Cold laser therapy, also called low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity in injured tissue. Kroner Chiropractic in Yakima uses the Erchonia GVL, an FDA-cleared low-level laser, as a drug-free, non-invasive option alongside chiropractic care. Sessions are short, painless, and require no recovery time.
A drug-free option when tissue will not heal
Some injuries stall. The acute phase passes, but the tissue does not finish healing, and you are left with an area that stays sore, stiff, or inflamed for months longer than it should.
Cold laser therapy is one of the tools we use in those situations. It is non-invasive, it does not involve medication, and it does not require you to stop doing anything afterward.
How cold laser therapy works
The device delivers specific wavelengths of light into tissue at an intensity low enough that it produces no heat, which is where the name comes from. It is more precisely called photobiomodulation.
The light is absorbed by components of the mitochondria, the structures inside your cells that produce energy. That absorption appears to increase cellular energy production and set off a chain of signals associated with tissue repair and reduced inflammation.
In practical terms, the goal is to give struggling tissue more of what it needs to finish healing.
We use the Erchonia GVL, which combines green and violet wavelengths and is FDA cleared for adjunctive use in providing temporary relief of minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin. Laser therapy is used here as one part of a broader treatment plan rather than as a standalone treatment.
What we use it for
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Soft tissue injuries that are healing slowly
- Inflammation in a specific area
- Muscle and joint pain and stiffness
- Tendon irritation, including elbow and shoulder
- Support for recovery after an auto or work injury
- Patients who prefer to avoid or reduce pain medication
Cold laser therapy is generally used as part of a broader plan rather than on its own. It pairs well with adjustments, massage, and rehabilitation exercise.
What a session is like
A session is short, often only several minutes for a focused area. The applicator is held over or near the skin at the treatment site.
You will feel little or nothing. There is no heat and no pain. There is no recovery period, so you can go straight back to work or the gym.
Cold laser is typically delivered as a series of sessions rather than a single visit. The research base is strongest for short-term relief, and results vary between patients and conditions. We will be straightforward with you about what to expect.
Common Questions
Does cold laser therapy hurt?
No. Most patients feel nothing at all, and some report a very mild warmth. There is no pain during or after treatment.
How long does a cold laser session take?
Usually just a few minutes per treatment area. It is often added to a visit that also includes an adjustment or other treatment.
How many cold laser treatments will I need?
It varies by condition. Cold laser is typically delivered as a series of sessions rather than one visit. We will recommend a specific number after evaluating your injury.
Is cold laser therapy the same as a heat lamp?
No. A heat lamp warms tissue at the surface. Cold laser uses specific wavelengths of light that penetrate tissue and are absorbed at the cellular level, without producing heat.
Is cold laser therapy safe?
Low-level laser therapy has an extensive safety record and is classed as a low-risk treatment. Protective eyewear is used during treatment. There are situations where it is not appropriate, including treating over an area of known cancer or during pregnancy, and we screen for those first.
Is cold laser therapy covered by insurance?
In many cases, yes. Laser therapy is frequently covered under the rehabilitation portion of your treatment plan when you have insurance benefits. Call (509) 972-4000 with your insurance information and we will check your specific coverage before your visit.
What kind of laser do you use?
We use the Erchonia GVL, a low-level laser that combines green and violet wavelengths. It is FDA cleared for adjunctive use in providing temporary relief of minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin.
Request an appointment, or call (509) 972-4000.