What Is Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy — also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation — is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue at the cellular level. Unlike surgical lasers that cut or cauterize, cold lasers produce no heat and cause no tissue damage. The name "cold" refers to the fact that the low power levels involved don't heat the body's tissue.
The therapy works by delivering photons of light energy directly into damaged cells. These photons are absorbed by the mitochondria — the energy-producing centers of cells — and trigger a cascade of biological responses that accelerate the body's natural healing processes. The result is reduced inflammation, faster tissue repair, and meaningful pain relief, often within a small number of sessions.
Cold laser therapy has been studied extensively since the 1960s and is now used in clinics, hospitals, and sports medicine facilities worldwide. At Jeffery Chiropractic in Layton, we use it as a powerful complement to chiropractic adjustments — addressing cellular inflammation that manual treatment alone cannot reach.
How Cold Laser Therapy Works
The biological mechanism behind cold laser therapy — called photobiomodulation — is well-established in scientific literature. Here's what happens at the cellular level during a session:
Light Penetrates Tissue
Specific wavelengths (typically 600–1000nm) penetrate skin and reach damaged tissue at depths of 2–5 centimeters.
Cells Absorb Photons
Mitochondria in damaged cells absorb the light energy, triggering increased production of ATP — the cellular fuel for repair.
Inflammation Reduces
The photobiomodulation cascade reduces prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators, directly addressing pain at its source.
Tissue Repairs Faster
Increased cellular energy accelerates collagen synthesis, nerve regeneration, and overall tissue healing — shortening recovery time.
Cold Laser vs. Other Treatments
Understanding how cold laser compares to other common pain and inflammation treatments helps explain why it's become such a valued tool in integrated chiropractic care:
| Factor | Cold Laser Therapy | Pain Medication |
|---|---|---|
| Treats root cause | ✓ Yes | ✗ Masks symptoms |
| Pain during treatment | ✓ None | N/A |
| Side effects | ✓ None | ✗ Possible |
| Accelerates healing | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Reduces inflammation | ✓ Cellular level | Systemic only |
| Long-term relief | ✓ Yes | ✗ Temporary |
| Downtime required | ✓ None | N/A |
Conditions Treated with Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy is effective for both acute injuries and chronic conditions. Its ability to reduce inflammation and accelerate cellular repair makes it a versatile addition to a comprehensive chiropractic care plan. At our Layton clinic, we use it most frequently for:
- Soft tissue sprains and strains
- Tendinitis and tendinopathy
- Bursitis
- Tennis and golfer's elbow
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
- Neck and back pain
- Disc-related nerve inflammation
- Sciatica
- Arthritis and joint inflammation
- Knee pain and IT band syndrome
- Post-surgical wound healing
- Neuropathy and nerve pain
- Auto accident soft tissue injuries
- Chronic inflammation
What to Expect During Treatment
A cold laser therapy session at Jeffery Chiropractic is straightforward, comfortable, and fast. Here's what a typical session looks like:
You'll sit or lie comfortably while Dr. Jeffery applies the laser handpiece directly over the treatment area. The device emits a concentrated beam of low-level light that penetrates the skin. You will feel nothing — or at most a very mild warmth or subtle tingling at the treatment site. There is no pain, no noise, and no discomfort.
Sessions typically last between 5 and 20 minutes depending on the size and number of areas being treated. There is absolutely no downtime — you can return to normal activities immediately after treatment. Most patients notice improvement within 3 to 5 sessions, though some acute conditions respond even faster.
Cold laser therapy is most effective when combined with chiropractic adjustments as part of an integrated care plan. The laser addresses cellular inflammation, while adjustments restore structural alignment — together they address both the cause and the tissue damage simultaneously.
Cold Laser Therapy FAQ
No — not at all. Cold laser therapy is completely painless. Unlike surgical lasers, the low-level lasers used in therapy produce no heat and cause no tissue damage. Most patients feel absolutely nothing during treatment. Some report a very mild warmth or subtle tingling at the treatment site, which is normal and harmless. Sessions are relaxing and comfortable.
The number of sessions depends on your condition and how your body responds to treatment. Acute injuries often show improvement within 3 to 5 sessions. Chronic conditions may require 8 to 15 sessions for optimal results. Dr. Jeffery will assess your condition and give you a realistic estimate at your initial consultation. Many patients notice a meaningful difference after just the first few treatments.
Yes. Cold laser therapy has an excellent safety profile supported by decades of research. It produces no heat, no ionizing radiation, and no tissue damage. There are no known systemic side effects. The primary precautions are avoiding direct laser exposure to the eyes (protective eyewear is provided) and not applying directly over active malignancy sites. Dr. Jeffery will review your medical history before treatment to confirm suitability.
Absolutely — and this combination is where cold laser therapy shines. Chiropractic adjustments restore structural alignment and relieve nerve compression. Cold laser addresses the cellular inflammation and tissue damage that often accompanies spinal conditions. Together they create a more complete and faster recovery than either approach alone. Many of our Layton patients receive both therapies in the same visit.
Coverage varies by plan. Some insurance policies cover cold laser therapy under physical medicine or chiropractic benefits; others do not. We recommend calling our Layton office before your first appointment — our team can help verify your coverage and explain any out-of-pocket costs upfront. We also offer affordable self-pay rates for patients without applicable coverage.