COLD LASER THERAPY AND TRIGGER POINTS
One of the things we have used it for is Trigger Points. TRIGGER POINTS are small knots of muscles that, although they can occur anywhere, usually occur in the trapezius muscle (where the back meets the neck and shoulder). Although our tissue work helps some of these folks, unfortunately these are, much of the time, not simply FASCIAL ADHESIONS.
What does the scientific peer-reviewed literature have to say about COLD LASER THERAPY for Trigger Points? Let’s go back a few years and take a look. in the January 2009 edition of JMPT (The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics), a study was published called, “Chiropractic Management of Myofascial Trigger Points and Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Systemic Review of the Literature” . 112 relevant studies were reviewed, and various forms of Trigger Point treatments were looked at. Here are the results of this study.
- Chiropractic Adjustments (Moderately Strong evidence for short term relief — Limited Evidence for long term relief.)
- Electric Stimulation — all kinds (Limited Evidence)
- TENS (Moderate Evidence)
- Acupuncture (Moderate Evidence)
- Magnet Therapy (Moderate Evidence)
- Ultrasound (Weak Evidence)
- Low Level Laser Therapy (Strong Evidence)
Did you catch that? The evidence for Low Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser Therapy) is strong for dealing with myofascial pain issues — particularly Trigger Points. To learn how it works, click the link above. Because Trigger Points can be so difficult to completely get rid of, I would suggest the inexpensive TheraCane or Back-Buddy for dealing with these at home and in the office. I would also suggest asking your Chiropractor about using a DAKOTA TRACTION DEVICE. Not sure what I’m talking about? Read my posts on EXTENSION THERAPY and DRY NEEDLING.
