Is Infrared Laser Therapy a Safe Technique?

Infrared laser therapy is a relatively new type of therapy that uses a low-energy laser beam to cure a number of illnesses and physical conditions. It involves subjecting the affected tissues of the body to a beam of infrared laser light to stimulate positive biological effects, such as to kill recalcitrant cells and to improve the flow of blood in the arteries and veins. The technique has been found to be highly effective in the treatment of many types of inflammation, pain and soft tissue injuries.

What is it effective for?

Infrared laser therapy is effective for curing a number of ailments including acute or chronic inflammation, chronic lower back pain, arthritis, spinal pain, strain injuries, tendonitis, sciatic pain, knee pain, neck pain, headaches and more.

What’s the science behind it?

The use of infrared lights and low-energy laser beams to cure pain and illnesses is relatively recent. However, the importance of light on human biology has been known for many years. The wavelengths of light at the extreme ends of the spectrum are invisible to the naked eyes – the infrared and ultraviolet (UV) lights – are powerful enough to cause biological effects. They can be used to kill recalcitrant cells in the body and also to improve the blood flow in the body.  Low-level laser therapy can improve soft tissue healing and relieve pain.

How does it work?

There are many different types of infrared laser therapy devices that are used for the therapeutic purposes and they have different methods of working. However, they all have one thing in common. They stimulate and improve the flow of blood, which is important for the treatment of the aforementioned conditions. There are basically two types of infrared devices: Laser and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

• Laser device: It is a device that emits collimated, coherent infrared light of a single wavelength. The light is focused and concentrated on the treatment area.

• LED device: It is a semiconductor device that emits narrow spectrum infrared light, but the light is incoherent.

Both types of devices have been found to be equally effective at the cellular level. The depth to which the light penetrates is determined by the wavelength of light and the energy density. The effects of the therapy can be enhanced by applying the infrared light over a larger surface area and also by increasing the energy density.

How safe is it?

Infrared laser therapy is a safe technique that uses low-energy infrared lights that are highly effective in their purpose but harmless to our tissues. You can think of it like an X-ray; prolonged exposure can be harmful, but limited and controlled exposure is beneficial. It is painless and has no side-effects.

Should you receive the therapy?

If you are experiencing chronic lower back pain, inflammation, arthritis or other types of pain, and if medicines and other treatments do not work, then infrared laser therapy could be a good option for you. Contact Chiro-Med today to see if our laser therapy services are right for you.