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Welcome to the
FAQ's page.
This is where you will find the answers to frequently asked
questions
about lasers, low level laser therapy and
biostimulation.
Below are ten important questions
about Lasers
and the answers:
Please click on the question to see the answer below or
continue scrolling down.
1. What does LASER stand for?
2. How does laser light differ from "normal" light?
3. Are low level lasers SAFE?
4. How do low level lasers work?
5. Where can low level laser therapy be used?
6. Have low level lasers been scientifically studied and proven?
7. How much do low level lasers cost?
8. Does a higher price always mean a better low level laser?
9. What features should I look for in a quality low level laser?
10. What low level laser(s) meet all these requirements?
BONUS QUESTION: 
What are Healing Laser
Frequencies?
1. What does LASER stand for?
LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission by Radiation.
2. How does laser light differ from "normal" light?
Light emitted from a laser diode is monochromatic (having only one wavelength), parrallel and coherent (having waves with similar direction, amplitude, and phase). These qualities make laser light much more valuable for therapeutic benefits.
3. Are low level lasers SAFE?
4. How do low level lasers work?
Pain results from trauma, inflamation and/or cellular disruption, malfunction, or less than optimal cellular function. Healing and pain relief come with cellular normalization. Photons enable cells to perform optimally by stimulating them to initiate bio-chemical reactions, which produce enzymes and ATP (usable energy). Use of low level lasers enhances cellular function and it can also encourage the formation of collagen and cartilage in damaged joints and the repair of tendons and ligaments.
5. Where can low level laser therapy be used?
Low level laser therapy may be used any place there is acute or chronic pain or inflammation, and, low level laser therapy may be effective on any disease or disorder. Users have reported successes when using low level laser therapy on: Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis Elbow, Whiplash, Headaches, Back and Shoulder Pain, TMD/TMJ, Burns, Cuts, Sprains, Colds and Cold Sores, Sinusitis, and even Age Spots!
6. Have low level lasers been scientifically studied and proven?
Low level lasers have been used world-wide
for nearly 30 years.
Over 2000 studies have shown that low level lasers:
(1) REDUCE PAIN by stimulating cells to produce their own
endorphins, a natural pain killer,
(2) PROMOTE FASTER HEALING by stimulating cells to increase
the production of two major healing enzymes by as much as
75%,
(3) REDUCE INFLAMMATION by as much as 75%,
(4) INCREASE BONE REPAIR SPEED by stimulating fibroblastic
and osteoblastic proliferation,
(5) RELAX MUSCLES and muscle spasms,
(6) DECREASE SWELLING by stimulating lymphatic
drainage,
(7) ENHANCE THE IMMUNE SYSTEM by increasing the number of
"killer" cells by 400-900%, and most importantly,
(8) RE-ENERGIZE CELL MEMBRANES to allow transport of
essential nutrients across cell walls (nutrients will not
cross an injured or sick cell wall, thus slowing healing)
allowing a healthy new cell to grow.
7. How much do low level lasers cost?
We have seen low level lasers advertised for anywhere from $200 up to $20,000 each. Not all lasers are created equal. Cheap lasers usually incorporate only LED diodes, rather than true laser diodes. High quality laser diodes combined with LED diodes create QUALITY laser healing tools.
8. Does a higher price always mean a better low level laser?
Not always. A VERY LOW price usually means that the product contains only cheap LED's, and no true lasers - and while "LED only" products may provide some benefit, they are not as good as a product with both LED's and true lasers. It is also not necessary to pay VERY HIGH PRICES (over $5,000) for an individual low level laser unit. Call our laser experts to explore your options. Phone toll free 1-888-824-7558.
9. What features should I look for in a quality low level laser?
(1) A unit with both true Laser and LED
diodes.
(2) Lasers that are designed to both Harmonize and Resonate
with the body's natural energy.
(3) The unit should be able to consistently control power
output (more is not necessarilly better) via a
Computer-Controlled, Rechargeable Power System.
(4) The laser should be able to produce Multiple Energy
Levels and Multiple Wave Lengths.
(5) All laser diodes should be Polarized so as to energize
the greatest number of cells.
(6) The laser energy should be Pulsed to encompass all
frequencies in the brain.
(7) Programmability - the unit should be able to be
reprogrammed as successful new frequencies are
discovered.
(8) The unit should be Small and Convenient to use.
(9) Finally, the unit should be Reasonably Priced - meaning
a suggested retail price between $1800 and $4000 (depending
on features).
10. What low level laser(s) meet all these requirements?
Laser Physics 101
In order to clarify how low-level laser therapy affects the body, it is necessary to review basic laser physics and developmental anatomy.
