Move Empower Concierge Physical Therapy Austin TX
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Man sitting on running track clutching knee in pain due to osteoarthritis

Cold Laser Therapy For Knee Osteoarthritis

Hey there! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re dealing with the pesky problem of knee osteoarthritis. We get it — knee pain can seriously cramp your style. Whether you’re an avid runner, a weekend golfer, or just love to walk your dog around the block, knee osteoarthritis can make every step a challenge. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!

 

What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Before we get into the details of cold laser therapy, let’s take a quick look at what knee osteoarthritis is. Simply put, osteoarthritis (OA) is a type of arthritis that happens when the cartilage — the smooth, cushiony material at the ends of your bones — wears down over time. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints. When it happens in the knees, it can be particularly troublesome since we rely on our knees for just about every movement.

 

There are actually two types of osteoarthritis: primary and secondary. Primary is where the cartilage in your knees has worn down for no specific reason. Secondary is where something has caused the cartilage to wear such as repetitive movements at work or sports related injuries.

 

Why Does Knee Osteoarthritis Hurt So Much?

Great question! When the cartilage in your knee starts to break down, it means your bones are rubbing against each other without that nice, smooth layer to keep things moving easily. This friction can cause pain and inflammation. Plus, the breakdown of cartilage can lead to tiny bone spurs (ouch!) and bits of cartilage floating around in your joint, which can also be painful and irritating.

 

If you do not manage this condition after it is discovered, your body will keep wearing itself down, continuing the cycle of pain. However, with constant treatment, you can manage this condition and work towards a less painful future where you can get back to doing the activities you love to do.

 

Enter Cold Laser Therapy

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: cold laser therapy. You might be wondering, “What on earth is cold laser therapy?” Don’t worry, it’s not as sci-fi as it sounds. Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), uses low-intensity lasers to stimulate healing in your tissues. It’s called “cold” because the lasers don’t produce heat like the lasers you might be thinking of.

 

Basically, cold laser therapy works by delivering light energy to your body’s cells. This light energy is absorbed by the cells, which then convert it into cellular energy. This process can help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and promote healing in the affected area.

 

Think of it like watering a plant. When you water a plant, it absorbs the water and uses it to grow and thrive. Similarly, your cells absorb the light energy from the laser and use it to repair and rejuvenate the tissues in your knee. The process is completely pain free and very fast. Depending on the severity of your osteoarthritis, you might notice a difference after just a few sessions with the laser.

 

Physical therapist uses cold laser on woman's knee

What to Expect During a Cold Laser Therapy Session

If you’re considering trying cold laser therapy for your knee osteoarthritis, you might be curious about what to expect during a session. Here’s a quick rundown:

  1. Comfortable Setup: You’ll sit or lie down in a comfortable position, depending on where your knee pain is located. For example, pain in the back of the knee most likely means you will need to lay down.
  2. Laser Application: The therapist will apply the cold laser device to the area around your knee. You might feel a slight tingling sensation, but it shouldn’t be painful.
  3. Session Duration: Each session typically lasts between 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the severity of your condition and the treatment plan.
  4. Post-Treatment Feel: After the session, you might notice an immediate reduction in pain and swelling. However, it can take a few sessions to see significant improvement.

It’s that simple! Cold laser treatments are some of the easiest and quickest treatments around, and we have seen just how effective this treatment can be for our patients.

 

Benefits Of Cold Laser Therapy For Knee Osteoarthritis

So, why should you consider cold laser therapy for your knee osteoarthritis? Here are some of the top benefits:

  1. Pain Relief: One of the biggest benefits of cold laser therapy is its ability to reduce pain. Many people experience relief after just a few sessions. Most patients appreciate this type of therapy because it does not require prescription medications that can come with a myriad of side effects, be very expensive, and can even be difficult to acquire.
  2. Reduced Inflammation: Cold laser therapy can help decrease inflammation in your knee joint, which can reduce swelling and improve mobility.
  3. Non-Invasive: Unlike surgery, cold laser therapy is non-invasive. That means no cuts, no stitches, and no long recovery times.
  4. Quick and Easy: Each session is relatively short, so you can easily fit it into your busy schedule. With our mobile physical therapy, you’re saved even more time when we visit the location of your choice, use our laser, and send you back to your daily routine!
  5. No Medication Needed: Cold laser therapy is a drug-free treatment option, which means you don’t have to worry about the side effects of medication.
 

Is Cold Laser Therapy Right for You?

While cold laser therapy can be a fantastic option for many people with knee osteoarthritis, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional to see if it’s the right choice for your specific situation.

 

If you’re in the Austin, TX area and are looking for a reliable place to try cold laser therapy, look no further than Move Empower Concierge PT. Our skilled therapists are here to help you get back on your feet — literally! We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and goals.

 

Schedule an initial appointment with one of our specialist physical therapists. This will allow us to determine what is causing your pain and if you are a good candidate for cold laser treatments. We will also walk you through all your available options so that you can pick what you feel is best.

 

In the meantime, if you are suffering from pain and waiting to get an appointment, here are some tips to help you:

Specialist physical therapist using a cold laser treatment on a patient's knee for knee pain

Tips For Managing Knee Osteoarthritis

While cold laser therapy can be a game-changer, it’s also important to take other steps to manage your knee osteoarthritis. Here are some tips to help you out:

  1. Stay Active: Regular exercise can help keep your joints flexible and strong. Just be sure to choose low-impact activities like swimming, biking, or walking. You can also do light yoga to stretch your legs. Pick an activity that you like to do where you can keep things slow and light.
  2. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Carrying extra weight can put more stress on your knees. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce that pressure. If your knees are causing you lots of pain so that you are unable to exercise regularly, try swimming. It takes the pressure off your joints so that you are able to move more freely and without pain.
  3. Use Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to your knee can help manage pain and inflammation. You can use traditional heat and ice packs or over the counter treatments. Just make sure you are consistent with these treatments.
  4. Practice Good Posture: Poor posture can put extra strain on your knees. Make sure you’re sitting and standing with good alignment.
  5. Wear Supportive Shoes: Wearing shoes with good arch support can help reduce the strain on your knees. At the end of the day, if you can’t wait to get your shoes off because they are uncomfortable, then you have the wrong footwear. Find shoes that you don’t mind keeping on!
  6. Avoid Repetitive Stressors: If you have secondary osteoarthritis — meaning there is a known cause for your cartilage loss, then try to avoid those movements. For example, if you play basketball for fun and notice your knees bothering you more than usual during your games, then your favorite sport might be the problem. While you wait for treatment, it is best to avoid these stressors. Once you work with a physical therapist, they can help you safely get back to doing what you love without the associated pain.

Knee osteoarthritis can be a real pain, but you don’t have to let it control your life. Cold laser therapy is a promising treatment option that can help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and improve your overall quality of life. Be sure to check out Move Empower Concierge PT for top-notch Austin, TX cold laser therapy services. With the right treatment plan and some lifestyle adjustments, you can get back to doing the things you love without knee pain holding you back.

 

Remember, always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. Here’s to healthier, happier knees! Schedule a FREE discovery session today so that we can get started on your path to a pain free future.