Cold Laser Therapy for Fibromyalgia: What to Expect

Fibromyalgia is a puzzle for researchers and a source of daily pain for about four million Americans. If you're living with its challenging symptoms, you're likely asking, "What can I do?"

Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include pain, stiffness, sensitivity to pressure, chronic fatigue, headaches, migraine, and anxiety or depression. Symptoms vary from person to person, with pain and tender points being the most common.

For pain, stiffness, and tender points, our providers at Ledesma Foot and Ankle in Scottsdale, Arizona, may have the solution: cold laser therapy. 

This innovative approach to fibromyalgia reduces inflammation and stimulates your body’s natural healing mechanisms — without the need for medication or surgery, and with long-lasting results. 

Understanding cold laser therapy for fibromyalgia pain

Cold laser therapy is well-researched for the treatment of fibromyalgia. It uses low-intensity laser light to stimulate cellular activity in the tissues.

Your cells contain light receptors, and when light is absorbed by the mitochondria, the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) — a vital molecule that fuels cellular processes — increases. As a result, the body's ability to repair cells and tissues is enhanced.

In addition to boosting ATP production, cold lasers also stimulate blood flow, enhancing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to damaged tissues while reducing inflammation.

What to expect from a cold laser therapy session

The treatment is quick — often completed during a lunch break — and is both noninvasive and painless. Our providers use a specialized device to deliver low-intensity laser light to the areas of your body experiencing pain or sensitivity.

There are no special precautions to take after the treatment, and results can appear after just one or two sessions. The number of sessions needed depends on the severity of your symptoms and your response to therapy.

For most people who experience positive results, we recommend a few maintenance sessions throughout the year to sustain the benefits.

Benefits compared to other treatments

So why choose cold laser therapy?

Many patients report a gradual reduction in pain and swelling after a series of sessions, with some noticing improvement even after the initial treatment. Its ability to promote natural healing makes it an appealing option for those seeking to manage fibromyalgia symptoms without relying on medications that may cause unwanted side effects.

Who is a good candidate?

Good candidates are individuals struggling with chronic pain and inflammation associated with fibromyalgia and who are looking for noninvasive treatment options.

However, cold laser therapy isn’t recommended for those with active skin infections or severe tissue damage in the areas they wish to treat.

If you’re ready to explore a safe, noninvasive solution for pain management and improved mobility, contact us to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a pain-free life.