Cold Laser Therapy: Hope for Arthritis


Having had the rare, first-hand opportunity to observe cold laser therapy treatment in action, I am impressed at its remarkable ability to help in healing with rheumatoid arthritis.

As my dad suffers from various maladies, including having a heart defibrilator. He was sceptical on whether he wanted to try cold laser therapy. After a seemingly endless bout with ill health and failed conventional treatments, he simply didn't believe anything could help him.

I had mentioned cold laser therapy in the past, but being that my dad is retired military and on Tricare Prime medical insurance, he was first referred to a Rheumatologist who promptly prescribed Prednisone to my diabetic father.

The Prednisone (a steroid) did more harm than good. He gained a tremendous amount of water weight, which further exerted his already problematic heart and certainly did not help his renal issues either. After just a few days of the prednisone treatment, his overall health was deteriorating rapidly. He was just about ready to throw in the towel.

Through research, I discovered a local, Chiropractic Physician who utilized cold laser therapy. Without further adieu, I scheduled an appointment for my dad. A bit apprehensive, and rightfully so, he was not as convinced as me about this so-called cold laser therapy.

I explained to him that cold laser therapy is FDA-Approved, non-invasive, didn't involve any needles and promised him that no harm would come to him. I also elaborated on extensive, scientific research that proved its healing capabilities.

"But what about Daddy's defibrilator?" my mom asked. Although, I had already questioned Dr. Schafer about this, I had my mom give her a phone call herself and reiterate the same question. The fact that my dad has a defibrilator had no baring, and the cold laser therapy would not interrupt its process.

On his Saturday appointment, my dad's hand and fingers were so swollen from the rheumatoid arthritis that his hand not only appeared broken, but it was so stiff that he could not move his fingers a single centimeter.

Pulling up to Dr. Schafer's clinic, I told my father that I believed in this treatment and knew that even if it didn't completely cure the arthritis, it would certainly help him.

When we walked in the door, Dr. Schafer was very personable and made it a point to introduce herself as 'Virginia.' Not only this, she specifically greeted my dad by name without having to ask who he was. This, of course, helped my dad to be a bit more relaxed in the quiet office.

Dr. Schafer called my dad into her office and had my mom and me accompany them to watch how the cold laser therapy worked. Firstly, she reviewed my dad's medical records and began to explain how cold laser therapy worked.

Because the cold laser emits a low level of power output and its beam penetration is deep, it has been effectively proven to treat human tissue. Individuals become swollen due to injury or other physiological disorders caused by excessive buildup of watery fluid in tissue spaces. Initially, swollen tissue prevents movement of damaged tissue but concurrently causes central trauma pain and secondary pain from the swelling itself.

By targeting the lymphatic system, cold laser therapy first preserves body fluid balance, and simultaneously improves reabsorption of edema through the infrared laser light. Overall, cold laser therapy distinctly demonstrates a reduction in swelling and permits motion to return to the treated part.

So, with that knowledge, Dr. Schafer retrieved what looked like a Maglite flashlight. While she placed the cold laser directly on my dad's affected hand, she congenially told us about her research, about her background and even about her family. Putting my dad even more at ease with her compassion, Dr. Schafer shifted the cold laser to different areas of his hand for moments at a time.

Before my own eyes, I could literally see the swelling begin to retreat. I asked my dad if he felt anything. With a slight smile, he said, "yes, it's feeling better." Needless to say, Dr. Schafer is a shining example of the hypocritic oath - "...first, do no harm..."

After my dad's visit, there was a remarkable reduction in swelling. Even Dr. Schafer explained how she 'is simply amazed herself every time she uses the cold laser.'

Since then, he has had another visit. And again, the results were incredible. Now he is able to move his fingers - which he was unable to do prior to his visit to Dr. Schafer. Although rheumatoid arthritis is a tough cookie to crack, cold laser therapy works magnificently. Its ability to have such a dramatic impact on healing, without conventional drugs, needles, or other un-natural stimulous makes the cold laser therapy not only an exciting, innovative therapy but a treatment that offers hope to so many.

Would I recommend it? Definitely.

Reference:

Dr. Virginia Schafer, one of South Carolina's first chiropractors to acquire the Microlight cold laser, is a leading authority in research of Fibromyalgia and Rheumatology.


