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

Eating Junk Food -- The Hidden Price
You probably are very familiar with the benefits you get from NOT eating healthy. You get to eat food that tastes good, you get to be lazy and sit on the couch and veg out and watch TV.
Ginseng: Root of Immortality
Translated to mean man root in Chinese, the name ginseng premises on the belief that the roots, with their attached limbs, resemble a human being. Due to its perceived kinship with the gods, the Chinese named it the root of immortality.
Preventing Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Through Ayurveda
Definition:Benign prostatic hypertrophy is swelling of Prostate gland. The prostate is a walnut sized gland that is only present in men.
Home Saunas and Kits: Benefits, Pre-Planning, and Purchasing Tips
For quite some time now home saunas have gained massive popularity across the United States. A tradition first followed by the Finns about a thousand years back, the benefits of saunas have caught on in the United States with a lot of acclaim and acceptance.
Healing Waters of California
Back in the late 1800's the railroad came to life. Track was laid from one end of the country to the other, creating a method of transportation that the average citizen could use to get to the west coast.
A Constipation Remedy Using Potassium and Prunes
Potassium and prunes are a natural constipation remedy that you can quickly use to help you get constipation relief.Potassium is needed in your colon walls to insure that peristaltic action occurs.
Using Pain To Institute Change In Your Life!
Why do you do something that harms you? Why do you do something that has an overall negative effect in your life? Why do you do something that will make you unhappy later?The answers to those questions are not easy. When you are overeating, or eating unhealthy foods you are happy and content during the time that you are eating them.
Basic Reiki
This is a very simplified primer on basic Reiki. It's intended as a basic lesson to help someone get started channeling the energy and in no way should be considered a Reiki Course in itself.
Reiki
REIKI is a form of natural healing through direct application of Universal Life Force Energy, or CHI (the term used by Chinese mystics and martial artists for the underlying Universal force, otherwise, energy). Through Reiki, energy is thought to be effected by thought.
Eucalyptus Oil for Colds and Flu
Recently I came down with a cold, flu, and some heavy chest congestion. My 8-year daughter also became sick.
Neroli: The Fragrance that Exudes Contentment
One whiff of this unique fragrance will be enough to make anyone feel immensely contented. Particularly effective for insomnia and depression, it lingers in the air, leaving a sweet exquisite scent behind.
Green Tea: An Oriental Panacea Revived
A medicinal beverage in Asia for almost 4000 years, green tea is creating a splash in Western society recently. The humble tea leaves belie a bittersweet taste, delicate texture and unique aroma that give rise to a wide array of health benefits.
Headaches/Migraine
"Oh, how densely packed your head is, my sweet," sighs Grandmother Growth. "I'm afraid there's no room for new growth.
Hypnotherapy and How it Can Help
Hypnotherapy is the process of using hypnosis to unlock the capacity of the unconscious mind to bring about therapeutic changes by modifying deeply-held assumptions, fears and misconceptions.The issues that prompt people to turn to hypnotherapy for assistance include:· Phobias· Pain management· Panic attacks· Performance enhancement· Habits - e.
Ive Given Away Control of My Life To Doctors-and Now I Want It Back.
But How Realistic Is It For You To Start Managing Your Own Pain Using the Mind-Body Connection?If you're fed up with the callous treatment, invasive procedures, and under-medication that some doctors provide, you're not alone. But be cautious before you totally embrace a natural approach.
Aromatherapy Oils
Aromatherapy is a method of using the aromatic oils which have been distilled from plant sources to engender a feeling of well being both physically and psychologically. Safe and correct use has been shown to benefit the physical and mental well being.
How to Use Herbal Salves & Ointments to Shrink Your Hemorrhoids
Comfrey Herbal SalveHere is an herbal combination that contains herbs thatpromote the healing of skin wounds and blood vessel, isantiseptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, soothing, and antiitching.Here is what is in it:* Comfrey root* St.
Treating West Nile Virus with High Quality St. Johns Wort
West Nile Virus, although new to the U.S.
Fitness-related Benefits of Massage
Ask someone their reason for getting a massage and you're likely to hear "because it feels good". We all know that a massage can relieve stress, help to make sore muscles feel better and even reduce anxiety, but can it help us achieve our fitness goals? Research shows that the massage you get to relieve stress can also have a positive effect on your muscle-building capabilities and fitness level.
Suffering from Osteoarthritis? Acupuncture to the Rescue
Keeping in tune with our commitment to providing the latest, medical breakthroughs, I recently had the rare pleasure of speaking with Professor Jorge Vas Ruiz, (Subdirector of the Master University of Acupuncture, ACMAS Huangdi located in Sevilla, Spain) regarding acupuncture's effectiveness on osteoarthritis of the knee.For over 8 years, Professor Ruiz and his team of elite professors have investigated the effectiveness of Acupuncture treatment.

