To visualize cold laser therapy, picture a high-tech version of acupuncture with a
low-temperature laser beaming light to the skin along the pressure points that an acupuncture needle would normally stimulate. Chiropractors promote this pain-free procedure as a new alternative approach to weight loss management. Bryan, Texas, offers a couple of centers utilizing cold laser for pain management and one of them integrates this therapy as part of a plan to help dieters lose weight.
History
Veterinarians first used low-power laser light for treating muscle injuries in horses in the 1960s. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the "cool laser" procedure for use in humans in 2001 and said it was safe for relieving muscle pain. The Bailey Health and Wellness Center on University Drive in Bryan, has adopted cold laser therapy for pain management to heal tissues damaged by muscle tears due to falls, muscle stress or accidents. More recently, this center added cold laser therapy for weight management to its services.
Trials
Clinical studies confirmed the ability of cold laser to reduce pain for Achilles tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and neck pain. Although no trial has yet measured the efficacy of this therapy for weight loss, the similarities between this technology and acupuncture suggest that cold laser therapy provides an alternate way to weight loss. Acupuncture has helped dieters accelerate their weight loss by controlling appetite. In a clinical study run by Abraham C. Kuruvilla, MD, in 2001, dieters lost twice more weight with acupuncture than their counterparts who did not use it.
How it Works
The laser light penetrates through skin layers and interacts with the muscle cells, explains the Johnson Performance and Wellness Center in Bryan, another facility that offers cold laser therapy for pain management. This energy improves metabolism, blood circulation and encourages damaged tissues to heal. The Bailey Health therapy group writes that the benefits of cold laser therapy in a weight loss program stem from affecting the nervous system. A body more relaxed with balanced energy experiences less hunger pangs.
Treatment
Note that you will not lose weight with just exposing your skin to cold laser light. You need to align the therapy with a program that helps you eat less and exercise more. Healingmethod.com advises that it may take two to five therapy sessions to achieve a sense of control over your cravings. Each visit lasts about one hour and involves 30 minutes of light exposure and another half hour of counseling.
Cost
No reimbursement exists for cold laser therapy used for weight management yet, so insurance does not cover this procedure. Therapy centers typically package cold laser treatment with other weight loss techniques such as massages or body wraps and offer the services under a bundled price. The Bailey Health and Wellness Center customizes the set of weight loss services that accompany cold laser based on your situation and the total price varies with clients.
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