Laser means Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission
of Radiation and was first theorized by Einstein. In 1960
Miaman developed the first laser, a ruby laser. This was a
tube laser with a metal chamber, which contained the
element ruby. When an electrical current excites the
enclosed element, the atoms give off photons or packets of
light energy. The photons bounced off a solid mirror on one
end of the tube and out holes in the mirror on the other
end of the tube. This light beam is unlike regular light in
that it is coherent i.e., the photons are well ordered and
synchronized. Laser light is also monochromatic, meaning it
is of one pure color.
Power density is a key to laser energy. Power Density
(PD), or light concentration is measured in watts per
centimeter squared (W/cm2). The problem with most DC
battery driven lasers is that the battery bleeds off and
does not maintain a standard PD, which negatively affects
low-level laser therapy (LLLT) results. Recent developments
in miniature computers have enabled the patenting of
techniques that maintain a standard PD as well as to
control energy frequency.
Wavelengths are measured in nanometers. The most
beneficial wavelengths are in the visible and near infrared
ranges. These ranges are very safe ranges, far away from
the damaging ultraviolet, x-rays, gamma and cosmic rays.
Although the longer waves such as microwaves and radio
waves are usually considered safe, there are some that
think they might be damaging to the very sensitive
individual. All wavelengths used in low-level lasers are
safely divided from these potentially damaging waves. Many
people only think of lasers as cutting lasers. In order to
cut with lasers, it is necessary to increase the PD from
300 to 10,000 W/cm2. Lasers do not even have a warming
affect unless they are operated above 5 W/cm2. Low-level
lasers discussed here operate from 1 to 3 milliwatts.
Low-level lasers today are manufactured using
semi-conductors, which are computer-like chips grown from
various pure elements or combinations thereof. Combining
the elements of InGaAlP makes visible light in the range of
630 to 685 nm; combining GaAlAs produces light in the range
of 780 to 870 nm; and, combining GaAs produces infrared
laser diodes in the 900nm range.
The visible light ranges, while quite beneficial, are
limited by its shallow penetration of 1 to 3 mm. The
invisible or infrared light range penetrates much deeper.
Research documents infrared penetrations from 10 to 15 mm,
but clinical results indicate that the infrared beam
penetrates 8 to 10 cm. Excellent results have been achieved
using the patented (Low Level Lasers, Inc.) concept of
"piggy backing" the beneficial effects of the visible upon
the penetrating ability of the invisible.
Low level lasers are used everywhere in our society,
such as bar code check out, laser printers, compact disc
players and for many medical procedures. In fact, without
lasers, our society and economy as we see it today would
collapse.
World-wide studies have shown that laser
energy is accumulative as well as cascading and
reduces pain and inflammation via:
1. Bio-stimulation and photo-stimulation.
2. Endogenous opiate production
3. Slowing sensory nerve production.
4. Restoring cellular resonant energy.
5. Stimulating the Na/K pump mechanism in the cell membrane.
6. Inhibiting bradykinin & leukotriene production.
Osmosis, a scientific fact taught in all grade and high school science classes, states that no nutrient can transfer across the depolarized membrane of an injured cell. One of the most important functions of low level laser therapy is to re-polarize sick and injured cellular membranes. This allows for essential nutrients to transfer from the blood into the cell. Research has shown that low level laser therapy can increase cellular ATP (body fuel) by as much as 150%.
Photobioactivation - Light is energy of life
Photobioactivation is a term applied to a light stimulus that initiates and/or accelerates a physiological response. Other stimuli used in medicine, for example, are temperature, ultrasound, electrical power, electromagnetic fields, etc.
Wound healing (formation of granulation tissue,
epithelization, improved trophic condition)
Anti-inflammatory effect (enhancement of immune
response)
Analgesia
Improvement of regenerative processes
These effects can be observed in dermatology, neurology, surgery, rheumatology, traumatology, orthopedics, gynecology, urology, dental medicine and veterinary medicine etc.
Photochemical
effect
The laser energy is
absorbed by metabolically active pigments of the
mitochondria in various cutaneous and subcutaneous layers:
here involved are the two enzymes of the oxidation chain,
Cytochrome a/a3 and Flavoprotein with absorption maxims of
wavelengths applied.