More Resources

Empowering Ourselves with the New Energy Dynamic
The chakras are an important part of our energy anatomy. Ideally we would like to feel that all of the chakras in our body are fully functioning.
Allergy Approaches through Lifestyle
What we do is just as powerful as what we eat to keep ourselves operating at our very best health. This applies to taking care during allergy season as well.
Taking Control of Your Health & Well-being
Taking Control of Your Health & Well-beingby Georgianna Donadio D.C.
Stopping Colds in Their Tracks
We all know the nasty sensation of coming down with a cold: when you feel like your head is stopped up, when your nose is constantly running, and when nothing tastes right.Most of what we call colds are technically known rhinitis, and are caused by various micro-organisms settling on nasal or throat surfaces, and the body's reacting to them.
Relaxation
We talk a lot about stress in our society, but very little about relaxation. Odd, isn't it? The ability to relax is, in my view, undervalued.
Low Back Pain - Ayurvedic Management
Low back pain is one of the most common pain disorders today .It is a chronic condition characterized by a persistent dull or sharp pain per the lower back.
What are the Best Roles for Western and Alternative Medicine?
I think it's very confusing for patients to decide what the best roles are for Western medicine and alternative medicine.In this article, I'll try to clear some of that confusion with a few simple principles.
Mood Stabilizers & Mood Enhancers - A Remedy to Naturally Boost Mood & Alleviate Depression
Depression and mood disorders are very prevalent mental health issues today. In an increasingly health conscious society, more options are being put forth in the realm of natural medicine, allowing people to stabilize and enhance mood naturally, without addictive and often harmful prescription antidepressants.
Arthritis Relief and Your Diet
Arthritis affects more than 40 million Americans and is referred to as the most common chronic disease in people over 40. Doctors believe there are over 100 different forms of arthritis, all sharing one main characteristic: they all cause joint inflammation.
Hinoki: Natural Essences in Abundance
Living in a hectic urban landscape, do you look forward to a return to nature, where the richness of plant essences can soothe your fatigued spirit? With the refreshing fragrance of hinoki, an ancient plant that emanates a rich store of natural energy, you would feel immersed in an oasis of comfort even in the midst of the urban jungle.HistoryHinoki is rich in ancient history.
The Source of All Disease
So why is there disease? The very word means that the body is in a state of Diss-Ease. It is certainly not being provided with the optimal conditions that it requires to maintain itself healthily.
Dandelions! This Common Weed is a Wonderful Spring Tonic
Those Glorious Dandelions! Taraxacum officinale (composite family)Spring is coming! Starting about this time every year I find myself craving bitter flavors. My body is longing to cleanse itself of toxins accumulated over a long winter of holiday indulgence, rich foods and various colds & flus.
Food Combining for Indigestion
I'd like to share with you some basic food combining rules as set forth by the late Dr. Herbert Shelton many years ago.
Holistic Is Not A Four-Lettered Word
If you're anything like me, then you've got a certain picture in your mind of what *holistic* is supposed to be. For me, it's conjured up pictures of holy men, or shaman, doing a ritual dance while chanting mantras, and rubbing *energy crystals* in an effort to remove evil spirits from your life.
Why Your Mattress May Be Killing You
The organic movement, which started with organic food, is moving to the bedroom in a big way. "The bedroom? " you say.
Acupressure
Developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago, acupressure is an ancient healing therapy that utilizes fingers to depress key locations on the skin's surface to prompt healing withing the body. Similar to acupuncture, acupressure uses the same reference points on the body that release muscular stress; thus encouraging better blood circulation.
Herbal Products
HERBAL PRODUCTS are comprised of herbal care remedies, such as ointments like Tea Tree ointment. Tea Tree ointment has the ability to help and cure dermatitis, excema and fungal infections.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine, also referred to as Herbalism or Botanical Medicine, is the oldest healthcare known to mankind. Herbal medicine is the utilization of herbs for therapy or medicinal purposes.
Parasites: The Missing Diagnosis?
Parasites, commonly thought of as only affecting those in developing countries, actually affect 1 in 6 people in North America and are the most common disease condition in the world. For many chronic conditions this can be the missing diagnosis.
Healing the Elements
The Nature Elementals, most commonly known as Faeries, are the unseen guardians of the planet. As much as we would like to believe that their survival depends on our beliefs and ability to clap loud enough so as to restart their dying hearts, these energy beings have very little need for us.

