day for 8-15 treatments.

Is it safe?

Is it safe? MR4 laser treatments are completely safe, drug-free, and non-invasive. It has been cleared by the FDA as well as CE certification, the mark of European safety. There are a few contraindications, such as pregnancy with the laser placed directly upon the abdomen, active cancer, and pace-maker users with the laser placed near the heart. There are very few conditions in which the laser would be unsafe. We also avoid shining the laser directly into the eyes.

What is used for?

At Art of Chiropractic, we treat many conditions with our cold laser. Common issues treated include rotator cuff injuries (new and chronic!), knee issues, acute damage such as bruising, sciatica pain, back pain, neck pain, ankle sprains and strains, sinus pain, and tendon damage. What won’t it do? You won’t gain superpowers. You won’t regrow limbs. We can’t stop hemorrhages, cure cancer, or make you more attractive. We CAN aid in the healing after traumatic events such as auto accidents. We CAN help your bones increase their healing power in the result of a break. We CAN help tendons recover more quickly.

Call us today to set up your first cold laser therapy session. As a bonus, your consultation and first session is absolutely free. If you have 45 minutes in your day for self-care at no risk to you, why not call Art of Chiropractic in Asheville to potentially change your life?

¹ Multi Level Medical FAQs