Depending on the stimulated type of cells, the following cell physiological reactions are observed:
Regenerative effect
Enhanced fibroblast formation and
collagen synthesis with improved tissue strength
values
Neovascularization of lymphatic and blood vessels as
well as vasodilatation, improve microcirculation and
lymphatic drainage (resorption of oedema)
Larger quantity of granulation tissue and accelerated
epithelization
Increased activity of osteoblasts promote the
formation of callus
Regulation of muscle tissue including myocardium
Enhancement of peripheral nerve re-growth
Prevention of central nerve degeneration and
regeneration of peripheral axons after injury
Analgesic effect
Measurable changes in the potential
of nerve cell membranes lead to its hyperpolarization as a
good analgesic mechanism
Improved release reaction of ß-endorphines
Changes in transmitter concentration at the
synapsis
Accumulation of 5-OH-indoleacetate (serotonin
metabolite)
Relaxation of muscle induced by the neuromuscular unit
(ATP increase)
Effect on the immune system (immune modulation)
Activation of proliferation of
immune cells including macrophages
Immune suppressive effect by reduced antigen
perception of the T-lymphocytes (increased acceptance of a
transplant)
Optical window of the skin
The skin is a non-homogenous tissue and yet shows in its spectral analysis an optical window with an optimal transmission capability of light between >600 nm (visible red) and <1300 nm (infrared). Wavelengths (colors) outside of this optical window are mostly being absorbed before they reach deeper layers.
Indications
listed in the
World Literature of Laser Therapy
Laser Therapy is a regulative medical treatment modality, which is used most in medical specialties including Dermatology, Traumatology, Sports Medicine, Orthopedics, Dental Medicine, Urology, Gynecology, General Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Physical Therapy, Natural Medicine etc.
Anti - Inflammatory
Enhances proliferation of
immune cells (enhancement of immune response, increase of
NK cell activity etc.)
Enhances lymphatic activity
(drainage)
Improves microcirculation
(vasodilation)
Reduces swelling (oedema
& haematoma resorption)
Reduces infarct zone size in heart
& brain
Reduces mucositis after
irradiation & chemotherapy
Postoperative wound healing-
Herpes simplex & zoster
Decubitus, elephantiasis Ulcus cruris, diabetic foot Postoperative lymphoedema Experimental
Mucositis
Analgetic (pain reduction)
Induces B-endorphin
release
Increases ATP
production
Increases the measurable
potential on nerve cell membranes
Relaxation of muscle tension
and increase of pressure pain threshold
Reduction of trigger activity
(f.e. myofacial pain and fibromyalgia)
Acupuncture point
activation
Tendinitis, osteoarthritis,
synovitis
Soft tissue
injuries
Fractures, overstrained
injuries (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, tennis elbow
etc.)
Frozen shoulder, tension
neck, tension headache, lumbago
Needle replacement Regenerative
Stimulates the rate of
mitosis in repair mechanisms (bone, epithel and muscle
tissue)
Enhances peripheral nerve
regeneration after injury
Reduces degenerative process
on central nervous system
Enhances survival of brain
cells after transcient ischemia
Accelerates neo-vascularization
(neo-angiogenesis)
Reduces or eliminates scar
tissue formation
Increases collagen synthesis
(fibroblast proliferation, tensile strength and
elasticity increase)
Wound healing, bone
repair
Tissue repair
Facial paresis
Stroke
rehabilitation
Inner Ear problems
Wound healing
Wound healing, post
injury
Wound management
Post operative etc. Contraindications and
precautions:
There
are no absolute contraindications for (LT) laser
therapy. However, it is always better to be
cautious when treating patients in high-risk categories.
Laser therapy should be given with special caution in the
following cases:
Patients with pacemakers Pacemakers are electronic devices and well protected
inside a cover and insensitive to light. All therapy lasers
are approved medical devices and have an EMC approval
(Electro Magnetic Compatibility) therefore should not
interact with pacemakers.
Patients with a history of cardiac arhythmias or
unexplained chest pain Laser
therapy applied to mid-thoracic area (Th4-7) para spinally
may induce transient coronary spasm and/or arrhythmias in
rare occasions.
Patients who are pregnant Laser therapy should not be applied directly over the
fetus. The same applies to the so-called forbidden
acupuncture points (e.g. Hegu (LI4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and
points in lumbosacral region) to avoid uterine
contractions. However, nausea and vomiting (hyperemesis
gravidarum) may be treated through Neiguan (PC6)
point.
Patients with labile epilepsy
As pulsing light (especially with 5-10 Hz
frequency) can induce epileptic attacks laser therapy using
visible low frequency pulsed emission should be avoided
when treating these patients. Note! Remember to use eye
protective goggles!
Endocrine glands According to Spanish studies thyroid gland seems to
be sensitive to light. Therefore laser therapy over the
thyroid gland should be avoided unless there is a need for
activation of thyroid function.
Patients with tumors Laser therapy has not induced or accelerated tumor
growth in any of the reported in vivo studies. However,
laser therapy should not be directed over the tumor tissue
as the precise reactions of existing tumors to laser
therapy is unknown.
