What is a cold laser and why is it used?

Much like other tools that help with relieving pain or to assist in healing, therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, and physical therapy, cold laser therapy offers a non-intrusive and non-addicting way to relieve short-term pain. The goal of laser therapy is to deliver photons to damaged cells thereby stimulating the cell mitochondria, accelerating the production of ATP synthase particles and therefore increasing cell energy that is used to transform live cells from a state of illness to a stable, healthy state.

Cold laser therapy can offer a broad treatment method for ailments such as arthritis, acute and chronic pain, muscle strain, tendonitis, back pain, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, ligament sprains, faster wound healing, and to increase blood flow to affected areas.

The multiple benefits of using cold lasers, or cold laser therapy, is that it is easy to apply, is non-toxic and non-invasive, has no side effects or pain, helps to reduce the need for surgery and is cost effective for both the medical professional and patient, and can have a synergistic effect with other modalities such as acupuncture and physical therapy.

In 2006, Apollo Physical Therapy Laser Products was founded by clinical practitioners and engineering professionals, bringing 30 years of experience into the development and use of laser systems. Over the years, the company has grown and is now a leading provider of cold laser therapy systems. By harnessing advanced Class 4 laser technology, Apollo has the most powerful FDA-cleared cold laser on the market, assuring safe, fast, and comfortable treatments with exceptional clinical results.

Rehabmart can now offer medical professionals the opportunity to use cold laser therapy as a healing tool with the Apollo Desktop Cold Laser Unit. Recommended for use in either medical offices or clinical environments to help in the relieving of pain and inflammation, this 2-Channel desktop features a large LCD display which provides easy-to-see status and treatment times for each attached laser. The unit has all-metal probes and can produce an average laser wavelength of 810 nanometers and an average probe output of 3000 to 4000 milliwatts. The probe holders on each side of the system offer easy access for multiple probes for either a left or right handed practitioner. Offering cold laser therapy treatment times selectable between 10 seconds to 2 minutes, the unit also comes with a built-in power meter for testing the probe’s output, and safety and fault detection software for added security precautions.

The Apollo Desktop Cold Laser Unit comes with a choice of laser probes, power adapters, a probe cable, one pair of safety goggles, a custom carrying case, a book of ‘Light & Laser Therapy: Clinical Procedures’, and a laser tutorial DVD.

Rehabmart also carries the Apollo Portable Cold Laser Unit. It has the same Class 4 laser technology and power as the desktop unit, offering pure infrared laser energy for rapid treatment therapy times of 2 to 4 minutes. Sharing much of the same features as the desktop model, but coming in at only 2.3 pounds and having its own custom carrying case, the opportunity of having a portable cold laser therapy unit for house-calls, or to use between medical offices or with a mobile therapy practice has never been easier.

Cold laser therapy is only about 30 years old and one of the newest innovations in pain reduction therapies. These units are a great tool to have within the medical device toolbox for any practicing medical doctor or healthcare professional. Many patients are becoming tired of using medications for pain relief, but find that consistently visiting an acupuncturist or a chiropractor is too time consuming and expensive. Being able to offer a painless and quick relief from pain without side effects is a progressive and modern healing approach to the oldest ailment in humankind; suffering from pain.


Bill Stock
Executive Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO