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Writer's pictureDr Kirsten Ferguson

What is Erchonia cold laser therapy?


What is it?

Cold laser therapy, aka low-level laser therapy, is a non-invasive technique using photobiomodulation (a fancy word for light that changes stuff in the body) that stimulates the body to heal from within.


How does it work?

It works by administering non-thermal (no heat) photons of light to the body. The low levels of light penetrate the tissue without heating or damaging the skin. The cells are stimulated and respond by increasing their metabolism and promoting the body's natural healing mechanisms (think...photosynthesis in plants).


Is cold laser new technology?

No! Since 1967, more than 2,500 studies have been conducted on the safety and effectiveness of LLLT in providing relief from pain and other symptoms. Many of these studies attest to its reliability in treating these conditions and recommend the treatment as a preferred non-invasive technique.


What is an Erchonia cold laser?

The company was established in 1966. Erchonia lasers hold 17 FDA market clearances. In clinical trials, the FX-635 laser had a 72% success rate! Read about their research here.


Other lasers market that they penetrate deeper.

The deeper, stronger, better laser marketing is a myth. The science of 3LT® has proven this to be untrue in many studies. In fact, some of these higher-powered, deeper penetrating lasers have been proven unsafe as they have the potential to heat the tissue and damage the DNA. Read the attached pdf:

Is it painful?

Absolutely not! Most people don't feel anything. Some might feel a light tingling or subtle touching sensation.


What is the difference between Lasers and LED?

Erchonia 3LT® devices used electric diodes, which are high end, culminated and strictly measured within a plus/minus .05%. LEDs are inexpensive, non-focused wide range light sources. The primary difference is in performance and depth of penetration. Laser diodes penetrate, working subcutaneously, LEDs do not affecting the surface only.


Are there any conditions that would prevent me from low-level laser treatment?

There are no code-regulated contraindications; however, since there are no long-term evaluations on certain conditions, Erchonia does not recommend use on pregnant women or persons with a pacemaker.


What are some of the results?

The results can include pain relief, increased circulation, decreased inflammation, and acceleration of tissue repair. Here are some examples:

  • Tendinitis: lessens fascial adhesions, increases microcirculation

  • Plantar fasciitis: decrease the tension of fascial tissue, decrease inflammation

  • Arthritis: decrease pain and inflammation

  • TMJ Syndrome: can reach deep jaw muscles and joint spaces to reduce irritation and pain

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: may alleviate nerve irritation and friction from fascial structures, decrease numbness, tingling, and paresthesia, and increases micro-circulation.

  • Pre and Post-operation healing

Cold Laser for Low Back Pain

"About 80 percent of adults experience low back pain at some point in their lifetimes. Of those, about 60% are treated with opioids, despite the opioid epidemic and minimum effectiveness (30%). Erchonia’s FX 635 laser showed a 72% success rate in their clinical trial, which received FDA market clearance in May 2018. The FX 635 treatment of chronic low back pain is groundbreaking in the pain management community and give patients a safer, more effective treatment option that will get them back on their feet in no time." Link


Cold Laser for Neck and Shoulder Pain

"Erchonia low level lasers are proven to be effective in reducing and eliminating chronic pain in the neck & shoulders. Many patients find that this solution is a much more effective and immediate alternative to traditional pain medications. The Erchonia lasers have been proven through rigorous clinical trials in which subjects had to refrain from any therapies, beside the laser. However in practice doctors are combining with forms of chiropractors and therapy, to help patients lead a normal, active, and healthy life without debilitating pain."Link


Cold laser for Plantar fasciitis

"Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults, affecting 1 million persons each year in the United States. Treatment ranges from rest to surgical intervention. Erchonia’s LLLT has received FDA clearance as an adjunct treatment for Plantar Fasciitis due to the treatment’s safe and efficacious nature. In a 3 week study, on average individuals experienced a 50% reduction in pain, with pain reduction either improving or sustaining up to 12 months post treatment."Link






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2 Comments


Donna Felix
Donna Felix
Oct 21, 2022

Thank you, I appreciate the details of how cold laser works. Cold laser works very well for me.

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Dr Kirsten Ferguson
Dr Kirsten Ferguson
Nov 26
Replying to

You are welcome! I continue to in awe of all the successes we have experienced by incorporating our Erchonia cold lasers for pain, inflammation, injury or surgery recovery, and more.

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