Laser Therapy

laser physics

photons have same wavelength, same direction and very little dispersal, allowing it to penetrate into tissue (normal light disperses and cannot penetrate)

depth of laser penetration

somewhere around 3mm max

the most modern form of laser therapy is via

laser emitting diodes

contraindications to laser therapy

directly into eyes, gonads, pregnancy, malignancy

other names for diode laser therapy

cold laser, low level laser therapy, photobio modulation (PBM)

dosage of laser therapy

time x output/brightness (mW) = joules

common dosage amount for effective laser therapy

8-10 J

the exact mechanism for how laser therapy works

has not been identified

potential biophysical effects

chromophore, enzyme activation with mitochondria and increased ATP activity, macrophage and laser exposure increases phagocytosis, fibroblast and laser exposure increases collagen synthesis

chromophore

cell or something subcellular (like mitochondria) who's activity changes in the presence of light or laser (like increased ATP production which increases energy)

effectiveness of laser therapy

probably around 60% effective (most studies show effects on animals and not on humans)

WBC effects of laser therapy

rearrangement and lysis

increased ATP synthesis with laser therapy may

increase the healing process

problem with laser therapy

patient doesn't feel anything (some manufacturer's add a heater to the applicator so the patient feels something)

applications of laser therapy

for tissue healing and pain management - 20-30 second treatment (6-8J)

billing of laser therapy

not currently reimbursed by insurance - cash pay or no reimbursement for service