The primary factors driving this market's expansion include the increasing incidence of chronic pain conditions, particularly orthopedic disorders, and the rising application of cold laser therapy in dermatological treatments. However, challenges such as a lack of skilled professionals and the high costs associated with treatments are hindering market growth.
Market Drivers of Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy is utilized in various healthcare fields, including pain management, orthopedics, dermatology, and dentistry. The growing prevalence of orthopedic issues, such as arthritis, musculoskeletal injuries, neuropathic pain, and chronic injuries, has led to a rise in the use of cold laser therapy in both healthcare facilities and home care environments. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of February 2021, approximately 1.71 billion people globally were affected by musculoskeletal disorders, with lower back pain being the most common, impacting around 568 million individuals worldwide. Cold laser therapy offers a non-invasive and effective solution for alleviating chronic back pain.
A study titled "Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Patients with Discogenic Lumbar Radiculopathy," published by Hindawi in February 2022, involved 110 patients suffering from acute lower back pain and unilateral discogenic lumbar radiculopathy. In this study, 55 patients received low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in conjunction with conventional physical therapy, while the other 55 were treated with conventional physical therapy alone. The findings indicated that LLLT significantly enhanced local trunk movements, reduced pain intensity, and improved functional disability compared to conventional therapy alone in treating discogenic lumbar radiculopathy.
Moreover, cold laser therapy is increasingly used in dermatology and aesthetic medicine for non-invasive skin rejuvenation, anti-aging treatments, and enhancing skin texture. One of the most notable applications of LLLT is in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) for both men and women. A study titled "Efficacy Assessment for Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia," published by Springer Link in February 2022, involved 1,383 patients using the FDA-cleared iHelmet (Slinph Technologies Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China). The results showed that LLLT helmets were moderately effective for 51.9% of users with mild AGA and 57.4% with moderate-to-severe AGA. These factors contribute significantly to the increasing adoption of cold laser devices as a therapeutic option in contemporary healthcare, driving the growth of the cold laser therapy market.
Cold Laser Therapy Market: Segmental Overview
The cold laser therapy market is categorized by product into instruments and accessories. The instruments segment accounted for a larger share of the market in 2022 and is expected to exhibit a higher CAGR during the forecast period from 2022 to 2030. Cold laser devices operate using low-frequency continuous, pulsated, or combination lasers, typically within a wavelength range of 600 to 1000 nm, providing a non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures and acupuncture, thus avoiding the complications associated with long-term medication regimens.
In terms of application, the market is divided into orthopedics, dermatology, neurology, and others. The orthopedics segment is anticipated to maintain the largest market share in 2022. During cold laser therapy, the laser light penetrates the affected tissues, initiating physiological responses that reduce inflammation, enhance blood circulation, and alleviate knee pain. In 2021, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) included laser therapy in its guidelines for managing pain and inflammation related to knee osteoarthritis. Furthermore, the dermatology segment is projected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
The market is also segmented by end-user into hospitals, specialty clinics, homecare settings, and others. In 2022, hospitals represented the largest segment of the market, while specialty clinics are expected to show the highest growth rate from 2022 to 2030.
Cold Laser Therapy Market: Geographical Overview
Geographically, the market is divided into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America. North America led the cold laser therapy market in terms of revenue in 2022 and is expected to maintain its dominance through 2030. The United States held the largest market share in this region, followed by Canada. According to the US Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, the number of individuals with arthritis is projected to rise to 78.4 million by 2040, driven by aging and other demographic trends such as obesity. The high prevalence of orthopedic conditions and musculoskeletal injuries in the US is likely to enhance the region's cold laser therapy market share. Additionally, the Canadian Journal of Health Technologies reported that approximately 8 million Canadians live with chronic pain, with 80% of adults experiencing chronic low back pain at some point in their lives. These individuals face numerous challenges affecting their daily lives. The introduction of innovative cold laser devices, such as the Erchonia FX 635, along with a robust healthcare infrastructure and the increasing adoption of advanced laser therapy technologies, is expected to drive regional market growth from 2022 to 2030.