We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Therapeutic Laser?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,855
References
Share

A therapeutic laser provides low intensity energy for use in the treatment of chronic pain, circulatory conditions, and muscle injuries. It is part of a family of related products sometimes known as cold lasers or low intensity laser therapy equipment. Clinical studies on the use of therapeutic lasers have turned up variable results on their efficacy. Some clinicians find them useful in practice and may recommend them to clients with specific medical issues. Coverage under insurance and other benefits policies depends on the product and how it is used.

These products differ from the lasers used in surgery, dermatological treatment, and other clinical applications which provide an immediate and demonstrable medical benefit. In surgery, for instance, lasers can help surgeons handle incisions more rapidly, cleanly, and safely. Therapeutic lasers penetrate the skin and underlying soft tissue with low energy that may stimulate certain cellular processes. Patients in some trials have responded well to laser therapy, while others have been less conclusive.

Research on the use of therapeutic laser products suggests that they may stimulate circulation. This can promote healing in patients with injuries, including surgical sites. Doctors may integrate a therapeutic laser into treatment for a patient with bruising, lacerations, and other injuries. The increased circulation can help the body clear the injury more quickly and with less pain.

Other uses can include the management of pain and inflammation, particularly in patients with chronic medical issues of this nature. Therapeutic laser therapy is used for treatment of conditions like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and ankle injuries. The laser appears to relax the muscles, which can ease tension and soreness and can relieve pain. Treatments may be recommended to supplement other therapy, and can be used in conjunction with treatments like acupuncture. Care providers may use a laser to stimulate key pressure points, for example, to help a patient who does not tolerate acupuncture well.

In practices where therapeutic laser therapy is available, medical professionals can discuss whether it would be a good option for the patient, and how the treatments may be performed. During therapy patients need to lie still and may be directed to wear eye protection or look away to protect their eyes from laser injury. Sessions are typically brief and should not cause pain or discomfort. Many devices are cold and do not create sensations of heat or burning that people might ordinarily associate with the use of lasers.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-therapeutic-laser.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.