July 08, 2025
Can Cold Laser Therapy/ Low level Laser Therapy improve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common painful disease caused by compression of the median nerve (nerve located in your wrist) at the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome presents many symptoms including: Pain, numbness and tingling of the thumb, index finger, middle finger and ring finger. The carpal tunnel is narrowed usually by swelling of the area, building up the pressure upon the nerve initiating the pain.
The cold laser therapy or low level laser therapy is a non-invasive procedure which emits a beam that doesn’t expose the patient to any ionizing radiation as the beam doesn’t produce any heat. The cold laser therapy is used to reduce pain, swelling, inflammation, soft tissue injuries and increase joint mobility. The low level laser doesn’t emit any burning sensations as a result of the low absorption by the skin of humans, and doesn’t require a surgical incision, as many therapies utilise.
The Cold laser/ low level laser therapy penetrates deeply into the skin where it has an effect on the soft tissues. The therapy has a great effect on carpal tunnel syndrome as it:
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Repairs lost cells through stimulation of lymphatic and immune systems
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Enhances metabolic activity: Enhances body’s immune response as the laser increases enzyme activity which provides the blood cells with a higher amount of oxygen
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Increase anti-inflammatory response: the laser decreases swelling inflicted by bruising of joints and aids in increasing joint mobility
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Stimulates nerve function: often damage to nerves will cause specific parts of the body to lose motor functions. The cold laser works by increasing the re-connection process of nerve cells, to restore all function that was lost during the damage.
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Provides pain relief: Increases endorphin release