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Low-Level Laser Therapy After Knee Replacement Improves Postoperative Pain and Outcomes
Over the past four years, hundreds of our patients have learned how useful cold laser therapy can be at reducing pain and inflammation in knees and other joints. From helping to avoid surgery to improving surgical outcomes, our Class 4 MLS laser has proven to be an effective tool that gets our patients back to their regular lives faster.
Now, a new study has been released showing exactly how well laser therapy can help patients recover from total knee replacement surgery.
Published in last month’s Arthroplasty Today, this study examined the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on pain and function following total knee arthroplasty (joint replacement). They followed patients throughout the year-long post-operative journey and found some amazing results.
Here are their key takeaways:
The main finding of this study was that patients receiving low level laser therapy (LLLT) —as an adjunct modality in the rehabilitation of patients undergoing a primary TKA — could effectively improve range of motion and function and reduce pain in the short-term and early recovery (3 months) compared to those that received light therapy or no additional modalities.
Patients who received laser therapy following knee replacement had as much as 30% greater range of motion in the early stages of recovery, compared to the control group.
The laser group also had the lowest pain score compared to each group during the early recovery phase, most significantly at post-op day 3 and month 3.
Patients’ functional capabilities and satisfaction, as seen in their KSS knee score, were superior for the laser group throughout the entire 12-month follow-up.
Another important finding is that laser therapy patients used a significantly lower amount of opiate painkillers (oxycodone) than controls during the first 30 days after the surgery.
No adverse effects related to laser therapy were observed in intervention groups, indicating the modalities' safety.
This article is just one of many highlighting the amazing capabilities of laser therapy. Just recently, we shared a major organization’s endorsement of laser therapy for treating knee osteoarthritis. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, in their recently updated guidelines for treatment of osteoarthritis, stated that “Patients should expect to experience improvements in pain and function with the treatment.”
If your painful condition hasn’t responded to other treatments, MLS Laser Therapy may be the key to your recovery. This FDA-approved treatment option is safe, painless, non-invasive, and affordable. We invite you to call us at 703.433.2500 to schedule your first session, or simply click here to request an appointment online. To stay up-to-date on the latest news and tips from us, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for our monthly newsletter for even more information sent straight to your inbox!