More Alternative Information:

Related Articles

A Rose is Not Just a Rose
The rose is perhaps one of the most powerful symbols in the metaphysical world. It is also one of the most accessible tools that can be used for everyday magic.
Quantum Biology and Its Uses for Aromatherapy
Bel'Air has brought in cutting edge medical technology from Europe and America, in the form of "Quantum Xrriod C.I System", to allow distributors to understand their health conditions using the most advanced medical therapeutic method.
Constipation Remedy Using Citrus Juice
Citrus JuicesCitrus juices are a constipation remedy that is an excellent way to stimulate your colon and other parts of the body. Since your colon is less active at night, drinking juices as soon as you awaken and get up can stimulate strong peristaltic action and promote a bowel movement.
How to Stop Hair Pulling With Hypnosis
Stress caused by the day-to-day issues of home life and work can bring people to their breaking point. Many people struggle with the feeling of wanting to pull out their hair.
Herbal Remedies to the Rescue!
Since the dawn of civilization, man has always turned to Herbal Remedies to cure the common cold, salve wounds, relieve itching and burns, as well as a host of other medical needs. Unfortunately, with the rising tide of Herbal Medicine believers around the globe, doctors and other critics alike are lashing out at Herbal Remedies as the number one killer--which is totally unjustified.
Feuille D Menthe: The Cooling and Uplifting Fragrance of Green Grass
Feuille D'Menthe is a blend of several fragrant grass essential oils, with the main ingredients being sage, vetiver, mint and basilic. The perfect combination of these fragrant herbs exudes a rich and fresh aroma, without gloom and turbidity.
Improve Your Eating Habits To Save Money On Prescriptions!
Do you like the arthritis pain relief you get from over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pills (like ibuprofen)? But do they "bother your stomach"? Take an honest assessment of your eating habits. Think about your diet before you declare the cheaper NSAIDs off-limits and switch to the more expensive coxibs like Celebrex® or Bextra®.
Natural Medicine--Finding a Qualified Naturopath
Naturopathic medicine is currently the fastest growing segment of the alternative health movement but not everyone practicing this branch of "natural" medicine is qualified to do so. I like to group naturopaths according to their educational backgrounds because I believe that the quality of your naturopath's education directly affects the quality of care you'll receive.
Snoring: A Common Sleep Disorder
Sleep consumes as much as one-third or more of the average human's life. Even if people hope for restful sleep, many types of sleep disorder reduce the quality and quantity of sleep.
Why Detoxify?
Have you been hearing about detoxification more often?That's because we are now recognizing and appreciatingthat our bodies are not just separate parts, but a connected system which must be in "balance" if we are tofeel and be well.So what is detoxifying?Well, it is an internal cleansing of toxins, from our bodies.
My All Natural Oasis
About 7 years ago, I decided that my budget could stretch, just enough, to fulfill my lifelong dream of owning my own hot tub. Like most perspective spa owners, my biggest concern was whether the hassle of adding and mixing all those toxic chemicals that (I used to believe) are necessary for clean spa water was really worth the pleasure of after-work escapes into my personal "oasis".
Understanding Hypnosis
If you want to use hypnosis for therapeutic reasons, there are three personal assets you will need. They are: imagination, concentration, and a genuine motivation to be hypnotized.
Treat Osteoporosis Naturally
Osteoporosis is a condition that faces every baby boomer; man or woman. Women are more prone to getting this after menopause, but men can also have "porous bones.
Genital Herpes - Natural and Alternative Treatment Remedies
Modern medical science has not been able to produce a cure for the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can only offer pharmaceutical solutions that help ease the pain and speed up recovery from a genital herpes outbreak. For those that don't want to turn to medication to manage a lifetime of outbreaks, several holistic and natural remedies may offer a safer alternative.
Aromatherapy - Part I: Essential Oils
a) WHERE DO ESSENTIAL OILS COME FROM ? - Essential Oils - Part 1The odoriferous substances (Essential oils) themselves are formed in the chloroplasts of the leaves where they combine with glucose to form glucides and are then circulated around the plant in this form. At certain times of the day or year they are stored in particular parts of the plant.
Why Most People Dont Really Want To Heal (Part 1)
I recently attended a metaphysical lecture facilitated by Guy Williams, a friend of mine who also happens to be a minister of Religious Science. After the lecture, Guy opened the floor for prayer requests, and one of the attendees asked for healing for a family member who was experiencing a significant health crisis.
Storing, Handling And Using Essential Oils
Pure Essential Oils are a natural product and contain no preservatives or additives. A few of them can also be quite dangerous if not handled correctly.
Natural Health
Natural Health is a form of alternative lifestyle whereby individuals incorporate natural health remedies and therapies as opposed to conventional forms of living and health. Natural health encompasses utilization of bodywork; health maintenance programs; nutritional supplements and vitamins; exercise regimens including martial arts, tai chi, yoga, and Pilates®; mediation; herbology and other forms of natural healing and living.
10 Essential Food Safety Tips For AIDS Sufferers
Persons with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) areespecially susceptible to illness from food-borne pathogens.Because they're at higher risk for severe illness or death,affected persons must be vigilant when handling and cookingfoods.
Three Steps to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids
Constipation, Hemorrhoids or Piles, and inactivity go hand in hand. If you have been constipated for quite a while, chances are you have hemorrhoids.