May it be due to overuse or a direct force, low-level laser therapy (or cold laser therapy) can prove to be very effective when it comes to the treatment of acute or chronic sporting injuries as it has anti-inflammatory benefits. There are numerous researches that support the use of laser as a treatment for sporting injuries and also many pieces of evidence to support the fact that laser is at least as effective as NSAIDs that too without any side-effects. Not only this, but the cold laser is also known to stimulate the lymphatic system and helps clear fluid buildup which is often accompanied by sporting injuries.
We provide treatment for sprains, muscle strains and tears, tendinitis, repetitive strains, and soft tissue injuries with the use of laser. General treatment for common sports injuries includes rest, anti-inflammatory, and ice. Laser therapy works at a deep level and can thus often boost the healing process. Acute injuries often respond and heal more rapidly as compared to chronic complaints to laser therapy.
Does cold laser/Photobiomodulation/LLLT work for sports injuries?
Yes, cold laser is a scientifically proven rehabilitation technique to treat sports injuries helping to bring injured athletes back into their sport quickly.
Cold laser, also known as Photobiomodulation or LLLT (Low-Level Laser Therapy) uses a laser that is near-infrared light that is administered in your affected area to treat a wide array of injuries including acute and chronic injuries, neck and back pain, injuries to your shoulders and more.
This laser / light therapy technique has been successfully providing professional help to athletes across many sports and sporting events. LLLT is also widely used as a preventive treatment during the Olympics.
A great alternative to Drugs
Most treatments and therapies for pain management comes with heavy usage of prescribed opioids. These medicines or sometimes called narcotics can cause serious side effects including nausea, indigestion, and often outweighs its benefits.
For instance, Ibuprofen, a widely used anti-inflammatory drug to treat pain causes adverse side effects if overdosed. Long term usage of Ibuprofen and other pain relief drugs can cause health conditions like bleeding, increased risk of heart attacks and damage to your kidneys.
Cold Laser Therapy is a much safer and effective alternative to drug-based pain therapies. Its non-invasive nature and complete absence of drugs makes it a great alternative to other conventional techniques.
LLLT or photobiomodulation, is gaining popularity in Australia as it eliminates pharmacological solutions with faster healing time and reduced side-effects.
What are some common conditions that can be treated with LLLT?
- Tennis elbow– Use of LLLT can provide long term improvement in treating acute and chronic cases of tennis elbow. Its anti-inflammatory effect enhances healing with no side effects.
- Knee Injuries– Applied directly to the injury, LLLT uses the light energy to promote tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation.
- Back Injuries– LLLT can be helpful in bringing relief to back injuries and pain. This technique is gaining popularity amongst physiotherapists to treat back pain.
- Musculoskeletal pain– LLLT is successful in bringing relief to pain and accelerate recovery of musculoskeletal conditions like sprains, muscular back pain and
- Neck Pain– The application of a low-intensity laser beam to your neck can repair tissues, reduce inflammation as well as impede pain fibres to bring quick relief and improved healing.
What are the benefits of Cold Laser Therapy/Photobiomodulation (LLLT)?
- Reduced downtime to treating injuries.
- Non-invasive and painless
- Drug free
- Improved blood circulation
- Negligible side effects with no adverse effects
- Effective in quick restoration of motion
- Wide range of conditions and injuries can be treated
- Safe
- Can be used in addition to other therapies without side effects
How long does the treatment take?
Depending on the condition or the type of injury, the effectiveness of a LLLT is different for everyone. In general, it takes more than one session to see good results.
A single session could take about 15 to 30 minutes after your first consultation. Once your entire treatment is completed, it is unlikely that you would need another management plan with few exceptional cases where a return to the clinic is recommended for best results.
Usually from a dozen to up to 20 sessions are recommended for the optimal results and would be best determined by your doctors. The time frame and repetition of treatment depend on the type and severity of illness. A chronic permanent issue may need maintenance session from time to time just like one need to take a tablet for a certain condition every day
LLLT is also clinically proven to be cumulative in nature, meaning, with every session, your healing will improve and so does the time between each session also increases. You might be asked by your doctor to come for a session only after a while.
Is LLLT painful?
LLLT is a painless and non-invasive therapy that uses lasers to treat your affected areas. However, you might experience a little prickly sensation during your session. The therapy has excellent recovery time and you can easily return to your routine life almost immediately after a treatment session.
How soon can I resume playing sports?
Laser therapy is widely used in professional sporting teams and sports events across the world. With almost no side effects, an LLLT management plan can bring athletes back to playing sports much quickly than other therapies available in the industry.
In addition to quick relief and reduced downtime, athletes also experience added benefits like improved blood circulation, improved endurance, strength, and reduced fatigue.
Is LLLT is the Replacement of standard medical treatment?
LLLT is not the replacement of standard medical therapy but it’s a great adjuvant to help and recover one’s injury with nil side effects. That’s why we have our skilled doctors to assess your injury and advise the right treatment options for you depending on your illness and injury