LASER

LASER is an acronym for “Light Amplification by Stimulated

Emission of Radiation” and has been widely used in dentistry
for more than 30 years. The light produced by laser is powerful
as it has three distinctive properties, namely, the light is
monochromatic, coherent, and collimated. The first LASER or
“Microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation
MASER)” was developed by Theodore H. Maiman in the year 1960.
Lasers are classified as hard and soft tissue lasers based on the type of
laser–tissue interaction and not on the type of tissue exposed. Low-level
laser therapy (LLLT) is a form of laser medicine used in physical therapy,
which uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diode to alter cellular
functions. Low-level laser therapy has various other names like low-
power laser, soft tissue lasers, cold lasers, biostimulation laser,
therapeutic laser, and laser acupuncture.
The average power of laser ranges from 1 to 500 mW and the wavelength
ranges from red to near infrared, i.e., 600 to 1000 nm.

Low-level laser therapy is a noninvasive and painless process that uses

photonic energy to provide biological therapeutic advantages, including
analgesic effects. It is used in the management of indolent or infected
wounds, tissue necrosis, nerve injury, and osteoarthritis or other chronic
pain syndromes, such as myofacial pain, fracture healing, tendinous or
ligamentous injury, and postsurgical incision care.

LLLT is a non-invasive light source treatment that generates a single

wavelength of light. It emits no heat, sound, or vibration. It is also called
photobiology or biostimulation. LLLT is believed to affect the function of
connective tissue cells (fibroblasts), accelerate connective tissue repair
and act as an anti-inflammatory agent. Lasers with different wavelengths,
varying from 632 to 904 nm, are used in the treatment of musculoskeletal
disorders.
Wavelengths between 660 nm and 905 nm have the ability to penetrate
skin, and soft/hard tissues. This light have a good effect on pain,
inflammation and tissue repair

Effects of LLLT
The effects of the LLLT which are significant for physiotherapy, and
makes this tool useful to enhance other treatments as therapeutic exercise,
are:

 Reduction of inflammation: It can occur within hours to days.

 Pain relief
 Accelerated tissue regeneration:
 reduction of inflammation.

Conditions that are treated include

 Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip and ankle

 Rheumatoid arthritis
 Shoulder impingement syndromes
 Hip or shoulder bursitis
 Low back disc degeneration
 Disc herniation
 Tennis elbow
 Plantar fasciitis