The Benefits Of Cold Laser Therapy In The Treatment Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an overuse and repetitive stress injury that affects the wrist. It can also be caused by joint and bone diseases, hormonal imbalances, and injury. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage of bone and cartilage that houses nerves, tendons, and blood vessels through the hand and the forearm. CTS causes nerve pain and pressure that can radiate from the hand up into the arm. Some common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are:
- Tingling and numbness in the fingers, hand, wrist, and forearm
- Poor circulation
- Weakness and inability to grip objects
- Fingers that feel swollen
- Burning sensation in the fingers
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive condition that will worsen over time without proper treatment.
What Is Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold Laser Therapy uses a laser set at a lower intensity and tuned to specific wavelengths to target the treatment area with focused light. It is a great non-surgical and non-invasive treatment option. Cold Laser Therapy accelerates tissue repair and cell growth. It works by increasing biochemical energy production at the treatment site thereby:
- Increasing oxygenated blood supply to the injured tissues
- Increasing collagen supply that enhances tissue elasticity
- Increasing nerve regeneration and reducing swelling and inflammation
Cold Laser Therapy is virtually painless (some patients report feeling a warming sensation at the treatment site) and relief is often experienced immediately following treatment.
How Does Cold Laser Therapy Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Cold Laser Therapy treatment uses a complex computer program and low-intensity laser diodes to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. The diodes are placed directly on the skin and the light energy penetrates the tissue at the treatment site. By interacting with intracellular biomolecules the light energy aims to relieve symptoms, restore proper function, and boost the body’s natural healing and repair processes.
Because the compression of the nerve is often caused by inflammation that irritates the nerve, Cold Laser Therapy will work to reduce inflammation, and promote nerve healing and tissue repair. Treatments are quick, usually about 10 minutes. Many patients experience some immediate relief from symptoms but for lasting relief your chiropractor will recommend several treatments over a few weeks. Cold Laser Therapy can be combined with other treatment modalities to speed up healing and achieve optimal results.
Relief From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome With Cold Laser Therapy At Shephard Health
Do not let the pain and weakness of CTS hold you back from performing important tasks and doing the things you enjoy. There are several options to treat the symptoms and the underlying causes of carpal tunnel syndrome. Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive, non-surgical, and effective treatment to reduce the symptoms of CTS and to restore normal function to your hand and wrist. To explore your treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Shephard and the team at Shephard Health for a complimentary consultation now.
Dr. Shephard is one of Calgary’s Top 3 Rated Chiropractors. He and the team at Shephard Health use a variety of treatment modalities to relieve pain, restore movement and mobility, and achieve overall health and wellness at our NW Calgary clinic in Kensington. The Shephard Health team has over 20 years of experience in services ranging from Chiropractic Care and Spinal Decompression Therapy to Active Release Technique (ART®) and the treatment of repetitive stress injuries like CTS. We offer a no-obligation, complimentary consultation to assure you that we are the right team to help you achieve your goals for complete wellness and pain-free living. Call us at 1-403-543-7499 to book your appointment.
FAQ
Q: Does Cold Laser Therapy feel cold?
A: No, the reason it is called Cold Laser therapy is because there is no heat associated with the treatment. However, although many patients report feeling nothing at all during treatment, some patients may feel a little bit of warmth where the laser is applied.
Q: Is there downtime or recovery after a Cold Laser Therapy treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome?
A: We recommend patients refrain from any intense activity that would involve the treated area for up to 24 hours. This ensures that the treated area has time to rest and start the healing recovery process.
Q: What other conditions can Cold Laser Therapy be used to treat?
A: If you suffer from any of the following acute or chronic conditions listed below, Cold Laser Therapy may be the solution for you.
- Bodily pain such as back and neck, wrist, foot, ankle, shoulder, and knee pain
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Scar tissue
- Muscular injuries
- Joint pain
- Ligament or tendon tears
- Arthritis (rheumatoid and osteoarthritis)
- Repetitive stress injury
- Subluxations/post-dislocations
- Inflammation of tendons, bursae, muscle, or fascia
- Calcifications
- Post-surgical scarring
- Scar reduction
The number of treatment sessions will vary depending on your condition. However, the progress of laser therapy treatments is cumulative, and 5-12 treatments are typically required.
