Laser Flashcards
What are the 4 types of lasers?
Gas, solid, semiconductor, liquid.
What is the range of therapeutic wavelengths?
632.8 - 905nm
As the concentration of melanin or hemoglobin increases, what happens to depth of light penetration?
It decreases
What will determine the overall depth of light penetration ?
The type of wavelength
What is photobiomodulation?
A physiological effect of laser therapy that the absorption of photons by cells
What is the effect of lower doses of laser?
Photobiostimulation
What is the effect of higher doses of laser
Photobioinhibition
What are choromophores?
Molecules with accept energy from photons
What is the effect of absorption of photons in the body?
Stimulates metabolic processes and cell proliferation and enhanced cell division.
Alteration of molecular activity (increase ATP production, reduction in intracellular pH).
What are the positive effects of photobiostimulation?
Cell recieves more energy, cell is in optimum condition to play it’s part in the healing process.
Phototherapeutic activity is the summation of what three things?
Primary, secondary and tertiary effects of photobiostimulation.
What are some indications of Laser therapy?
TMD Wound healing Myofascial pain Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Tendinopathy Trigger points Epicondylitis Neck and low back pain
When is protective eye goggles appropriate for laser therapy?
ALWAYS
What kind of duty cycle goes with laser therapy?
Pulsed or continuous
Besides obvious contraindications, what other areas should be avoided?
Over the thyroid gland, over bruises.
What are the benefits of the super pulsed lasers?
More direct energy delivered to target tissue
Greater safety and enhanced clinical outcomes
What does the super pulsed lasers emit?
Low thermal, but high energy density
What are the bio-stimulatory frequencies of SPL’s
Lower range frequencies: 0.25 - 500 Hz
When should you apply laser for acute injuries and what should be the frequency ?
First 48 hours. 5-1000 Hz
Are larger or smaller doses of laser more effective?
Smaller, more frequent and localized are more effective.
What is the treatment time for laser therapy?
3-10 minutes
What may be noticed with chronic injuries pain wise when treating with laser?
Pain increases for less than 24 hours. Move from “chronic” to “acute” phase.
Smaller doses are better for chronic injuires?
False, larger doses may be necesary.
What is the treatment time for chronic injuries?
5-10 minutes, shorter as the treatment progresses.
