Frequently asked Questions: Cold Laser Therapy for Knee Pain

What is Cold Laser Therapy?
How does it work?
Is Cold Laser Therapy safe, and are there any side effects?
Is Cold Laser Therapy painful?
What other conditions does the Cold Laser help treat?
Is this a temporary fix to my problem?
How many treatments will I need, and how often will I need to get the treatments?
I’ve already had knee surgery am I still be a potential candidate for care?
What to expect on your initial visit to determine if we can help you:
What if I live far away how can I do the program?

What is Cold Laser Therapy?

Cold laser therapy, sometimes also referred to as low-level laser therapy is quickly becoming the first line of attack in pain control and tissue healing in rehabilitative medicine. Cold laser therapy is safe, painless, non-invasive and the results are often immediate and sustainable. NASA has been using light therapy for over 30 years to accelerate the healing process for their astronauts while in space.

How does it work?

All light has an effect on the cells of the human body. What that effect is shall be determined by the wavelengths of light applied. The cold laser produces a beam of light that has a specific wavelength and frequency. When the light of the Laser is applied around the knee joint the electromagnetic energy is converted to chemical energy within each cell which sets in motion a chain of chemical reactions allowing the healing process to begin. This chemical reaction in the cell allows several things to occur:

• Stimulates Healing and Repair of Tissue
• Increases Tissue Strength
• Reduces Pain
• Reduces Swelling/Inflammation
• Promotes faster wound healing
• Stimulates nerve function
• Promotes Cellular Oxygenation/Detoxification

Is Cold Laser therapy safe and are there any side effects?

Cold Laser Therapy has been successfully used around the world for over 30 years, with no reported long-term side effects. In the United States the FDA has ruled that the therapy is safe. The laser used in our office is an FDA certified laser.

For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy or LLLT) has been formally accepted in Canada and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Scandinavia, Russia and Japan. In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from its use. It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

The question is often asked "If it's a laser aren't they used in surgical operations, to cauterize tissue?" The answer is "Yes" - Hot Lasers are able to cauterize (cut) tissue. However, the ones we use are "Cold Lasers" with design parameters that make it impossible to damage even one cell in the body. Our Lasers stimulate and energize the cells.

Is Cold Laser Therapy painful?

No. Low level lasers do not generate perceivable heat. Therefore, when the laser contacts the skin the patient experiences no warmth or burning as a result of the laser. Most people feel nothing at all while a few may feel a slight tingling during the treatment.

What other conditions does the Cold Laser help treat?

• Knee Pain
• Joint Pain in knees, hands, ankles, and hips
• Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Rotator Cuff Injury
• Bursitis
• Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s elbow
• Fibromyalgia
• Plantar Fascitis
• Headaches
• Tendonitis
• TMJ
• Other Musculoskeletal injuries

Is this a temporary fix to my problem?

The good news is for most patients that have completed our Cold Laser Knee Program the results from the treatments have been sustainable. While some patients get immediate results, others usually require 6-12 treatments before there is a lasting effect. Since each person’s condition varies in severity the doctor will determine after reviewing your condition if laser treatments may benefit you.

How many treatments will I need, and how often will I need to get the treatments?

In order to heal the tissues in and around the knee quickly and to maintain the cells in biostimulation a patient comes in for a treatment several times a week for a half- hour each time. If that is not possible, for instance if you work or live far away, then alternate arrangements would be made to suite you’re individual treatment needs. The average number of treatments can range anywhere from 15-25, depending on the severity of the condition. The less severe or acute the condition, the fewer number of treatments required. The more severe or more chronic the condition, the greater the number of treatments required.

I’ve already had knee surgery am I still be a potential candidate for care?

In most cases YES. Knee surgery is not a contraindication for getting treatments. The laser is completely non-invasive so it does not cut or burn tissue. Since everyone’s case is unique the doctor will determine if you’re a candidate for our Cold Laser Knee Program.

What to expect on the your initial visit to determine if we can help you?

All patients go through an initial consultation with Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, D.C. or Dr. Robert Hanson, D.C. to discuss the problem so they can answer all your questions about the Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.

• One of the lasers will be shown and demonstrated so there’s “no fear of the unknown.”
• Every patient gets a complete evaluation with Dr. Schnee, D.C. or Dr. Hanson, D.C.
• Any necessary, current x-ray examination of your knee is taken (if needed).
• One of the doctors will go over the results of the examination and will let you know if you are a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.
• If you are a candidate for treatment then a “Recommended Action Plan” will be written out. The number of recommended treatments and affordable payment options available will be discussed. And you can decide which option is best for you.

What if I live far away how can I do the program?

Many of our patients have traveled long distances to go through our successful knee program. If it is not possible to come in several times a week then we tailor a schedule that meets your individual treatment needs. A few of our patients live too far away to drive back and forth from home, so they stay with family nearby or at a hotel near the clinic during the duration of their treatments. We can also provide you with a list of several hotels near the clinic that offer patients shuttle service to and from the clinic.