Cold Laser Therapy in Greenville SC
Henry Clinic has offered low-level laser therapy to Greenville and Upstate South Carolina patients for many years as part of a comprehensive conservative care approach. Cold laser therapy is commonly used alongside chiropractic care and spinal decompression for spine-related disorders, sports injuries, neuropathy, and chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions.
Although low-level laser therapy and spinal decompression therapy are performed using FDA-cleared medical devices, these services are generally considered investigational by most major health insurance plans and are typically not covered. Patients are responsible for the cost of treatment. Auto accident and workers' compensation claims often provide coverage, and HSA funds may typically be used.
Cold Laser Recommended by 2017 ACP Guidelines for Low Back Pain
Reference: Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA, for the Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. ;166:514-530. doi: 10.7326/M16-2367Dr. Henry's Expert Commentary, "Low-Level Laser Therapy for Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions", University of Massachusetts Amherst
Download Dr. Henry's Low-Level Laser Therapy Research Poster (PDF)
Dr. Henry often recommends low-level laser because of the safety and efficacy of this therapy.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as "Cold Laser" is a non-invasive therapy we offer in Greenville for acute and chronic pain. This therapy has been around for decades but has gained attention and scientific support recently. The therapy is safe and non-invasive with few contraindications. Cold laser is completely painless and most patients feel nothing during the treatment. A small percentage of patients report a tingling or warming sensation. Laser light in the near infrared range can penetrate 5 cm (2 inches) into tissue, stimulating light sensitive receptors in the cells. This process, called photobiostimulation AKA photobiomodulation results in reduced pain and inflammation and is thought to accelerate tissue healing. The majority of patients experience some immediate pain reduction but it is not uncommon for a few (3-4) visits to be required before noticing pain relief. The number of treatments required depends on the severity and duration of the condition but most conditions will need several treatments, in accordance with international guidelines. We frequently use cold laser to painlessly treat myofascial trigger points. Cold laser therapy is a safe, gentle therapy that often gets results when nothing else has helped. Unlike electrical therapies, laser can be safely used to treat patients with pacemaker or defibrillator. Cold laser is often used at our office to help patients with chronic pain, neuropathy, auto accident injuries, and sports injuries.
Patient Experiences
Post-surgical neck and arm pain is gone with cold laser therapy!Charles Greer
Dr. Henry helped me recover from an injury after the World Championships using cold laser therapy.Rafael Rosendo Dos Santos
Conditions Commonly Treated
Spine Conditions
Disc bulges, disc herniations, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, lumbar radiculopathy, cervical radiculopathy, chronic neck pain and low back pain.
Sports & Orthopedic Injuries
Ankle sprains, rotator cuff injuries, muscle strains, shoulder tendonitis, tennis elbow and golfer's elbow.
Chronic Pain Conditions
Fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, neuropathy, TMJ disorders, headaches and osteoarthritis pain.
How Cold Laser Therapy Works
Studies have shown that cold laser results in photo-stimulation of light sensitive receptors in the cells of the body. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has demonstrated the ability to significantly accelerate and enhance the body's natural defense and repair components in the presence of injury, inflammation and certain disease processes. Studies have also shown that by modifying the effects and limiting the duration of inflammation as well as enhancing specific repair and healing processes, LLLT is consistent in providing pain relief, reducing injury damage and loss of function, in addition to facilitating more rapid repair and stronger healed tissue structures. Multiple clinical studies have noted the following results of LLLT:
- Increased collagen production
- Enhanced nerve regeneration
- Increased vasodilation
- Reduced inflammatory duration
- Increased cell metabolism
- Increased pain threshold
- Increased cell membrane potential
- Reduced edema magnitude
- Increased microcirculation
- Increased tissue and bone repair
- Increased lymphatic response
- Increased enzyme response
Dr. Henry uses laser in conjunction with spinal decompression and other chiropractic procedures to treat patients suffering from neck and back pain, facet syndrome, lumbar disc bulges, lumbar disc herniations, stenosis, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, or cervical disc problems.
Patients travel from Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Easley, Travelers Rest, and throughout Upstate South Carolina for conservative laser therapy and spine-focused care.
To find out if you are a candidate for Cold Laser Therapy, Call (864) 288-7797.