Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a common form of arthritis that affects different body areas, including hands, knees, spine, hips, and feet joints. A person suffering from osteoarthritis will experience severe pain and stiffness in joints due to the breakdown of cartilage and other bony structures.
Osteoarthritis can cause stiffness, inflammation, and pain. It also leads to a limited range of motion and decreased flexibility in your body, affecting your day-to-day life, including personal and work activities. Studies show that about 32.5 million adults in the United States have osteoarthritis.
Damaged, weakened, or broken joint cartilage between your bones is the leading cause of osteoarthritis. Common treatment or remedial options include increased physical activity, physical therapy, weight loss, OTC drugs, opioids, narcotics, canes, crutches, and surgery.
However, all these treatment options have side effects that can further cause complications. Laser therapy is a non-invasive technique and effective treatment option for people with osteoarthritis.
It uses a single-wavelength light that penetrates deep into the tissues and triggers photochemical reactions to accelerate the healing process. As a result, there is a production of new and healthy cells that replace the old and damaged ones.
Bear in mind that low-level laser therapy does not produce thermal or heating effects. Instead, it initiates a cascade of cellular events to heal the damaged joints and reduce discomfort, inflammation, and pain associated with osteoarthritis. Read on!
How Does Laser Therapy Work for Osteoarthritis?
It is crucial to undergo a series of diagnostics tests to confirm the symptoms. Your health provider will perform a physical exam, x-rays, and lab tests to diagnose your condition and determine whether you have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis although our robotic laser therapy works for all types of arthritis.
You will undergo a laser therapy session after the health professional has confirmed your health condition and its symptoms. A growing body of research evidence shows that low-level laser therapy can treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and other forms of arthritis.
Patients suffering from osteoarthritis must undergo laser therapy to relieve discomfort, inflammation, and pain. One study shows that patients with osteoarthritis who underwent this procedure had a 70% reduction in pain than patients in the placebo group.
The series of biochemical reactions trigged inside the cells increase blood circulation to the affected areas and stimulate healing mechanisms, leading to reduced stiffness and increased range of motion in joints.
Low-level laser therapy can also improve joint mobility, flexibility, and strength. However, there is a need for more research to confirm the results in a larger population. Overall, it is an effective treatment option with no or minor side effects. However, you will need to undergo five to ten sessions or more for better results.
Final Words
It is crucial to do your research and discuss your condition with a health expert before undergoing laser therapy for osteoarthritis. Remember, fewer risks are associated with laser therapy than medication, steroidal injections, opioids, and surgery.