Advantages and Disadvantages of Cold Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy is a treatment method discovered recently which aims to help relieve chronic pain. Just like any other treatment method cold laser therapy has its own advantages and disadvantages. 

This treatment option can be used alone or in combination with other treatment options when aiming to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by various medical conditions. It is a low–intensity laser therapy that stimulates healing. This low–level light is applied directly to the affected area. The tissue in the human body absorbs this light. Due to chemical and biological reactions, cell regeneration is promoted. For superficial tissue wavelengths between 600 and 700 nm are used, while for deep tissues wavelengths between 780 and 950 nm are used. 

The treatment is painless and it only takes a couple of minutes. Every day, this treatment method becomes more popular worldwide, being used by medical professionals, physical therapists, or dentists in many ways. 

Cold laser therapy is used in the following cases:

• To treat inflammation such as in cases of arthritis, chronic autoimmune diseases, or for mouth ulcerations and inflamed mouth tissue by dentists


• To treat minor injuries and sprains mostly in sports medicine


• To treat chronic pain


• To promote skin rejuvenation


• To promote wound healing


• In acupuncture, etc

Advantages of Cold Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment option, meaning that the recovery period is faster when compared to invasive treatment procedures such as surgical procedures. Cold laser therapy doesn’t include medications. This means that there are no risks and possible side effects compared to other treatments available where various medications are necessary. 

Many patients prefer to avoid taking medications or they have been taking so many medications for their medical conditions so they want to try a new and different treatment available. 

Cold laser therapy when performed by a professional has no serious side effects. 

Disadvantages of Cold Laser Therapy

Usually, with just one cold laser therapy treatment, no relief is provided. In general, a couple of treatments, and up to 30 treatment sessions are needed for a certain medical condition. This all depends on the severity and the duration of a certain medical problem that has led to severe and chronic pain in the first place. 

Cold laser therapy treatments are usually performed 2 to 4 times a week, which can be quite annoying for some patients having to run back and forth into a doctor’s office. But, when dealing with severe and chronic pain for weeks, months, and perhaps years, everything is possible as long as it helps relieve the pain. 

Old injuries may get worse for a couple of days after a cold laser therapy treatment before any relief is noticed. This aggravation of the situation lasts only for a couple of days. Cold laser therapy treatment isn’t covered by insurance, which makes this treatment impossible for many patients who can benefit from it as they can’t afford it. 

Is Cold Laser Therapy Recommended for Everyone?

Cold laser therapy isn’t recommended for women while pregnant or for women who are currently breastfeeding. As the effects on the unborn child aren’t yet known and fully studies, it is better to avoid cold laser therapy and aim for other safer treatment options. 

Cold laser therapy should not be used over the thyroid gland nor over any cancerous lesions. Even when a cancerous lesion is suspected, cold laser therapy should be avoided. Protective eyeglasses should be used by the pain doctor and the patient as cold laser therapy can lead to permanent eye damage. If you’re interested in cold laser therapy, speak with a doctor, physical therapist, or other medical professionals to find out if it will be suitable and effective for you.