More Alternative Information:

Related Articles

Superfood or Superfad
I have been reading a lot lately on the subject of anthrocyanins. Anthrocyanin is a pigment found in many fruits and vegetables but especially in berries.
Get Your ZZZZZZ's Naturally
Insomnia - according to the dictionary is a chronic inability to fall asleep or remain asleep for an adequate length of time. We've all experienced this at least sometime in our lives.
Portrait of a Psychic / Intuitive
Many people ask me how I started doing this work.As a child, my earliest memory is being 3 years old and telling my mother things that I could not have possibly known.
Purchasing Essential Oil
Tips on Purchasing Essential OilsIt is important to purchase your oils through a reputable supplier, food stores are often reputable suppliers of Essential Oils. In other cases you can buy from the manufacture but you must know something about the manufacturers reputation,- Do they belong to the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists?If so, it is a good indication that they are a reputable people.
4000 Year Old Secrets of Green Tea
The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea for over 4,000 years. But recent studies are just starting to unlock these ancient secrets of green tea.
Headaches/Migraine
"Oh, how densely packed your head is, my sweet," sighs Grandmother Growth. "I'm afraid there's no room for new growth.
Your Body is a Map of Your Consciousness
Everything begins with your consciousness. Everything that happens in your life, and everything that happens in your body, begins with something happening in your consciousness.
A Natural Body Detox Can Dramatically Improve Your Health
Detoxification therapy is a completely natural and necessary process to get you healthy and feeling your best! If you've never done an official detox program, you are long overdue for a cleansing experience that will renew your energy, reduce food cravings, improve your metabolism, give you radiant skin, better your sleep, and strengthen your immune system.What is detoxification?Detoxification is the process of either clearing toxins from the body or neutralizing them.
Reflexology
Reflexology, an ancient art practiced by early Egyptians. Reflexology is a science founded on the basis that areas of the feet, hands and ears are comprised of zones and reflex areas that correspond to all glands, organs, and bodily systems.
Reduce Asthma And Breathe Free
Asthma can be a serous and often frightening condition that is typified by a tightening of the chest, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Asthma is made up of two underlying components: inflammation and constriction.
Healing Through Stories
Stories are powerful. How many times have you heard a childbeg, *Tell me a story.
The Writer As Activist
Almost two years ago, before the release of my first book, "Short of a Picnic," I began writing nonfiction Internet essays that, like the book itself, deal with mental health. I say "deal" with mental health instead of "dealt" with mental health because these essays, five or six of them altogether, continue to be read.
Mental Health Maintenance Is Made Simple
Your mental health is often drastically improved when you use the techniques Dr. Kuhn teaches in this article.
An Introduction to Bach Flower Essences Part I - The Twelve Healers
What are Bach Flower Essences?Pioneered by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930's, a flower essence is a liquid preparation imprinted with the etheric pattern of a particular flower.
Frankincense in Aromatherapy - Trees, Pearls, and Essential Oil
The Mysterious FrankincenseUsed for many thousands of years, the Frankincense tree has perhaps the greatest association with spiritualpractice of any plant on earth. In most of the great ancient cultures,including the Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, Hebrew, Greek and Roman civilizations, it has played a role inreligious and domestic life.
Hidden Benefits of Reflexology
The holistic therapy of reflexology has been used over the years to promote physical health and wellbeing in many thousands of people from all walks of life, but there is also a subtler aspect to its benefits that can be applied to the more vulnerable amongst us, to expand awareness and enhance everyday living.When a client asked if she could bring her sister, who had learning disabilities, for a reflexology treatment with me, I was only too glad to concur.
Treat Cold Sores, Sore Throats, and Warts Naturally
Tired of costly medications, prescriptions and time lost for doctor's appointments, I found myself on a constant search for alternative, affordable health solutions to heal such common painful infections as sore throats, cold sores and warts. Everyone has had at least one of these in their lifetime.
The Truth About Dandelions!
Dandelions are not weeds! They are wild vegetables. In Greek mythology, Hecate fed Theseus dandelions for 30 days so he would become powerful enough to defeat the Minotaur.
Alzheimers Disease: Notes from a Medical Intuitive's Casebook
In my medical intuitive practice, I have often been consulted by family and friends of those whose parents or loved ones have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The origin of this disease is unknown, however much attention is being placed upon the growth of Amyloid plaques in the brain.
Alzheimer's Home Testing Manual Now Available Online
If you're concerned about the condition of an older family member or loved one, you are likely asking yourself: "I know there's something wrong. Could it be Alzheimer's?"You aren't alone.