The Evolution of Laser Therapy
Advance for Physical Therapy & Rehab Medicine, June 2010
By Douglas Johnson, ATC, EES, CLS
New research studies combining e-stim and lasers for positive outcomes.
Though critics of phototherapy may continue to debate its overall effectiveness, the overwhelming scientific and clinical outcomes support the succesfull use of this new modality.
Therapeutic Laser in the Management of Arthritis
Practical PAIN MANAGEMENT, April 2010
By William J. Kneebone, RN, DC, CNC, DIHom, FIAMA, DIACT
Applying laser therapy to the arthritis patient by using a combination of application techniques can provide considerable relief in many cases.
Laser therapy can be an effective adjunctive therapy in the management of arthritis as demonstrated by many studies.
Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials
Lancet 2009; 374: 1897–908
Roberta T Chow, Mark I Johnson, Rodrigo A B Lopes-Martins, Jan M Bjordal
Article shows that LLLT reduces pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in patients with chronic neck pain.
We identified 16 randomised controlled trials including a total of 820 patients. In acute neck pain, results of two trials showed a relative risk (RR) of 1·69 (95% CI 1·22–2·33) for pain improvement of LLLT versus placebo. Five trials of chronic neck pain reporting categorical data showed an RR for pain improvement of 4·05 (2·74–5·98) of LLLT. Patients in 11 trials reporting changes in visual analogue scale had pain intensity reduced by 19·86 mm (10·04–29·68). Seven trials provided follow-up data for 1–22 weeks after completion of treatment, with short-term pain relief persisting in the medium term with a reduction of 22·07 mm (17·42–26·72). Side-effects from LLLT were mild and not different from those of placebo.
Laser Therapy in the Management of Fibromyalgia
Practical PAIN MANAGEMENT, March 2010
By William J. Kneebone, RN, DC, CNC, DIHom, FIAMA, DIACT
Dr. William J. Kneebone discusses the role of super pulsed lasers in the treatment of Fibromyalgia.
Therapeutic low-level laser has good pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects and has been shown to increase the quality of life in Fibromyalgia patients.Therapeutic laser can be a welcome adjunct to other therapies in the management of fibromyalgia. It is relatively economical and safe and, if a laser is acquired for home use, can be self-applied by the patient at home.
Retain Health Under Extreme Exercise Duress How to Handle Extreme Athletes in a Family Practice
TAC, Other Articles , Volume 31, Issue 6
By Dr. L. Jon Porman, D.C., C.C.S.P., R.T.P
Dr. Jon Porman discusses the role of super pulsed lasers in the treatment of extreme athletes.
The UFC fighter can get kicked, punched, body slammed, tackled and even choked unconscious. These "warriors" do share common injuries with most other sports however, with the majority of injuries categorized as strains and sprains. We routinely utilize Super-Pulsed lasers to treat pain, inflammation, swelling and/or bruising associated with their training sessions and competition.
Laser Acupuncture as a Pain Relief Modality
May 2008
By William J. Kneebone, RN, CRNA, DC, CNC, DIHom, FIAMA, DIACT
Lasers provide a simple and effective, non-invasive alternative to needle acupuncture in treating musculoskeletal pain.
Laser Puncture (Laser Acupuncture) is the application of therapeutic laser to the acupoints of the body, ear or hand. It is a simple, effective, non-invasive approach that has been shown to be a dependable pain management tool. Laser Puncture (Laser Acupuncture) can be an affective adjuct to other pain management modalities. Treatment times are short. Treatment procedures are fairly simple to learn. Each of the approaches, as described in the article, body acupoints, auriculotherapy, or KHT have similar merit.
Defining "The Specs" of Phototherapy Devices
October 2007
By Douglas Johnson, ATC, CLS
With photopherapy gaining popularity as a treatment modality, so does the amount of confusion surrounding the use of light as a physical agent.
Not all light therapy devices are equal, and not all light is therapeutic. As overwhelming scientific and clinical outcomes support successful use of phototherapy as a new modality, athletic trainers need a clear understanding of these technical aspects to effectively evaluate a light therapy device and prevent themselves from overpaying for a device that is nothing more than a flashlight.
