Clinical use of low level laser therapy

ABSTRACT

1. An infra-red (IR, 904 nM) LASUWA diode laser, pulsed at 5000 Hz and with a mean output power of 30 mW when full on, was used in uncontrolled clinical tests in animal and human subjects for 2 years.

2. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) had analgesic, vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties. It greatly enhanced the healing of accidental /surgical wounds and of minor skin burns. It gave rapid and excellent results in lesions of the skin, superficial tissues (subcutaneous tissue and periosteum) and superficial Trigger Points (TPs).

3. When combined with a knowledge of the acupuncture (AP) system, LLLT was effective in treating myofascial syndromes in dogs and humans, but it was about 10% less successful than AP in treating myofascial problems in horses.

4. LLLT gave poor results in severe tendon strain in horses. It was useless in serious spinal pathology, some idiopathic lameness in dogs and people, carpal swelling in horses and arthritic swelling of human finger joints.

5. Although there were some complete and partial failures and although AP and other therapies were combined with LLLT occasionally, the clinical results confirm published claims that LLLT is valuable in veterinary and paramedical practice.