Constant advances and innovations in modern science and technology have gradually made our lives simpler. Technology has permeated the medical field, allowing doctors to effectively battle all sorts of diseases and disorders. Surgical lasers, for example, have been in wide use for years for a variety of treatments, from making incisions to curing bad eyesight.
A fairly recent discovery is low level laser therapy, also known as cold laser therapy. This form of therapy makes use of low frequency lasers to bring about numerous physiological changes. “Cold” refers to the low levels of frequency and intensity, not the actual temperature of the laser.
What can low level laser therapy be applied to?
Fat Removal
Obesity is a rampant issue in our nation. Most people concentrate on healthy diets and regular exercise, which should be enough, but some areas seem to be unaffected by food and work outs. Of course, many people then turn to surgery, like liposuction and gastric banding. However, these surgeries are invasive and require some lengthy recovery and adjustment periods.
This is where low level laser therapy comes into play. Laser therapy is an entirely non-invasive procedure that can effectively help you shed the pounds. Non-invasive means no scalpel, no anesthetic, no pain and no period of recovery. Patients actually return to their daily activities immediately after the treatment’s completion.
So how exactly does it work? Well, the entire physiological process can be condensed into three simple steps.
1. Emulsion
In this first step, the cold laser is applied to common target areas, which include the thighs, hips, and abdomen. The laser disrupts the fat within the cells, causing it to gradually emulsify and leave the cells. The cells themselves remain intact and undamaged.
2. Movement
The fat then begins to move from within the cells to interstitial space. Circulation in and around the cells increases, allowing the fat to make its way to the body’s circulatory and lymphatic systems.
3. Cleansing
From the circulatory and lymphatic systems, the fat naturally flushes out of the body, cleansing the rest of your system and allowing for natural detoxification.
This process is completely painless. Most people compare laser therapy to being exposed to a flashlight. The treatment is overall quite relaxing and refreshing.
Aching Joints
Arthritis and achy joints are, for many people, a natural part of aging. Low level laser therapy is effective in relieving pain in the joints, mainly targeting the back, neck, and shoulders. Unfortunately, this therapy is still fairly experimental, and the effects are limited by the laser’s wavelength and the area of application (nerves versus joints). Continued research brings further insight into the effectiveness of low level laser therapy.