Healthwatch

Cold Laser Therapy May Reduce Pain

BALTIMORE (WJZ) ― Athletes in Maryland and around the country are turning to an unconventional treatment to reduce pain and inflammation.

Healthwatch reporter Kellye Lynn takes a closer look at cold laser therapy.
 
Chiropractors are using low energy lasers to treat patients with a variety of conditions.  According to them, cold lasers are an effective way to accelerate healing.

For the past two years, Glen Burnie chiropractor Dr. Robert Cohl has altered his approach to patient care. When patients come in with pain, Dr. Cohl pulls out his laser.

Unlike high power, high heat lasers, the Erconia uses low levels of laser light.  Researchers believe the energy stimulates cells in the body, helping them better respond to stress and injury. 

"Reduce the pain, increase the range of motion and increase the strength," said Dr. Cohl.

Aside from neck and back problems, Dr. Cohl says the laser is an effective treatment for tendonitis, tennis elbow, shin splints, even carpal tunnel syndrome.  

Hip problems led competitive runner Jim LeClare to try cold laser therapy.  After a few treatments, the self-described skeptic became a believer.  Jim gets laser treatments before and after every race. 

"The main thing is not being injured and being able to run 20 marathons in a year and being able to walk, to run and be healthy," said LeClare.

Although the Food and Drug Administration has approved several cold laser devices, the treatment is still considered experimental.  Cold laser therapy is not covered by insurance and costs about $25 per treatment.

Cold lasers are not recommended for pregnant women or children.
 

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