Motor vehicle collisions can cause a variety of soft tissue injuries, including muscle strains, ligament sprains, tendon injuries, and joint inflammation. Even low-speed collisions may result in pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility that interfere with work and daily activities. In addition to chiropractic care and therapeutic exercise, laser therapy may be used as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for selected patients.

Key Insight:
Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with cells in injured tissues. Unlike surgical lasers, therapeutic lasers do not cut or heat tissue. Instead, they are thought to stimulate cellular processes that may help reduce pain and support normal tissue healing.

Research suggests that laser therapy may help:

• Reduce pain associated with muscle and soft tissue injuries

• Decrease inflammation following acute injury

• Improve circulation within injured tissues

• Support the body's natural healing processes

• Improve range of motion when combined with rehabilitation

• Enhance recovery when used alongside exercise and manual therapy

Following a motor vehicle accident, laser therapy may be considered for conditions such as whiplash-associated disorders, muscle strains, ligament sprains, tendon injuries, and localized soft tissue inflammation. While some patients notice improvement after only a few treatments, others may require a series of treatments depending on the severity of their injury and their individual response.

Laser therapy is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan rather than as a stand-alone treatment. Chiropractic care can help restore joint mobility, therapeutic exercises help rebuild strength and flexibility, and soft tissue therapy may reduce muscle tension. Together, these conservative treatments aim to improve function, decrease pain, and support a safe return to normal activities.

If you've been injured in a motor vehicle accident and continue to experience pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether laser therapy may be an appropriate addition to your rehabilitation program.

Interested in learning whether laser therapy may help your recovery after a motor vehicle accident? Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discuss your personalized treatment plan.

Contact Us:

Dr. Peter Britton, DC & Dr. Alyssa Lenox, DC
1111 N. Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-523-2225
Appointments can be made on our website: https://intouchwithhealthseattle.com/home

Sources:

• Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RÁB, Bjordal JM. Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Management of Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Available through PubMed.

• Gross A, Paquin JP, Dupont G, et al. Exercises, Manual Therapy, and Other Conservative Interventions for Neck Pain: Clinical Practice Guideline. Available through PubMed.

• Bjordal JM, Johnson MI, Iversen V, et al. Low-Level Laser Therapy in Acute Pain: A Systematic Review of Possible Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Effects. Available through PubMed.

• Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Neck Pain and Associated Disorders Following Traffic Injury. Available through PubMed.