Cold Laser Therapy
Non-Invasive Light Therapy for Pain and Tissue Recovery
At Five Balance Health Center, Dr. Lyu uses the Erchonia XLR8 — a dual-diode, red-wavelength (635nm) low-level laser — as part of a combined approach to musculoskeletal pain and slow-healing tissue.
Unlike surgical lasers that use heat to cut tissue, low-level lasers deliver light at levels that do not heat or damage tissue. Most patients feel little or nothing during treatment.
How does Cold Laser Therapy work?
Healing happens at the cellular level. Visible red light is absorbed by
structures inside the cell — particularly the mitochondria, where the body
produces its energy supply (ATP).
Research on photobiomodulation suggests this absorption can:
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Support cellular energy (ATP) production
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Influence cell membrane permeability
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Affect local circulation and inflammatory signaling in the treated area
In clinical practice, some patients experience reduced pain and swelling,
and improved mobility in the treated region.
Why Wavelength Matters
Not all "laser therapy" is the same. According to Erchonia, visible-light wavelengths interact with the mitochondrial electron transport chain in ways that infrared wavelengths do not — the mechanism depends on the energy level of the photons, not on how powerful the device is.
This is why we use a visible red-light system rather than a high-power infrared device. Our aim is a photochemical effect at the cellular level, not a thermal one.
Photobiomodulation remains an active area of research. Individual responses vary, and laser therapy is used here as one component of care rather than a standalone cure.
What conditions are treated with cold low level lasers?
Low-level laser therapy has been studied most extensively in physical medicine and rehabilitation. In our clinic, we use it as part of care for:
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Chronic neck and shoulder pain
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Acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain
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Soft tissue injuries — tendon, ligament, and muscle strain
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Joint pain and stiffness
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Inflammation associated with overuse injuries
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Slow-healing areas where circulation is limited
How Laser Fits Into Our Care
Laser therapy is rarely the whole answer. We combine it with SoftWave, HydroWave, and radial shockwave therapy, along with gentle chiropractic care, depending on what your evaluation shows.
Having all four technologies under one roof is unusual for a chiropractic office — and it means we can match the tool to the tissue rather than applying the same treatment to every patient.
Is Cold Laser Therapy Safe?
Low-level laser therapy is generally well tolerated. It is non-invasive, does not heat tissue, and most patients report no discomfort during or after treatment.
That said, no treatment is right for everyone. Laser therapy is generally not used over:
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Known or suspected cancerous tissue
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The abdomen during pregnancy
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The thyroid gland
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Areas treated with photosensitizing medication
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Directly into the eyes (protective eyewear is used)
We review your health history before beginning care and will tell you if laser therapy is not appropriate for your situation.
What to Expect
A typical session takes only a few minutes per area. Some patients notice a change within the first few visits; others need a longer course of care. We will give you a straightforward assessment of whether treatment is helping, and adjust — or stop — accordingly.
Ready to Find Out If This Is Right for You?
We are glad to evaluate your condition and give you an honest answer about whether cold laser therapy, shockwave therapy, or another approach makes the most sense for you.