Just the Facts
July 2007
By Douglas Johnson, ATC, CLS
Common phototherapy misconceptions can lead clinicians astray.
As phototherapy gains popularity as a treatment modality, the misconceptions and confusion surrounding the use of light as a physical agent continue to prosper. Before the confusion goes any further, it's time to clear up the inaccuracies and present the facts. What are the five most common myths and misconceptions about using ligth and lasers?
Treatment of Chronic Neck Pain Utilizing Low Level Laser Therapy
June 2007
By William J. Kneebone, DC, CNC, DIHom, FIAMA, DIACT
Therapeutic Laser can provide considerable relief of neck pain and associated conditions.
Neck pain affects approximately 10% of the American population. Therapeutic lasers offer a safe, often effective, easily utilized either primary or adjucntive therapy that is relatively cost effective for both clinician and patient. Laser therapy can be a viable part of the multi-faceted approach often needed to bring relief to the millions of chronic neck pain sufferers that present in offices, clinics and hospitals.
Deep Penetration Therapeutic Laser
May 2007
By William J. Kneebone, RN, CRNA, DC, CNC, DIHom, FIAMA, DIACT
The Galium Arsenide (GAAS) infrared laser provides the deepest penetration of body tissue of any laser currently available and can be utilized in treating a wide range of painful conditions.
GaAs therapeutic lasers are useful for anti-edema and lymphatic effects, treating painful conditions of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects, and tissue regeneration. GaAs lasers can also provide the same effects to deep tissue structures — such as facet joints, acetabular joints, herniated disks, etc.
Phototherapy Applications—Occupational Injuries
April 2007
By Douglas Johnson, ATC, CLS
Phototherapy is a new option to address acute and chronic injuries associated with occupational injuries.
A great many of today's jobs tend to be highly specialized and require advanced technical skills. With the increased job demands, employees are at a greater risk of occupational injury in virtually any employement setting. Phototherapy has been shown to be effective in the management of ankle sprains, shoulder tendonitis, musculoskeletal back pain, carpal tunner syndrom, wounds/abrasions, etc.
Therapeutic Laser for Low Chronic Back Pain
January/February 2007
By William J. Kneebone, CRNA, DC, CNC, DIHom, FIAMA, DIACT
Laser Therapy offers safe and effective treatment modality as either primary or adjunctive therapy.
Low back pain will affect 75—85% of all Americans at some point during their lifetime. Therapeutic lasers offer a safe, often effective, easily utilized either primary or adjucntive therapy that is relatively cost effective for both clinician and patient. Laser therapy can be a viable part of the multi-faceted approach often needed to bring relief to the millions of chronic low back pain sufferers that present in offices, clinics and hospitals.
Seeing the Light
December 2006
By Douglas Johnson, ATC, CLS
The next generation of Phototherapy Devices.
Nearly 4 years have passed since the first low-level lasers appeared in health care facilities across the United States. Though many were sceptical at first, phototherapy is now gaining wider support from both clinicians and researchers across the country.
Practical Applications of Low Level Laser Therapy
November 2006
By William J. Kneebone, RN, CRNA, DC, CNC, DIHom, FIAMA, DIACT
Practical Pain Management
A brief review of some of the basic concepts of low level laser therapy, critical indications of its use, and treatment options when applying therapeutic lasers to patients in pain.
Shoulder Pain Laser Therapy Study
2005
By Gabi Zeilig MD Department of Neurological Rehabilitation The Chaim Sheba Medical Center Tel Hashomer, Israel;
Rémi Guibert MD MSc Nutech Health Melbourne, Australia
Rémi Guibert MD MSc Nutech Health Melbourne, Australia
Treating shoulder pain in hemiplegic and spinal cord injured patients
The study “Treating shoulder pain in hemiplegic and spinal cord injured patients” appeared in Private Hospital Healthcare Europe magazine. The purpose of the study was to test the efficacy of the TerraQuant laser therapy device on shoulder pain resulting from inflammation (i.e. osteoarthritis, tendonitis and bursitis).Key findings:
- Super pulsed laser therapy has been shown to be safe and effective
- A statistically greater improvement was seen in those patients receiving TerraQuant over and above conventional treatment.
