Chiropractic laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or cold laser therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to promote healing and alleviate pain. This technique is widely used by chiropractors to address various conditions by stimulating cellular repair and reducing inflammation.
What can Chiropractic Laser Therapy treat?
Laser treatment can be used in different spheres:
First of all, Chiropractic Laser Therapy is the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. It is particularly effective for chronic and acute conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain. It can also aid in managing joint discomfort caused by arthritis, as the laser stimulates cartilage regeneration and eases inflammation. Additionally, laser therapy is often used for soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tendonitis, by accelerating the healing process and reducing swelling.
Secondly, nerve-related issues, including sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome, are also common conditions treated with laser therapy. The light energy penetrates deep into the tissues, promoting circulation and reducing nerve sensitivity. This can lead to significant pain relief and improved function over time.
Furthermore, chiropractic laser therapy is beneficial for wound healing and tissue repair. It is sometimes used for post-surgical recovery or to treat diabetic ulcers and other chronic wounds, enhancing blood flow and cellular activity.
Athletes also frequently use laser therapy to recover from sports injuries, as it can reduce downtime by speeding up the body's natural repair mechanisms. It is also applied for conditions like plantar fasciitis and frozen shoulder, which can be challenging to treat with traditional methods.
The main benefits of chiropractic laser therapy
As it was mentioned before, laser therapy can help with different kinds of pain and injures, but how’s it better than medication treatment? Here’re key benefits of this innovative therapy:
- Reduction of Inflammation
Inflammation is a common response to injury or chronic conditions like arthritis. Chiropractic laser therapy reduces swelling by improving circulation to the affected area, which promotes faster recovery and reduces discomfort.
- Accelerated Healing and Tissue Repair
One of the most significant benefits of laser therapy is its ability to enhance cellular regeneration. The laser stimulates mitochondria within cells, increasing ATP production, which fuels tissue repair and accelerates healing.
- Improved Blood Circulation
Laser therapy promotes the formation of new capillaries, improving blood flow to damaged tissues. This increased circulation brings essential nutrients and oxygen to the area, aiding in quicker recovery.
- Non-Invasive and Drug-Free Treatment
Chiropractic laser therapy is completely non-invasive and does not require the use of medications. This makes it a safe option for individuals looking to avoid surgery or pharmaceutical interventions.
- Versatility in Treating Conditions
Laser therapy can address a wide range of issues, including back pain, neck pain, arthritis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and sports injuries. Its adaptability makes it a popular choice for chiropractors.
Types of laser used in chiropractic therapy
In chiropractic therapy, two primary types of laser devices are used: Class 3B lasers and Class 4 lasers. The main difference between them, is the power output. Class 4 have a single laser diode power output exceeding 500 milliwatts (0.5 watts), often reaching tens of watts (e.g., 10W-30W). The higher power allows for deeper tissue penetration and the generation of heat, which may lead to a warming sensation in the tissue. This can enhance patient comfort and provide additional therapeutic benefits, such as improved blood flow. It makes them suitable for more intense therapeutic applications.
Class 3B lasers operate at a single diode lower power level which typically is between 5 milliwatts and 500 milliwatts. They do not produce heat and are primarily used for photobiomodulation without causing any thermal effects. This makes them safer for treating sensitive areas but limits their capacity to treat deeper tissues effectively.
The treatment time is also different, Class 4 Laser Treatments are generally quicker because of the higher power, often taking just a few minutes to deliver the necessary dose of energy.
Class 3B Laser Treatment sessions take longer since the lower power requires more time to achieve similar therapeutic effects.
The choice between a Class 4 and a Class 3B laser depends on the type of conditions being treated and the chiropractor’s expertise. Class 4 lasers are more versatile and effective for a wider range of conditions but require careful handling due to their power and associated risks.
The Best Class 4 Laser for Chiropractic
With the progress of new techologies, Chiropractors started to use 4 Lasers, which are much faster than Class 3B Lasers because they typically use fiber optics. Due to their high power output, Class 4 lasers often generate a warming sensation in the treated tissue. This warmth is typically pleasant for patients, enhancing their comfort and confidence in the procedure.
Some of the top-rated options for chiropractic practices include:
- K Laser Eltech Class 4 Laser
$19,990 - $45,000
K Laser Eltech 12 - 30 watt Tri/Quad wavelength offer 3 or 4 different wavelengths that can be used simultaneously or independently. The only issue is that laser’s max power is only 30.2 watts, so you probably need to spend more time on treating the injures and healing the pain and their price is so high.
- Domer FDA-Approved High-Intensity Class 4 Laser 60W
＄5,999
For those who want the very best with maximum power and versatility, plus highest quality German Diodes and personalized operation system, Domer Laser is the great choice, it has power with 60W and the maximum laser wavelength 980nm, that delivers rapid pain relief in just minutes. It also includes cart, marketing package, 1 year warranty and features a vibrant full-color touch screen that simplifies selecting key treatment variables. Dual or tri-wavelength is available.
- LightCure EVO FX Tri-wavelenght Class-4 Therapy Laser
＄24950
Tri-wavelength: 810nm, 980nm, 1064nm 45 Watts Total, Operating the laser requires advanced training, because in some cases prolonged use of dual wavelengths without proper cooling mechanisms can lead to overheating.
- EVOlaser Class-4 Therapy Lasers
＄9,950 - $14,995
EVOlaser Q27 offer 980nm, 905nm and 625nm as a secondary wavelengths and they are independently controlled just like the high-end multi-wavelength systems.
However, Accuracy considerably more expensive than previous devices.
In summary, Chiropractic Laser Therapy is a versatile and effective treatment option for a wide range of conditions, offering a non-invasive alternative to manage pain, inflammation, and tissue repair. If you’re looking for the Class 4 Laser, The Domer Laser is an excellent choice. Comparing to other devices on the market, it has 60 watts of power and all the necessary features for chiropractic, but is more afordable than others Class 4 Laser Therapy devices. It’s also valued for its intelligent operation system, that can automatically calculate the energy dose to prevent overheating.
