Laser

Question 1

L.A.S.E.R. acronym

Answer 1

light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation

Question 2

When is the intensity of electromagnetic radiation at its greatest

Answer 2

Energy output high
Radiation source close to the patient
Beam is perpendicular to the surface of the skin

Question 3

What determines the clinical effects of electromagnetic radiation?

Answer 3

Frequency & wavelength range of radiation

Question 4

What are advantages of hot lasers?

Answer 4

Beam is sterile
Cauterizes as it cuts
Produces less scarring
Not used for rehab b/c it destroys tissue

Question 5

Which type of light penetrates more deeply: Longer or shorter wavelength?

Answer 5

Longer wavelength penetrates more deeply

Question 6

Photodiodes

Answer 6

can be laser diodes, LEDs, or SLDs.

All are small, handy, & inexpensive

Question 7

In therapy what is the power range of most laser diodes?

Answer 7

B/t 5 and 500 mW

Question 8

Laser effects in the 5 - 500 mW range

Answer 8

Use for therapy
Can cause permanent eye injury w/ brief exposure
Direct viewing of the beam should be avoided
Viewing of the diffuse beam reflected from skin is safe
Can cause minor burns w/ prolonged exposure

Question 9

Energy density (aka fluence)

Answer 9

The amount of power per unit area, it is measure in J/cm2
This measure takes into account the power, treatment duration, and area of application
Most professionals in this field prefer this treatment dose measure

Question 10

Effects of Lasers & light

Answer 10

Increase mitochondrial function which increases ATP production by up to 70%
Promotes collagen production
Modulates inflammation
Inhibits bacterial growth
Promotes vasodilation
Alters nerve conduction, velocity, and regeneration

Question 11

Indications for lasers & light

Answer 11

Speeds up soft tissue healing and bone
Arthritis
Lymphedema
Neurological conditions
Pain management (most common use)

Question 12

Contraindications for lasers & light

Answer 12

Direct irradiation of the eyes
Malignancy
Within 4 to 6 months after radiotherapy
Over hemorrhaging regions
Over the thyroid or other endocrine glands

Question 13

Precautions for lasers & light

Answer 13

Low back & abdomen during pregnancy
Epiphyseal plates in children
Impaired sensation
Impaired mentation
Photophobia or sensitivity to light
Pretreatment w/ 1 or more photosensitizers

Question 14

Wavelength Infrared & Red light

Answer 14

Near IR = 700 to 1100 nm
Red light = 600 to 700 nm
IR has longer wavelength = penetrates more deeply than red light, making it more useful for treating deeper tissues up to 30-40 mm deep
Red light is most suitable for treating superficial tissues at 5 to 10 mm of depth