Cold Laser -vs- Red Light Therapy
How Cold Lasers Work
Cold lasers are handheld devices and are often the size of a flashlight. The laser is placed directly over the injured area for 30 seconds to several minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated and the dose provided by the cold laser unit. The non-thermal photons of light that are emitted from the laser pass through the skins layers (the dermis, epidermis, and the subcutaneous tissue or tissue fat under the skin). This light has the ability to penetrate 2 to 5 centimeters below the skin at 90mw and 830 nm. Once the light energy passes through the layers of skin and reaches the target area, it is absorbed and interacts with the light sensitive elements in the cell. This process can be compared to photosynthesis in plants – sunlight is absorbed by plants, which is then converted to usable energy so that the plant can grow. When cells absorb this light energy, it initiates a series of events in the cell that is theorized to eventually result in normalizing damaged or injured tissue, a reduction in pain, inflammation, edema and an overall reduction in healing time by increasing intracellular metabolism. Often used to stimulate accu-points.
How Red Light Therapy Works.
Red light therapy is a form of photobiomodulation (PBM) used to help the body heal. The light energy (photons) from the LED's is absorbed by cells in muscle, ligaments, and bones, increasing their cellular energy and allowing them to perform their normal functions more effectively. This in turn accelerates healing and recovery, and improves overall health. I chose XLR8 bellboots for my laminitic gelding as it provided two setting and easy of use.
Setting#1- 660 nm:
Visible red light at wavelengths from 630 – 700 nm penetrates tissue at a depth of up to 10mm. This wavelength is very beneficial in remediating issues close to the surface such as wounds, scars, lacerations, and acupuncture points, and is particularly useful for infection.
Setting#2- 850 nm (near infrared):
Infrared light (800-1000nm) penetrates to a depth of over 50mm, which makes it more useful for deeper muscle structures, tendons, ligaments, joints, organs, and bones. Humans can't see in infrared, so LEDs may appear to be turned off when they are actually working as intended.
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Both cold laser therapy and red light deliver light energy to the tissue and use the same mechanism of action to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and stimulate tissue regeneration. Where they differ is in wavelengths used, power generated, and characteristics of the light beam generated. I have found both modalities compliment the use of PEMF.
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Please note: Cold laser/Red light therapies do NOT cure disease.
Sessions - 10-15 minutes
Cost: $15.00 added to PEMF session
Additional travel fees apply-see below
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