Knee Pain Treatment with Low Level Laser
Knee Pain Treatment
One of the most common applications for low level laser therapy is to treat knee pain. Our knees sustain considerable pressure and force throughout our lives, particularly during sport or regular day-to-day activities. Knees are particularly susceptible to damage and chronic pain as we age.
Knee pain is commonly caused by a range of inflammatory conditions including:
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Mild arthritis in the knee joint
- Ligament strains and sprains from injury
Knee pain can severely limit your mobility and ability to perform normal activities – from walking, weight-bearing or standing to exercise and sport. Typically, common treatments for knee pain (that did not require surgery) were anti-inflammatory medication, rest or using ice to numb the pain. Low level laser therapy is becoming widely used to treat inflammatory knee pain because it is a non-invasive, comfortable treatment that goes to the source of the pain to promote healing, rather than simply masking the pain.
Low level laser therapy has been shown in studies (Hegedus et al 2009) to help improve joint movement and reduce the intensity of pain for patients with mild knee osteoarthritis.
Low level laser therapy works at the cellular level to promote healing of the damaged tissue in the knee. Light energy painlessly penetrates deep into the damaged tissue to reduce the inflammation that causes the pain. As the tissue in the knee heals, pain is eliminated.
Low Level laser therapy can be combined with other treatments such as stretching, strapping and rest, to result in improved mobility and relief from knee pain. Best of all, it may reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medicine.
Treatment Method
Using the Handy Pulse Laser device: Select 50Hz program mode, as directed by your health practitioner. Hold the laser firmly touching the skin directly at source of pain.
Knee joint pain:
- Move in a scanning motion, around the treatment area for 4 sessions: 2 x 5 minute sessions front followed by 2 x 5 minute sessions on the back. Total 20 minutes
Knee ligament injuries:
- Move in a scanning motion on the side of the knee for 3 x 5 minutes sessions. Total 15 minutes
Further Reading
- The Effect of Low-Level Laser in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.Photomed Laser Surg. (2009) Aug; 27(4): 577–584. Béla Hegedűs, M.D., László Viharos, Ph.D., Mihály Gervain, Ph.D., and Márta Gálfi, Ph.D.
Important note for patients: This is intended as general information about treating long-term pain, and a quick summary of some of the relevant research. Pain is very complex and should not be self-diagnosed. Please always consult your health professional to determine if the Handy Pulse Laser will be beneficial for you.