Written by Dr. Peter H. Eeg, BSc, DVM, CVLF, FASLMS
Poolsville Veterinary Clinic
A Brief History of Laser Therapy
LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY- LLLT
Low level (power) laser therapy (LLLT)(Class II to IIIB) is the application of mono-chromatic light in a range of 1mW to 500mW emitted in a wavelength range from 600-1000nm to a pathology to promote tissue realignment, increased cellular activity, reduction in inflammatory promotors, alteration in biochemical function, neurologic modulation identification and responses to painful episodes.
Power densities (irradiance) between 1mW-5W/cm2 are typically noted. It is typical to apply the energy for up to 30 minutes depending on the time domain needed to effectively irradiate the specific tissues being targeted for treatment.
HIGH POWER LASER THERAPY (HPLT)
High power (level) laser therapy (HPLT) (Class IV) is the application of laser light in a range of 500mW to up to 20W emitted in a wavelength range from 600- 980nm to a pathology to promote the same tissue effects as the LLLT (tissue realignment, increased cellular activity, reduction in inflammatory promotors, alteration in biochemical function, neurologic modulation identification and responses to painful episodes). The primary difference between LLT and HPLT is in the overall shortening of the time domain, modulation of peak power and pulsing of energy into tissue and increase in irradiance in that shorter duration to maximize tissue absorption and response.
The majority of current basic and phase III multi-centered, randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled, clinical trials being published are seeking to identify which type of laser therapy level and modulation produced the best effect within the biphasic curve response to cellular and tissue activation, repair and reformation.
Positive outcomes have been produced from both forms of therapy laser applications and published on pathologies as diverse as osteoarthritis (Bertoucci and Grey 1995: Ozdemir et al. 2001; Stelian et al. 1992), Tendon and Ligament damage (Bjordal et al. 2006; Stergioulas et al. 2008; Schubert et al. 2007), Neurologic pain, Cervical disk disease and peripheral nerve injuries (Basford et al. 1999; Chow et al 2006; gur et al 2004; Rockkind et al 2007), Wounds (Caetano et al. 2009); Gupta et al. 1998; Ozcelik et al. 2008; Schubert et al. 2007), Muscle cell fatigue and damage (Leal Junior et al. 2008), Vascular flow disruption (Lampl et al. 2007; Zivin et al. 2009)
It should be noted that as we see with the bi-phasic curve response common to laser therapy treatment not all responses have been positive. This failure in certain circumstances can be attributed to several factors including dosimetry (inadequate or too much energy delivered over the wrong time domain or wavelength, inadequate or too much irradiance, inappropriate pulse structure or duration, irradiation of insufficient area to the pathology or time domain overlying the pathology, inappropriate anatomical treatment location and concurrent patient medications (such as steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories which can further modulate healing)( Aimbire et al. 2006; goncalves et al. 2007).
Artemis™ Regenerative Therapy Device
Artemis™, one of the most powerful therapy devices available for veterinary use, and is the only device that allows for limitless modification on the energy wave form to allow incredible depths of penetration, photomechanical effects, and bio-stimulation, resulting in efficacy for NRT™ and RIM™ therapy. The continuous wave ability delivered by Artemis™, makes it a very effective tool for Minimally Invasive Surgical Ablation, (MISA™), of tumors and masses.
