With an aging baby boomer population that have been more active than past generations, advanced osteoarthritis of the knee is a common condition in modern society. Seniors who typically have a knee replaced are in poor physical shape due to inactivity; have poor muscle tone or bone mass; and are often overweight, which leads to long recovery and rehabilitation. Boomers generally are in better physical shape and are having knee replacements at a younger age in order to return to their activities.
Cold laser therapy is a modality that is used to help reduce pain and inflammation; speed tissue healing by increasing vasodilation to bring in oxygen and nutrients and most importantly increasing ATP production, the cell’s energy source, to promote collagen formation. Cold laser is safe to use on orthopedic appliances such as pins, plates and replaced joints as it does not heat. Ultrasound is contraindicated as it produces heat and electrotherapy is contraindicated as it conducts.
Cold laser can be applied almost immediately after surgery as long as the wound is not open and there is no infection. With surgery, the soft issues have been traumatized and your body is rapidly repairing the damage. This is a time when there is a high need for cellular energy and nutrients. The Theralase cold laser can penetrate 2 inches directly and 4 inches indirectly into the soft tissue; speeding the healing process by up to 50%, with much stronger collagen and less scar tissue. This can allow the patient to participate in rehabilitation to strengthen up the muscles and allow an earlier return to activities.
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