Cold Laser Therapy in Northville, MI: How Photobiomodulation Relieves Pain Without Surgery or Medication

If you've been managing chronic pain, whether joint pain, back pain, or a soft tissue injury, and haven't gotten lasting results from medication or standard stretching programs, cold laser therapy may be a treatment you haven't considered. At Get Well Chiropractic of Northville, Dr. Stacie Ford incorporates cold laser therapy (also called photobiomodulation, or PBM) as part of a comprehensive, non-surgical approach to musculoskeletal pain.

What Is Cold Laser Therapy?

Cold laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of near-infrared or red light, delivered through a handheld device held against the skin, to penetrate tissue and trigger biological responses at the cellular level. The term "cold" distinguishes it from surgical or ablative lasers: the device does not cut, burn, or heat tissue. Patients typically feel nothing during treatment, or a mild warming sensation.

The biological mechanism involves stimulation of the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures inside cells. PBM appears to increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, reduce oxidative stress, modulate inflammatory signaling, and accelerate tissue repair. These effects are documented across a growing body of peer-reviewed literature.

What the Research Shows

A 2024 systematic review with meta-analysis published in Physical Therapy, the journal of the American Physical Therapy Association, pooled 10 randomized controlled trials with 542 participants and found that photobiomodulation produced a standardized mean difference of −0.7 in pain at rest compared to placebo for knee osteoarthritis patients. The authors concluded: "PBM reduces pain intensity in patients with knee osteoarthritis and may improve disability." They rated the certainty of that evidence as very low and recommended PBM as a complement to other established therapies rather than on its own.

An earlier meta-analysis of 22 randomized controlled trials (1,063 patients), published in BMJ Open, found that low-level laser therapy reduced pain by a mean of 14.23 mm on a 100 mm visual analog scale at the end of therapy, with peak reductions of nearly 32 mm at 2–4 weeks post-treatment when the recommended dosing was used. That analysis also covered knee osteoarthritis specifically.

Cold laser therapy has been studied for back pain, neck pain, tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and post-surgical recovery. The strongest evidence exists for musculoskeletal pain conditions where inflammation and impaired tissue healing are central to the problem.

How Cold Laser Fits into Chiropractic Care

Cold laser therapy is most effective as part of a broader treatment plan, not as a standalone intervention. At Get Well Chiropractic, Dr. Ford typically combines PBM with:

• Chiropractic adjustments: restoring joint mechanics and reducing nerve irritation alongside cellular-level healing
• Spinal decompression: for disc-related conditions including herniated discs and sciatica
• MYACT acoustic wave therapy: treating stubborn soft-tissue and joint injuries that laser alone does not address
• Massage therapy: supporting circulation and muscle recovery between visits

The combination approach addresses multiple layers of the problem: the structural (joint alignment, disc position), the neurological (nerve irritation and pain signaling), and the cellular (tissue inflammation and repair). Many patients notice reduced pain and swelling within a few sessions rather than after a single visit, though results depend on the condition being treated.

Conditions Treated with Cold Laser at Get Well Chiropractic

Dr. Ford uses cold laser therapy for a range of musculoskeletal conditions seen at the Northville office:

• Neck and back pain: including chronic pain that hasn't responded to standard care
• Knee pain and arthritis: reducing inflammation in the joint without medications
• Shoulder injuries: rotator cuff tendinitis and bursitis
• Plantar fasciitis: targeting the inflamed fascia at the heel and arch
• Nerve pain: calming irritated, inflamed nerves
• Sports and overuse injuries: tendinitis, muscle strains, ligament sprains
• Post-accident recovery: whiplash, bruising, swelling, and soft tissue injuries from auto accidents

What to Expect During Cold Laser Treatment

Each cold laser session at Get Well Chiropractic takes approximately 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the area being treated. The device is held against the skin at the treatment site. There is no downtime, so you can return to normal activity immediately after. Cold laser is often applied right after an adjustment, so many patients receive it as part of the same visit, and your plan spells out how many sessions we recommend.

Cold laser therapy is non-invasive and has an excellent safety profile, but it is not the right fit for every condition. Every patient starts with an assessment, and Dr. Ford reviews your health history to confirm cold laser is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cold laser therapy the same as a surgical laser?
No. Surgical lasers cut or ablate tissue using high-intensity heat. Cold laser therapy (photobiomodulation) uses low-intensity, non-thermal light; it does not cut, burn, or damage tissue. The "cold" in the name refers to the absence of thermal effect, not the temperature of the device.

How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the condition and how long you have had it. Acute injuries often respond in a few sessions, while chronic conditions usually take longer. After your initial assessment, Dr. Ford outlines the recommended plan and number of visits, and progress is reviewed along the way.

Does cold laser therapy hurt?
No. Most patients feel little to nothing during treatment, or a mild warmth. Cold laser therapy is non-invasive and painless, and there is no recovery time afterward.

Can cold laser therapy be used alongside my current medication?
Cold laser therapy is a physical, drug-free treatment, and most patients receive it alongside whatever care they are already getting. Bring a list of your current medications to your first visit so Dr. Ford can review them as part of your health history, and keep your prescribing doctor in the loop about any changes to your care.

Will insurance cover cold laser therapy?
Coverage for cold laser therapy varies by plan and is often limited, even when a plan covers chiropractic adjustments. Call (248) 465-0000 with your insurance information and our front desk will verify your benefits before your first visit. If you are paying out of pocket, you can request a Good Faith Estimate in writing before you come in.

Schedule a Cold Laser Consultation in Northville

If you're dealing with chronic pain that hasn't resolved with standard approaches, cold laser therapy may be worth evaluating. Dr. Stacie Ford offers an initial consultation to review your history, understand your goals, and determine whether PBM fits your treatment plan. Request an appointment online or call (248) 465-0000 to schedule.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment. Cold laser therapy is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation and diagnosis.