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Cold Laser Therapy
WHAT IS LASER TREATMENT?
L.A.S.E.R. (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is a name for a type of intense radiation of the light spectrum. A laser is a beam of light in which high energies can be concentrated. Laser light has unique physical properties, which other types of light do not have. These are coherence and monochromaticity. These are what makes laser light so effective compared to other kinds of light in the field of pain reduction and healing. Laser treatment (also known as photobiomodulation therapy and low-level laser therapy) involves the application of low power coherent light to injuries and lesions to stimulate healing and reduce pain. It is used to increase the speed, quality, and strength of tissue repair, resolve inflammation, and give pain relief. Low-level laser technology has been found to offer superior healing and pain-relieving effects compared to other electrotherapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, especially in dealing with chronic problems and in the early stages of acute injuries. Low-level laser technology is a complete system of treating muscle, tendon, ligament, connective tissue, bone, nerve, and dermal tissues in a non-invasive, drug-free modality. In-depth documentation can be found here.
HOW DOES LASER THERAPY WORK?
The effects of low-level laser treatments are photochemical. Photons enter the tissue and are absorbed in the cell’s mitochondria and at the cell membrane by chromophores. These chromophores are photosensitizers that generate reactive oxygen species following irradiation thereby influencing cellular redox states and the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Within the mitochondria, the photonic energy is converted to electromagnetic energy in the form of molecular bonds in ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). In order to interact with the living cell, laser light has to be absorbed by intracellular chromophores. Cell membrane permeability increases, which causes physiological changes to occur. These physiological changes affect macrophages, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, mast cells, bradykinin, and nerve conduction rates. The clinical and physiological effects are obtained by the way in which tissues absorb laser radiation. This tissue absorption depends on the wavelength of the beam itself and the power to ensure that the laser energy reaches the target tissue at the necessary clinical levels. The improper wavelength of laser light would not penetrate into the tissue to reach the target area. Furthermore, even if one has a laser with the proper wavelength, if the device does not have enough power to drive the energy into the tissue, the target area may not realize the potential benefits. Each type of laser emits light at a very specific wavelength that interacts with the irradiated tissue. It also acts in particular with the chromophores present in the tissue, but in a different way. A chromophore, intrinsic or extrinsic, is any substance, colored or clear, which is able to absorb radiation. Among the endogenous chromophores are water and hemoglobin, nucleic acid and proteins. Among the exogenic chromophores are porphyrins and hematoporphyrins, which are injected into the organism. These are described as photosensitizers because they fix themselves to the tissue making it photosensitive at specific wavelengths.
IS LASER THERAPY SAFE?
Yes, Multi Radiance Medical laser treatments are completely safe, drug-free, and non-invasive. Multi Radiance Medical devices have an FDA Clearance and CE certification, a mark of European safety and legal compliance. However, since all lasers produce a high-intensity light, one should never shine the laser directly into the eye. Also, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be aware of all contraindications. Read the device operating and protocol manuals before usage. It is recommended that the laser device not be used directly on any neoplasmic tissue. Pregnant women should refrain from laser treatments applied directly to the abdomen. Also, people with pacemakers should not use laser treatments near the heart.
DOES LOW LEVEL LASER TECHNOLOGY CAUSE HEAT DAMAGE OR CANCER IN THE TISSUE?
Absolutely not. The average power and the type of light source (non-ionizing) laser devices use do not permit heat-damage or carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effects. Due to increased blood circulation, there is sometimes a very minimal sensation of warmth locally.
IS IT SAFE TO USE THE LASER OVER ARTIFICIAL JOINTS OR METAL IMPLANTS AND HARDWARE?
The Multi Radiance Medical Super Pulsed Laser is only contraindicated in the following instances: 1) Directly into the eyes. 2) Pregnancy. 3)Carcinoma. 4)Fever (body temperature higher than 100.4°F/38°C. 5) Over hemorrhages. 6) In the vicinity of a pacemaker. The Multi Radiance Super Pulse Laser is not contraindicated for use over artificial joints or metal implants and hardware.
IS LOW-LEVEL LASER TECHNOLOGY SCIENTIFICALLY WELL DOCUMENTED?
There are more than 120 double-blind positive studies confirming the clinical effects of laser technology. More than 300 research reports have been published. There are over 300 dental studies alone. More than 90% of these studies verify the clinical value of using laser technology. A review of negative results shows that low dosage was the single most significant factor. By dosage is meant the light energy delivered to a given unit area during treatment. The energy is measured in joules and the area in cm2. Assuming that the power of the laser remains constant during the treatment, the energy of the light will be equal to the power in watts multiplied by the time in seconds during which the light is emitted. Therefore, a laser with more power (watts) can deliver the same amount of energy (joules) in less time. A pulsed laser with more average power (watts) can deliver the same amount of energy (joules) in less time and at deeper target tissues than a continuous wave laser. For complete documentation, go to this link.