Since the discovery of lasers' powers in the early 1960's, researchers across the globe have been conducting studies with laser therapy in the medical field. Recent breakthroughs in medical technology overseas have begun to catch the eye of many American companies, as well as consumers.

In the past few years, a company discovered that LLLT could have a positive effect on chronic neck and shoulder pain. These pains are often caused by traumatic injuries, overexertion, muscle strain, as well as extremely serious conditions such as degenerative diseases and pinched nerves. The current solutions can be surgical, as well as anti-inflammatory medications, ice and heat packs, and visits to chiropractors, though none of these solutions have the pronounced effects of the laser therapy.

The low-level therapy showed that in a double-blind study, laser therapy produced 65% faster and more complete relief than the placebo light. The lasers work on the cells themselves, increasing the production of a chemical known as ATP, which then translates into the faster healing of cell tissues. Studies have shown that this has led to a positive change in self-reported pain in chronic patients.

The FDA approved the use of these lasers as a medical procedure in early 2002, and now the sky is the limit for the possibilities of laser therapy solutions. Currently, many associations, including the World Association for Laser Therapy are looking into possible therapy solutions for bacterial and viral infections, such as the deadly MRSA infection.

All of the various health benefits of lasers have yet to be discovered, but patients of chronic neck and shoulder pain have also reported increased muscle strength as well as increased range of motion. It seems that daily doses of Ibuprofen, rest, ice, elevation, as well as those weekly visits to the chiropractor are becoming a thing of the past. Of course, these remedies when coupled with the LLLT are likely to further increase the rate of healing.