Fibromyalgia treatment is getting cutting edge. Fibromyalgia refers to the condition where a person experiences chronic widespread pain in all areas of the body. Fibromyalgia treatment usually includes medications (some anti-depressants and analgesics), exercise, massage, alternative therapies (acupuncture, tai chi), and lifestyle changes.

Fibromyalgia Treatment: What is Cold Laser Therapy?

Another procedure that can be used in fibromyalgia treatment is cold laser therapy. Cold laser therapy entails application of laser to a specific body area to promote production of the body’s natural painkillers known as endorphins. However, compared to lasers used for surgery, cold laser therapy involves the use of low-intensity laser, which does not destroy or cut the tissue, hence the name “cold laser.”

Fibromyalgia Treatment and How it Works

Now how does this as an approach in fibromyalgia treatment work? Once these endorphins are released in that area, the person experiences pain relief and relaxation because the endorphins prevent pain signals from coming from the body area to the brain. Low-intensity light energy also promotes growth of cells in that body area, thus aiding in the healing process of affected tissues. This makes this procedure a good substitute in fibromyalgia treatment for invasive methods particularly injection of pain killers like anti-depressants and cortisone.

Cold laser therapy in fibromyalgia treatment also increases blood flow in the affected body area and it helps in the recovery of nerve function. In fact, laser therapy is also used in treating pain coming from musculoskeletal conditions, particularly tendinitis and arthritis. It may also be used in treating migraines.

Fibromyalgia Treatment–What to Do to Get Started With It

If a person is interested in fibromyalgia treatment through cold laser therapy, he or she may approach a physical therapy clinic, a chiropractic center, or an alternative medicine center. A session usually lasts for 15-20 minutes. As mentioned earlier, lasers are applied directly on the skin over the affected area or a tender point. When laser is applied, he or she should not feel anything. However, when the laser is applied on a nerve, that person may feel a slight tingling sensation.

With this, cold laser therapy in fibromyalgia treatment is considered to be safe, pain-free and non-invasive. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its use in fibromyalgia treatment. It may also be considered effective, noting that there are studies that may attest to its effectiveness in fibromyalgia treatment. However, this does not mean that this is effective for all persons undergoing fibromyalgia treatment. Moreover, cold laser therapy does not make a person completely healed from fibromyalgia; it is only an adjunct in fibromyalgia treatment. Other approaches should also be used in fibromyalgia treatment.