Vocal cord paralysis isn’t just a hoarse voice—it can severely impact breathing, swallowing, and communication. Often the result of nerve injury from surgery, trauma, or viral infections, the condition leaves patients searching for options beyond surgery or voice therapy.
Now, an innovative non-invasive approach—cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT)—is being trialled to help stimulate nerve regeneration and restore laryngeal function.
What Causes Vocal Cord Paralysis?
Vocal cord (or vocal fold) paralysis occurs when one or both vocal cords don’t move properly due to cranial nerve damage, most commonly the recurrent laryngeal nerve. It can stem from:
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Thyroid or neck surgery
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Stroke or neurological injury
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Viral infections
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Idiopathic causes (unknown origin)
Symptoms include breathy or weak voice, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes severe vocal fatigue. Traditional treatments involve voice therapy, surgical implants, or nerve grafting—each with varying success.
How Cold Laser Therapy May Help
Cold laser therapy, or photobiomodulation, uses targeted red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular regeneration and reduce inflammation—without heat or tissue damage. In the case of nerve injuries, it may:
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Activate mitochondrial activity to boost cell repair
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Enhance blood flow to nerve-dense regions of the neck and larynx
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Stimulate neural regeneration along the vagus and recurrent laryngeal nerve
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Reduce inflammation around the damaged area, easing compression and improving function
A 2019 study published on PubMed explored LLLT's potential to restore vocal fold mobility following unilateral paralysis. The researchers reported measurable improvements in nerve conduction and vocal function, suggesting LLLT may support reinnervation and functional recovery in affected patients.
Targeted At-Home Use with the Pulse Laser Device
The Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy device from Pulse Laser Relief offers precise, low-level laser energy designed for use on delicate, inflammation-prone areas like the neck. While clinical use requires supervision, this device gives individuals access to therapeutic laser wavelengths used in nerve recovery protocols, making it a promising home-support tool between professional treatments.
Potential benefits for vocal nerve injury patients:
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Daily, localised stimulation of nerve pathways
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Drug-free, pain-free healing support
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Improved circulation to laryngeal tissue
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Easy, repeatable application at home
Always consult an ENT specialist or speech therapist before using laser therapy in the neck area, especially near the larynx.
Steel Manning Common Doubts
It’s understandable to be sceptical—how can light therapy reach and heal deep nerves? While it may seem unlikely at first glance, laser therapy has been used in neurology, dentistry, and sports medicine for decades to promote soft tissue and nerve recovery. Recent advances have refined the technology to safely target deeper, more complex structures like the cranial nerves involved in vocal function.
A New Era in Vocal Health Recovery
Whether you're recovering from thyroid surgery or dealing with unexplained vocal paralysis, cold laser therapy offers hope grounded in science. By supporting your body’s natural repair mechanisms, it provides a complementary path to traditional speech therapy and rehabilitation.
Devices like the Pulse Laser Relief LLLT system make this therapy more accessible, safe, and practical than ever before—especially for those who want to take an active role in their recovery.
References:
Lou Z, Gong T, Kang J, Xue C, Ulmschneider C, Jiang JJ. The Effects of Photobiomodulation on Vocal Fold Wound Healing: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2019 Sep;37(9):532-538. doi: 10.1089/photob.2019.4641. PMID: 31503536.
