Cold Laser Therapy at HealthFirst Chiropractic
Cold laser therapy at HealthFirst uses low-level light energy to reduce inflammation, stimulate cellular repair, and accelerate recovery – without drugs, needles, or downtime. It’s a powerful complement to chiropractic care for both acute injuries and chronic conditions.
How Cold Laser Therapy Works
Cold laser therapy – also called low-level laser therapy or LLLT – delivers specific wavelengths of light into damaged tissue. When those photons are absorbed at the cellular level, they trigger a process called photobiomodulation: ATP production increases, circulation improves, inflammatory markers reduce, and the tissue’s natural repair process accelerates.
Unlike surgical lasers, cold laser does not cut or heat tissue. It works entirely at the cellular level – which is why sessions are comfortable, quick, and require no recovery time. Patients typically feel nothing during treatment or a mild warmth over the treated area.
What Cold Laser Treats
Cold laser is most effective for conditions with a significant inflammatory or soft tissue component. We use it regularly at HealthFirst as part of broader care plans for:
- Acute and chronic back and neck pain, Disc injuries and nerve irritation
- Muscle strains and ligament sprains
- Tendonitis and tendinopathies, Arthritis and joint inflammation
- Sciatica and nerve-related pain
- Sports injuries and post-injury recovery
- Post-adjustment tissue healing
How It Works Alongside Chiropractic
Chiropractic adjustments correct joint mechanics and reduce nerve compression. Cold laser addresses the inflammatory and cellular component. When both are used together, adjustments tend to hold longer, tissue heals faster, and recovery between visits is more consistent. For patients dealing with chronic inflammation or stubborn soft tissue conditions, adding laser to the care plan often produces noticeably better results than adjustments alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Laser Therapy
Does it hurt?
No. Most patients feel nothing during treatment or a mild warmth over the area being treated. There is no discomfort and no recovery time afterward.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are brief – typically 5 to 15 minutes depending on the area being treated and the condition involved. Laser is often incorporated into the same visit as your chiropractic adjustment.
How many sessions do I need?
That varies by condition. Acute injuries often respond quickly. Chronic conditions typically require a series of sessions before the full benefit is felt. Your doctor will outline a recommendation as part of your care plan.
Is cold laser the same as the lasers used in surgery?
No. Surgical lasers use high-intensity energy to cut or cauterize tissue. Cold laser uses low-level light that works entirely at the cellular level – it does not generate heat, does not affect tissue structurally, and is completely safe.
Is it covered by insurance?
Cold laser therapy is generally not covered by insurance. Our team will walk you through the cost at your initial visit.