Studies show that medical-grade cold laser therapy devices can be a great addition to a pain treatment plan when used correctly and consistently1. These handheld devices are by no means a one-and-done solution for pain (or a replacement for your medical appointments), but they can help you feel more like yourself—if even temporarily. To learn more about the science behind these devices and how they mitigate pain, we spoke with experts and researched the options available right now. Below, find our picks for the best cold laser therapy devices of 2023. “Cold laser therapy affects injuries and pains—both chronic and acute—at a cellular level,” Shoshany explains. “This type of treatment works exceptionally well for inflammation and pain across a wide variety of ailments, whether it be from things like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and tendinitis or vasculitic neuropathy and chronic neck pain.” Since it’s been proven to help mitigate pain and accelerate healing, many medical professionals recommend using cold laser therapy (either in-office or at-home) as complement to your existing pain management strategy. Though generally performed in a medical professional’s office, cold laser therapy can also be administered at home with the use of a handheld tool. Each device is designed with a different set of laser classes (1, 2, 3R, 3B, and 4) and wavelengths from 650 to 950 nanometers (nm) and requires only a few minutes of use per session. To prevent retina damage, many lasers come with protective eyeglasses. According to Shoshany, patients might see faster results during in-office treatments, due to the fact that the pro-grade machinery has higher wavelengths, but the options available for home use are still effective. “Just keep in mind that there’s a difference between lasers and LEDs,” he advises. “Even though the colors might be the same (red and blue, for example), the diodes are different. Lasers are far more powerful and require eye protection, while LED lights won’t because they’re not as dynamic.” Combining three effective wavelengths (660 nm, 875 nm, and 905 nm) into one compact device, this tool gives users the ability to customize their treatment. The kit also comes with very comprehensive manuals to help you determine the right protocol for you. The FDA cleared it for increasing blood flow and improving both pain and inflammation, making it ideal for treating muscular, tendon, and skeletal discomfort—but users with all sorts of aches and pains find it incredibly helpful. What’s more, it has an 18-hour battery, so you won’t have to stop mid-session. Reviewers love how high-quality this tool is and how well it helps soothe pain related to arthritis. “This is the greatest gift I have ever given myself. Though it costs $2,000 it has earned its weight in gold over the last decade. The pain relief I feel in my joints is priceless,” one person says. Equipped with four power settings and four timer functions, you’re able to control how strong and how long you want each session to be. Take your pick between strengths (low to high) and time (5 to 20 minutes, in five-minute increments) to tailor your treatment to your specific needs. Plus, the controls are fool-proof. An on/off button illuminates the screen, but you’ll need to double-click the “power” button to activate the laser. This feature ensures that you will not accidentally emit laser wavelengths when you’re not ready. As far as charging goes, it takes four to five hours to reach a full battery—but you won’t be able to charge the device and use it at the same time. One reviewer with arthritis comments that they have chronic pain “all over” and that this device really helps. “I’m an acupuncture student, and [laser therapy] is good for people who don’t like needles. I have access to an expensive laser at my clinic, but this one works similarly at home.” Utilizing the state-of-the-art technology used by doctors, physical therapists, and trainers, the cold laser wavelengths in this device are meant to treat aches, pains, spasms, and more—making it an ideal companion to have on any adventure. The brand-recommended protocol is two to three times a day, for one to three minutes (depending on pain level). Take your pick from four operating modes: continuous light, 10 HZ, 40 HZ, and breathing mode, each of which works to boost the body’s natural recovery, healing, and regeneration. With five power levels, you can even further customize your cold laser treatment. Note: It’s an electrical-powered device, so it’s not chargeable and doesn’t run on USB. In other words, it has to be plugged into a power source while in use. Reviewers sing this belt’s praises, commenting mostly on the comfort and ease-of-use. One shares, “I have experienced pain reduction in my lower back, which I often struggle with as a result of my herniated disc. I’m shocked by how much I feel better in my day to day after using this.” This device has been cleared by the FDA to be used a few times a day as needed. Each time you use it, the light stimulates injured cells and causes them to respond at a higher rate. The intended result: Pain relief, improved circulation, and an accelerated healing process. The brand recommends that you start with the lowest laser strength power level (170mW) two to three times per day for a total of 15 minutes. Then, during your second week of use, you can try the second power level (340mW) two to three times per day for up to 20 to 25 minutes. Finally, after three weeks, you can go ahead and use the third power setting (510mW) two to three times a day for a total of 30+ minutes, as desired. Again, if you are unsure about the right treatment plan for you, consult with a medical professional. There are also two wavelength modes to choose from: continuous and pulse. The continuous wavelength mode emits a fixed laser energy the entire time you’re using it. Pulsed diodes, on the other hand, emit a high intensity laser in short-yet-powerful bursts of energy. It’s the high-powered level during each pulse that drives the light energy deep into the target tissue. The peak power of a pulsed laser can be higher than that of a continuous laser, making it a more effective treatment in a shorter time span. This cold laser therapy device does not have a ton of reviews yet, but the feedback it does have is positive. People comment on the efficacy and say it has made a considerable difference in their pain management. One writes, “A friend loaned me her device for my dog who had major knee surgery. It worked to reduce inflammation and helped the healing process. I’ve also used it on my back and had such a positive experience with it, I’m buying myself one.” The laser also comes with protective glasses for optimal eye safety, and a carrying pouch for easy portability. Each full charge should last up to 10 hours. The device does take a bit longer than we’d hope to charge (2 to 3 hours), so make sure to set aside the time before you plan to use it. One reviewer calls it “effective,” sharing that it’s similar to a treatment they received in their chiropractor’s office. “I bought it two weeks ago and use it twice a day,” writes another reviewer. “My tennis elbow pain is gone. It works very well.”
