Is Laser Therapy Safe? Risks, Benefits, and Precautions
Thanks to the progress in modern physiotherapy, laser therapy is now a widely used non-surgical treatment for soft tissue injuries and chronic joint pain. Laser therapy in Edmonton is gaining popularity due to its promising ability to alleviate pain and accelerate healing. As with any treatment, it’s essential to understand how it works, potential risks, and the safety precautions involved. Here’s what you need to know before your first laser therapy session.
How Does Laser Therapy Operate?
Laser treatment, formally referred to as cold laser therapy or Low-Level Laser treatment (LLLT), utilizes certain light wavelengths. These wavelengths penetrate the skin to help cells function more effectively. This is low-intensity light intended to interact with tissue at the cellular level; it is not about burning tissue.
- Cellular repair is fueled by the promotion of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production through light energy.
- It promotes tissue regeneration, lowers inflammation, and increases blood flow.
- Used frequently for tendinopathies, joint pain, muscle strains, and soft tissue injuries.
Since LLLT doesn’t heat or damage tissue like surgical lasers, it’s a preferred option for gentle pain relief.
What Conditions Can Laser Therapy Help Treat?
Many acute and chronic conditions are treated with laser therapy in Edmonton. Due to its adaptability, therapists can target both deeper and superficial tissues.
What condition can be treated?
- Tendonitis and bursitis: Reduces inflammation and accelerates healing in inflamed tendons and bursa sacs.
- Muscle strains and ligament sprains: Stimulates quicker repair of micro-tears in soft tissues.
- Plantar fasciitis: Addresses inflammation in the arch of the foot, relieving morning heel pain.
- Arthritis-related joint pain: Assists in relieving stiffness and pain in involved joints.
- Neck and lower back pain: Especially useful for chronic tension and muscle spasms.
- Post-surgical swelling or scarring: Accelerates circulation and reduces fibrous tissue formation.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Minimizes inflammation of the nerve and facilitates wrist movement.
- TMJ dysfunction: Alleviate jaw pain and tightness.
- Sciatica and nerve impingements: Reduces radiating pain by soothing inflamed nerves.
Laser therapy is often incorporated into a physiotherapy plan alongside manual therapy, dry needling, or rehabilitation exercises.
Benefits of Laser Therapy
Many patients are drawn to laser therapy because it offers a low-risk, drug-free alternative for managing pain and promoting healing. Treatments are usually quick and pleasant, lasting five to twenty minutes, depending on the region being treated.
Key Benefits Include
- Enhanced cell growth and tissue repair: Laser energy enhances ATP production, stimulating cellular metabolism and promoting tissue regeneration.
- Decreased inflammation: By stimulating lymph drainage and vasodilation, it aids in eliminating excess fluids and inflammatory by-products.
- Relief of pain: The treatment can alleviate nerve sensitivity and trigger the release of natural pain-relievers such as endorphins.
- Enhanced joint and muscle mobility: With reduced swelling and pain, movement becomes easier and more convenient.
- Non-invasive: Suitable for patients who want to steer clear of corticosteroid injections or painkillers.
- Quick and convenient treatments: Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after treatment.
- No recovery time or downtime: Unlike surgery, laser treatment has no resting period or post-care requirements.
- Combined with other therapies: Supplements the effects of manual therapy, acupuncture, and exercises for rehabilitation.
These benefits make laser therapy an ideal choice for seniors, athletes, and individuals with chronic inflammation who seek long-term, low-impact relief.
What Are the Risks of Laser Therapy?
Understanding the possible hazards is essential, especially when treatment is administered outside of a clinical context or without the necessary knowledge, even though laser therapy is typically regarded as harmless and easily tolerated.
What are the possible Risks and Considerations?
- Temporary discomfort: Some patients may experience soreness or a mild increase in symptoms before improvement occurs.
- Mild redness or skin irritation: This is typically short-lived and resolves within a few hours.
- Eye damage risk: Direct exposure to laser light can cause retinal injury, making protective goggles a necessity during every session.
- Contraindications include:
- Areas with active cancer or tumours
- Direct exposure to the thyroid gland
- Pregnancy (particularly around the lower back or abdomen)
- Areas with active bleeding or infection
Laser therapy should not be self-administered, as improper use can cause burns or aggravate existing issues.
Safety Precautions in a Clinical Setting
Professional physiotherapy clinics in Edmonton adhere to stringent protocols to ensure that each laser therapy session is both safe and effective.
Standard Safety Measures
- Thorough pre-treatment evaluation: Each patient undergoes a comprehensive assessment to ensure that laser treatment is suitable for their current health status.
- Compulsory eye protection: Both the practitioner and patient wear goggles specifically designed for laser treatment.
- Calibrated gear: All laser equipment is regularly checked and serviced to ensure compliance with manufacturers’ and safety regulations.
- Trained personnel: Treatments are only given by certified physiotherapists or by technicians with laser treatment qualifications.
- Individualized protocols: Parameters such as laser wavelength, intensity, and duration are adjusted according to your specific assessment and treatment objectives.
- Screening for contraindications: Areas containing metal plates or medical implants that could possibly harm patients will not be treated by practitioners.
Under controlled conditions, laser therapy is a dependable and safe treatment with minimal adverse effects.
Who Should Avoid Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. There are specific populations and conditions for which it may not be suitable.
Avoid If You:
- Are pregnant, especially around the pelvis or abdomen.
- Have a history of tumours in the treatment area or cancer that is currently active.
- Suffer from photosensitivity as a result of illnesses or drugs.
- Possess pacemakers or electronic devices implanted (treatment area-based precaution).
Is Laser Therapy Right for You?
For those looking for a low-impact way to control discomfort and hasten healing, laser therapy presents a promising option. It’s essential to be aware of potential risks and contraindications, even though it’s generally safe when taken as directed and with the appropriate precautions. Our qualified therapists at West Henday Physical Therapy assess whether laser therapy is safe and right for you. Interested in laser therapy in Edmonton? Contact West Henday Physical Therapy today to learn more!
