Therapeutic lasers work by supplying energy to the body in the form of photons of light and allowing the body to effect its own repairs. Generally speaking, the biostimulating effect of laser
therapy is in its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-edematous effect on tissues. There is absolute increase in microcirculation, higher rates of ATP, RNA and DNA synthesis, and thus better tissue
oxygenation and nutrition. There is also an increase in the absorption of interstitial fluid, better tissue regeneration and stimulation of the analgesic effect. A partial list of medical conditions
which have responded well to Laser include:
Sports Injuries:
- Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer's Elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Runner's Knee (patello-femoral syndrome)
- Jumper's Knee (patello-tendinitis)
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Heel Cushion Pain (plantar fasciitis)
- Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis
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Work Related Injuries:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Back Pain (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, sacroiliac, bursitis, fibromyositis)
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Pain Control:
- Sciatica
- Radiculopathy
- Neuralgia
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Arthritis:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
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Wound Healing:
- Decubitis Ulcers
- Venous Stasis Ulcers
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers
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Therapeutic lasers work by supplying energy to the body in the form of photons of light and allowing the body to effect its own repairs. Generally speaking, the biostimulating effect of laser
therapy is in its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-edematous effect on tissues. There is absolute increase in microcirculation, higher rates of ATP, RNA and DNA synthesis, and thus better tissue
oxygenation and nutrition. There is also an increase in the absorption of interstitial fluid, better tissue regeneration and stimulation of the analgesic effect.
Laser Benefits
- Non-Toxic
- Non-Invasive
- Easy to Apply
- No Side Effects or Pain
- Extremely Safe
- Cost Effective for Practitioner and Patient
- Highly Effective for Patient (>90% efficacy)
- Growing Acceptance of Laser Technology
- Superior Alternative to: Analgesics, NSAID's, Other Medications, Other Modalities
- Reduces Need for Surgery
- Virtually No Contra-Indications
Therapeutic Laser Biological Effects
- Rapid Cell Growth - Laser light accelerates cellular reproduction and growth.
- Faster Wound Healing - Laser light stimulates fibroblast development and accelerates collagen synthesis in damaged tissue.
- Increased Metabolic Activity - Higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particle loads for blood cells and thus greater production of the basic food source for cells,
Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP).
- Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation - Laser light reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from: cuts, scratches, burns or post surgery.
- Anti-Inflammatory Action - Laser light reduces swelling caused by bruising or inflammation of joints to give enhanced joint mobility.
- Increased Vascular Activity - Laser light induces temporary vasodilation increasing blood flow to damaged areas.
- Stimulated Nerve Function - Slow recovery of nerve function in damaged tissue can result in "dead" limbs or numb areas. Laser light speeds the process of nerve cell reconnection to bring
the numb areas back to life.
There are thousands of published studies that describe the positive effects of laser therapy. These studies range from studies on individual cell types to in vivo double blind control studies. The
areas of study range from wound healing to muscular skeletal conditions and have been conducted on different types of laser devices. Medicine is a very good medical database search engine that can
provide abstracts and can sell literature. There are also many books on the subject. One very good text is "Low Level Laser Therapy-Clinical Practice and Scientific Background", written by Jan Turner
∓ Lars Hode.
The depth of penetration of laser light depends on many parameters such as the laser's wavelength, the power, the type of device driver (pulse or continuous wave mode), and lastly the technique
used. The higher the wavelength typically the deeper the penetration; however, with wavelengths greater than 950nm the water in the tissue absorbs light and the depth of penetration is drastically
reduced in addition to causing heat.
Secondly devices of greater power can provide better penetration. Thirdly, the peak power of the unit is the most critical factor in providing depth of penetration. Thus, devices which are true
pulsed have better penetration versus continuous wave devices because they have greater peak power densities for superior photon concentrations at depth. The TLC-1000 series of Therapeutic Medical
Lasers can provide a direct penetration of tissue 5 cm into tissue and an indirect penetration up to 10 cm.
No, although one must never shine the laser directly into the eye. Otherwise, we recommend that laser devices not be used on the abdomen of a pregnant woman, in the presence of photosensitive
compounds or directly on any cancerous tissue.
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