laser Flashcards
PHYSICS FUNDAMENTAL
Light beams transport energy
PHYSICS EXPLAINED
‣ Laser provides light which is different to lightbulbs as it is at one specific wavelength (monochromatic), going in phase (coherent) and in the same direction- remains in a parallel beam (collimated) ‣ Collimated laser light delivers a specific quantity of energy to a target area very accurately, and with little waste ‣ No coupling medium required as light passes easily through air ‣ Readily absorbed by biological tissues
PHYSIO AIM
Promote healing to superficial structures by
increasing energy in the system
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
‣ Biological and physiological effects on tissue are poorly understood ‣ Proposed effects include: ‣ photochemical ‣ vasodilation ‣ nerve conduction and regeneration ‣ pain control Bio-stimulation facilitates soft tissue healing Bio-inhibition facilitates pain relief through the Pain Gating mechanism
PHYSICS TERMS
Laser: Amplified, monochromatic,
coherent and collimated light.
• Monochromatic
: Has a single frequency and hence has a defined wavelength
• Coherent:
Radiations are in phase.
• Collimated:
Radiations remain parallel as they travel.
Energy density
A measure of the amount of energy falling on a certain amount of surface.
Power:
The rate at which energy is produced or absorbed.
warnings
During laser treatment you should feel nothing other than the pressure of the applicator against your skin. If you do feel any discomfort you must immediately tell me and the treatment will be terminated. Side effects from laser therapy can include dizziness, nausea or an initial increase in pain. They are short term only and usually only occur if the treatment dose is too high.
- don’t need to do any
KEY POINTS
‣ LASER probe should be held in contact, perpendicular and with even pressure on the tissue surface. ‣ Don't move applicator during treatment unless using the scanning technique. ‣ Treatment progression: Improving= maintain dose Worsening= reduce or maintain dose No change= increase dose
INDICATIONS
‣ Soft tissue injuries (eg tennis elbow, supraspinatus tendinitis) ‣ Joint conditions / chronic pain (eg RA, cervical OA, back pain) ‣ Wound / ulcer healing ‣ Post—operative pain ‣ Acupuncture / acupressure trigger points ‣ Carpal tunnel ‣ Oedema following ankle sprain ‣ Lymphodema post-mastectomy
What are the proposed physiological effects of LASER
What are the proposed physiological effects of LASER
Photo stimulation of healing process, vasodilation, pain
relief, effects of nerve conduction and regeneration,
enhanced wound healing
What are the dangers of LASER treatment?
Damage to eyes, therefore both patient and therapist
MUST wear glasses. Some patients are photosensitive.
Soft tissue injuries (e. extensor tendinopathy) and slow
healing wounds
