Even when traditional treatments help, some pain and stiffness linger. Cold laser therapy (also called low-level laser therapy) is a non-invasive option that complements chiropractic care, helping tissues recover, reducing inflammation, and giving your healing process a boost. Around Olympia, we often see people dealing with strain from active routines — yardwork, hikes, or long commutes — and laser therapy can help calm those irritated tissues so they heal more efficiently.
What Is Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light that penetrate tissues without heat damage. When applied to injured or strained areas, the light stimulates cellular activity—boosting metabolism, reducing inflammation, and supporting tissue repair.
Common Uses & Benefits
Cold laser can assist with a variety of conditions, especially when used as part of a broader plan:
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Muscle strains and sprains
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Ligament and tendon irritation
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Joint inflammation / arthritic pain
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Nerve pain or irritation
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Post-injury recovery or soft-tissue healing
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Supporting recovery after adjustments
Several studies suggest low-level lasers can help reduce pain and speed healing in musculoskeletal conditions.
How We Evaluate Whether It’s Right for You
Before applying laser therapy, we’ll:
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Review your history and how long symptoms have been present
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Assess the area: tissue condition, pain patterns, structural alignment
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Decide whether laser therapy should be combined with chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, or rehab
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Monitor your response (some respond quickly; others more gradually)
What a Treatment Session Looks Like
Laser sessions are short—often 5 to 15 minutes per region. You’ll be positioned comfortably, and we’ll place the laser device over the target area. You may feel a mild warmth or tingling sensation, though many people feel nothing noticeable. Each session is tailored to the condition being treated.
What You Can Expect
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Some patients notice reduced pain or improved mobility shortly after treatment
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Over multiple sessions, deeper changes emerge: better tissue repair, less stiffness, fewer flare-ups
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Because everyone’s body is unique, the number and frequency of sessions will vary depending on severity, condition, and response
When to Use Caution or Avoid
Cold laser is generally safe, but we use caution in certain situations:
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Over open wounds, untreated fractures, or active infection
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Near eyes or areas with skin hypersensitivity
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Over tumors or areas with malignancy (unless cleared)
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In pregnancy (over abdomen or reproductive organs) unless cleared by obstetric care