Having recently received certification in photobiomodulation (low-level laser therapy or “LLLT”), I have become fascinated with learning about the many conditions LLLT can be used for. It is is effective against musculo-skeletal pain, and I am going to use this blog post to review some of the studies of laser acupuncture on pain.
- The Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders found that along with exercise, maipulation, anagesics and acupuncture, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) provided a degree of short term relief without trauma.
- The Ottawa Panel of Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Electrotherapy and Thermotherapy Interventions in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adults found that LLLT applied to the foot, knee or hand was clinically effective against pain for 3 months, and was effective overall for patients with chronic RA.
- The American Physical Therapy Association has found moderate evidence of the efficacy of LLLT in cases of Achilles Tendonitis.
- An article for the Journal of Internal Medicine entitled Electrotherapy Modalities for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) stated “based on moderate quality evidence, LLLT is probably an effective adjunct to home exercise for shoulder pain.”
For those of my patients with chronic or acute pain, or for those individuals curious about how LLLT can treat pain, these studies give a window into the effectiveness. Personally, I prefer to combine acupuncture with LLLT and some IR heat for greatest effectiveness, but if you are afraid of needles, then LLLT on its own can be very helpful. Generally, a sequence of visits is required to achieve substantial pain management, and I offer a discounted series for those who would like to give it a try.
Please call me at 772-266-8165 to schedule an appointment.