Patients with prostheses Although laser therapy does not increase the
temperature of deeper tissues (muscles, cartilage, bone) or
that of materials used in prostheses markedly, some very
sensitive patients may react to laser therapy over the
prosthesis by temporary increase of pain.
Risk of eye injury As
the cornea and lens focus radiation onto the retina, the
power density may increase to more than 100,000 times
higher than the primary energy density on the skin or
cornea. The cornea, aqueous humour, lens and vitreous
humour are more conductive of radiation with a wavelength
of 450-900 nm. The risk of retinal injury is reduced if
laser therapy is given in a bright light when the pupil
size is at the minimum. IR lasers are more dangerous than
those emitting at visual wavelengths, as the invisible beam
does not provoke an eye-blink reflex.
To date, no retinal injuries have been reported during
or after laser therapy. Due to the individual
characteristics of each laser beam (parallel, focalized or
divergent) and in order to avoid any future discussions of
possible eye injuries it is recommended that patients
always wear goggles. On the contrary, laser therapy may be
applied through the lids and eyeball to alleviate
inflammatory reaction after high power laser irradiation to
correct retinal detachment or even retinal lesions from
accidental direct laser beam exposures.
Patients with solar eczema or hypersensitivity to
sunlight may react to laser
therapy when high photon densities are used. Avoid
photosensitizers when laser therapy is given over the newly
abrased skin, especially in the face.
Note! Discoloration due to pigment reaction is possible. Radiation over dark skin or tattoos may cause thermal reactions.
Hematological interactions There is no evidence that LT could induce either
thrombosis or prolonged bleeding time. Instead LT is
indicated for its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving
effect in acute injuries from fresh wounds and bruises to
joint injuries and fractures. Increase of microcirculation
and lymphatic flow prevent stasis and reduce existing
oedema, and form basis for fast recovery.
Note! When adequate LT provides only a short lasting relief of pain and dysfunction and this response is not getting better with repeated treatments the underlying disturbances in homeostasis (e.g. systemic disease, infection, tumours) or interactions with medication should be taken into account.
There is clinical evidence that cholesterol lowering
drugs like fibrates and statins (e.g. serivastatin) may
induce muscle pain and fatigue in about 1-2 percent of
patients, in rare cases increase of S-CK and rhabdomyolysis
leading to myoglobinaemia, myoglobinuria, kidney failure
and death. More common is poor response to adequate pain
therapy with any form of peripheral stimulation including
LT. Increased muscle pain and fatigue 1-2 months from
beginning of statin medication is a clear sign of this side
effect. The normal response to LT may take some 2-4 weeks
after cessation of medication. Statins provide valuable
protection against cardiovascular accidents and should be
terminated gradually and not stopped abruptly. Other drugs
that may interact with statins are macrolides (e.g.
erythromysin), cyclosporins, konazoles, nicotinic acid and
fibrates.
Pekka J. Pöntinen, MD, PhD, FICAE,
FASLMS
Assoc. Prof. Tampere University
Tampere, Finland
Today, LASERS play a very important role in
industry, medicine and research.
Lasers are applied in measuring distances, laser imaging,
cutting materials and identifying materials. In
communications, LASER enables faster data transmission.
Three characteristics make the LASER a unique form of
light: monochromaticity,
coherence/polarization and
capability of parallelism. LASER
stands for: Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of
Radiation.
1. Monochromaticity
A term, which describes electromagnetic
radiation (light) of only one precise wavelength (or
color).
Low level LASER devices applied in Laser therapy, however, are non thermal light sources emitting always the same light color without significantly changing the skin temperature.
2. Coherence/Polarization
Coherence means that all the light waves
are of the same phase. Coherence guarantees an orderly
photon emission and an optimized photon density. This is a
LASER specific property. Laser light has some sort and
degree of polarization.
3. Parallelism
Laser light can be emitted into one direction in a
parallel way. In the present, most Therapy-Lasers are
emitting a slightly divergent beam for safety
purposes.
By contrast to laser light, the white light as emitted by normal bulbs or daylight (sun) is a mixture of all wavelengths. In other words, sunlight contains all spectral colors of the visible part from 400 nm to 750 nm, including some ultraviolet and considerable infrared portions. The latter quality in an average power light bulb of 60 Watts causes perceptible heat. This is also called thermal radiation. Moreover, the light of bulbs is emitted in a spontaneous and non-coherent way.
The active LASER media determines its possible application in medicine according to its characteristic color (wavelength) and operation mode (pulsed or continuous waves). The specific wavelength determines its possible absorbers and leads to photo-bio-medical effects.
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Answers to Questions about lasers, laser physics and biostimulation