Cold laser therapy: A treatment option for knee pain?

It's unclear as to whether cold laser therapy is as effective as other knee pain treatments, such as physical therapy, pain relieving or anti-inflammatory medications, and exercise. Several studies have tried to address this question, but the results are still preliminary.

About 25 cold laser therapy devices have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are now available in the United States. Research continues, and we may soon have a better knowledge of the possible benefits of these devices for specific conditions.

The term cold laser refers to the use of low-intensity or low levels of laser light. Researchers believe cold laser therapy works by stimulating cells to better respond to stress and injury. The damaged cells stimulated by the laser might produce more proteins and anti-inflammatory chemicals to promote healing.

So far, the studies conducted have not found any serious side effects or risks when cold laser therapy is used properly by a physician. Pregnant women should not have cold laser therapy since researchers do not know if there are risks to unborn children. Children should also not have cold laser therapy near the ends of growing bones.

Since cold laser therapy is still being evaluated, you might want to consider participating in a clinical trial if you're interested in receiving the treatment. You can search for clinical trials on the Internet, using the Web site listed below, or your doctor may know of other trials. As with any clinical trial, before you decide to participate, talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.