Joint pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, affecting millions of people around the world. Traditional treatments for joint pain often include medications, physical therapy, and surgery.
However, laser therapy is a relatively new treatment option that has shown promise in reducing joint pain.
Joint pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis, which occurs when the cartilage in the joint breaks down over time, causing pain and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and joint damage.
- Gout: This is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, which can cause severe pain and swelling.
- Injury: Joint pain can also be caused by injuries, such as sprains, strains, and fractures.
- Overuse: Repeated use of a joint, such as with sports or physical labor, can cause joint pain and damage over time.
- Infection: Joint pain can also be caused by infections, such as Lyme disease or septic arthritis.
- Fibromyalgia: This is a chronic pain disorder that can cause joint pain and stiffness, as well as fatigue and other symptoms.
- Lupus: This is an autoimmune disorder that can cause joint pain, as well as skin rashes, fatigue, and other symptoms.
- Bursitis: This is inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints, and can cause joint pain and stiffness.
- Tendinitis: This is inflammation of the tendons, which connect muscles to bones, and can cause joint pain and stiffness.
Laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy or cold laser therapy, uses a non-invasive approach to reduce pain and inflammation in the body. It works by delivering specific wavelengths of light to the affected area, which stimulates cellular activity and promotes healing.
During a laser therapy session, a small handheld device is used to apply the laser to the skin over the affected joint. The laser emits a low-level light that penetrates the skin and reaches the underlying tissues. This light energy then stimulates the cells in the tissues to produce more energy, leading to reduced inflammation, increased circulation, and improved healing.
Laser therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing joint pain in several ways:
- Reduced Inflammation: Laser therapy can reduce inflammation in the affected joint by promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
- Increased Circulation: Laser therapy can improve blood flow to the affected joint, which can help reduce pain and promote healing.
- Improved Cellular Function: Laser therapy can stimulate cellular activity in the tissues surrounding the affected joint, leading to improved healing and reduced pain.
Laser therapy is a non-invasive and effective treatment option for reducing joint pain. By promoting healing and reducing inflammation, laser therapy can help patients with a variety of joint pain conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and sports injuries.
If you’re experiencing joint pain, talk to your healthcare provider to see if laser therapy is a good option for you.
If you or a loved one are suffering from joint pain in Charleston or any nearby city in Illinois, call us today at (217) 345-9600 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
