Cold Laser Therapy & Spinal Decompression Therapy

Chronic and acute pain care treated through a number of methods, among them cold laser therapy and spinal decompression therapy. Here is some information about each therapy. For more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our chiropractors, please contact New York Physical Therapy Center.

Cold Laser Therapy

Also referred to as “low level laser therapy” and “photobiomodulation,” cold laser therapy, using low levels of laser light, treats soft tissue injuries, inflammation, chronic back pain, hip pain, neck pain, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, joint pain due to arthritis, herniated disc and other issues that affect both nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Inflammatory conditions and scars are also treated with this type of therapy. Because cold laser therapy can boost serotonin levels, the body is supported in its natural ability to heal itself.

How does cold laser therapy work? Low-level laser, a direct coherent light, is directed into the targeted area, usually penetrating the tissue to two or three inches. Once this light energy has been absorbed by the treated tissue it converts to chemical energy, speeding up the healing process or “jump-starting” healing that has stalled. There is no heat involved and the procedure is completely non-invasive. In addition, cold laser therapy is cost-effective.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

The rehabilitation of spinal discs is central to spinal decompression therapy. If you have limited mobility, sciatica, leg pain, back pain, neck pain, herniated or bulging disc, or other problems, you can benefit from this therapy.

Brief human anatomy lesson: Intervertebral discs lie between the vertebrae of the spine and are actually ligaments made of two parts, the outer area, called the annulus, and the inner area, called the nucleus pulposus. The annulus connects the vertebrae, while the nucleus pulposus serves as a sort of spinal shock absorber. Every spine segment consists of two vertebrae “sandwiching” a disc, and two nerve roots that come from the spinal cord and lead out to different parts of the body, carrying messages. When these nerve roots are pinched by discs or bone spurs, they can cause pain.

How does spinal decompression therapy work? Gentle and non-invasive, spinal decompression therapy stretches the spine, allowing discs to decompress and actually creating a space within the disc. This is referred to as the “vacuum effect” and can be quite powerful in retracting bulging discs and removing the pinching or pressure on the nerve root. This doesn’t happen all at once, but over time, this decompression can make a big difference in the pain levels and discomfort experienced by patients.

Not only is pressure relieved, but also nutrients, oxygen and fluid are gradually drawn back into the formerly compressed discs and healing begins.