Cold Laser Therapy Advantages and Disadvantages

 

Cold laser therapy is a newer procedure with several advantages and disadvantages. This article outlines some of the advantages, risks, and contraindications for cold laser therapy

Potential Cold Laser Therapy Advantages

Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive procedure, meaning that it does not require a surgical incision. This means that there is no prolonged recovery time. Laser therapy also does not involve taking any medications, and many patients prefer to avoid taking medications. Studies have so far found that cold laser therapy does not have serious side effects when used properly by a doctor.

Potential Cold Laser Therapy Disadvantages

Cold laser therapy does have several disadvantages. Patients do not typically get full relief or resolution from their pain symptoms after the first treatment. It takes a series of treatments, usually 8 to 30, depending on the severity and duration of the condition. Patients often have to return to the doctor for treatments at least 2 to 4 times per week. Old injuries may be aggravated for a few days after treatments, but for most patients this sensation is short term, lasting for a couple of days.
Medicare and Medicaid do not cover cold laser therapy expenses. Some major medical insurance carriers do assist with payment and others do not cover any of the treatment.

 

Contraindications

Cold laser therapy should not be used over any suspicious cancerous lesions, or carcinoma, over the thyroid, on pregnant patients, and there should not be direct irradiation of the eyes, as the laser can cause permanent damage to the eyes. Pregnant women are recommended not to undergo the procedure, since its effects on unborn children are not yet known. The doctor and the patient should use protective eyeglasses so that there is no direct eye exposure.

Summary

Cold laser therapy is one option among a variety of treatment approaches that can potentially provide pain relief or pain reduction, especially for patients seeking a treatment without the use of surgery or drugs. It can be used alone or in combination with a number of other therapies.
While it is still a relatively new treatment option and there is incomplete information about its optimal treatment protocol, it is considered a viable treatment option for those seeking an alternative to invasive treatment. Cold laser therapy is yet another method in the set of tools to help assist in pain relief, and it is considered a reasonable treatment option for certain types of pain by most health care professionals.

For more information on Hands of Gold Chiropractic, please visit their website at:www.handsofgoldchiropractic.com
 

 

What Is A "Dead Arm"?

Definition of a Dead Arm


Dead arm syndrome starts with repetitive stress from overuse of the shoulder.

The posterior capsule of the shoulder is connected to the tendons of the rotator cuff of the shoulder. The rotator cuff is made four muscles which are responsible for internal and external rotation of teh shoulder. Both the biceps and triceps tendon wrap around the inside of the shoulder joint, deep to the capsule. These muscles aid in holding, protecting and moving the joint.

Overuse can lead to a build up of tissue around the posterior capsule called hypertropy or swelling. The next step is tightness of the posterior capsule called posterior capsular contracture. This contracture leads to limited mobility of the joint.

If left untreated, a tear may develop in the labrum. The labrum is cartiage around the shoulder socket to help hold the head of the humerus in the joint. This condition is called a SLAP lesion.

When all of this is occurs, the result is a "dead arm".

Personal Belief

I am writing about this condition due to the recent events in the paper involving NY Yankee pitcher, Phil Hughs.

The term Dead Arm has been used multiple times with his condition, yet MRI with contrast has been negitive.

They then started to worry about vascular claudication, or a blood clot in his arm. Again Doppler studies are negitive.

This all leads me to personally believe that Phil Hughs is suffering from overuse, misuse and not a " Dead Arm".

For more information on Dr. Jason Peloquin or his office, Hands of Gold CHiropractic, please visthis website at:

www.HandsofGoldChiropractic.com