Laser therapy, also known as low level laser therapy, is a treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue and is known to accelerate the healing process of a variety of clinical conditions. By definition, this type of therapy uses radiation intensities that induce minimal temperature elevation, if any. Low-energy lasers have been promoted as an effective way to produce pain relief.
Laser therapy is widely used for treatment of:
- Acute and chronic pain
- Ligament sprains
- Muscle strain
- Soft tissue injuries
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Tennis elbow
- Bursitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Lasers are handheld devices used by the doctor and are typically the size of a flashlight. The laser is placed directly over the injured area for 30 seconds to several minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated and the dose provided by the laser unit.
Laser therapy is one option among a variety of treatment approaches that can potentially alleviate pain symptoms without the use of surgery or drugs.