Cold Laser

Cold Laser Therapy Greenville SC

Note: Although low-level laser therapy and spinal decompression therapy is done using FDA cleared medical devices, these services are presently considered experimental / investigational and therefore is not covered by Medicare / Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC, Cigna, Aetna, United Healthcare, etc. Patients are responsible for the costs of this therapy. Auto accident and worker's compensation insurance generally do cover this service and HSA accounts may be used.

Cold Laser Recommended by 2017 ACP Guidelines for Low Back Pain

Reference: Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA, for the Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. ;166:514-530. doi: 10.7326/M16-2367

Dr. Henry's Expert Commentary, "Low-Level Laser Therapy for Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions", University of Massachusetts Amherst

Low-Level Laser Therapy Poster Presentation

Dr. Henry selected the ML830 laser due to the safety and efficacy of this therapy and after reviewing scientific evidence supporting the benefits of cold laser therapy at this wavelength.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as "Cold Laser" is a relatively new non-invasive therapy we offer in Greenville for acute and chronic pain. This therapy has been around for 40 years and has gained recent attention and scientific support around the world. The therapy is safe and non-invasive with few contraindications. Cold laser is completely painless and most patients feel nothing during the treatment. A small percentage of patients report a tingling or warming sensation. Laser light in the near infrared range can penetrate 5 cm (2 inches) into tissue, stimulating light sensitve receptors in the cells. This process, called photobiostimulation results in reduced pain and inflammation and is thought to accelerate tissue healing. The majority of patients experience some immediate pain reduction but it is not uncommon for a few (3-4) visits to be required before noticing pain relief. The number of treatments required depends on the severity and duration of the condition but most conditions will need anywhere between 4-5 or 10-18 treatments. We frequently use cold laser to painlessly treat myofascial trigger points. Cold laser therapy is a safe, gentle therapy that often gets results when nothing else has helped. Unlike electrical therapies, laser can be safely used to treat patients with pacemakers. Laser can also be used to stimulate acu-points (meridian therapy), without needles. Cold laser is used at our office to help patients with pain, auto accidents and sports injuries.

Cold Laser has been used as part of a treatment program to help Greenville patients with a variety of painful conditions:

  • bulging, herniated and degenerative discs
  • fibromyalgia
  • myofascial pain
  • whiplash
  • ankle sprains
  • contusions
  • rib pain
  • carpal tunnel syndrome
  • thoracic outlet syndrome
  • knee pain
  • osteoarthritis pain
  • plantar fascitis
  • rotator cuff injuries
  • muscle strain
  • shoulder bursitis / biceps tendonitis / impingement
  • sciatica
  • low back pain
  • failed spine surgery
  • cervical radiculopathy
  • lumbar radiculopathy
  • Pain associated with cranial nerve disorders, such as Bell's palsy and hemi facial spasms
  • temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ / TMD)
  • tennis elbow
  • migraines or tension headaches
  • neuropathy in the hands and feet

How Cold Laser Therapy Works

Studies have shown that cold laser results in photo-stimulation of light sensitive receptors in the cells of the body. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has demonstrated the ability to significantly accelerate and enhance the body's natural defense and repair components in the presence of injury, inflammation and certain disease processes. Studies have also shown that by modifying the effects and limiting the duration of inflammation as well as enhancing specific repair and healing processes, LLLT is consistent in providing pain relief, reducing injury damage and loss of function, in addition to facilitating more rapid repair and stronger healed tissue structures. Multiple clinical studies have noted the following results of LLLT:
  • Increased collagen production
  • Enhanced nerve regeneration
  • Increased vasodilation
  • Reduced inflammatory duration
  • Increased cell metabolism
  • Increased pain threshold
  • Increased cell membrane potential
  • Reduced edema magnitude
  • Increased microcirculation
  • Increased tissue and bone repair
  • Increased lymphatic response
  • Increased enzyme response

Dr. Henry uses laser in conjunction with spinal decompression and other chiropractic procedures to treat patients suffering from neck and back pain, facet syndrome, lumbar disc bulges, lumbar disc herniations, stenosis, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, or cervical disc problems.

To find out if you are a candidate for Cold Laser Therapy,
Call (888) 988-7797.