Studies

The Orthopedic Section of the APTA recommends that clinicians should consider the use of laser therapy to decrease pain and stiffness in patients with Achilles tendinopathy. Title: Achilles pain, stiffness, and muscle power deficits: Achilles Tendinitis–Clinical practice guidelines linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health from the Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association

Studies

In cell culture, primary fibroblasts treated with laser at 660 nm were shown to increase proliferation and decrease cell death at an irradiance of 2.5 W/cm2 and a fluence of 150 J/cm2.

Studies

Review of clinical trials of laser therapy for the treatment of tendinopathy.  Dosages used in the 12 positive studies would support the existence of an effective dosage window that closely resembled current recommended guidelines. Conclusion: LLLT can potentially be effective in treating tendinopathy when recommended dosages are used. Download

Studies

Systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of multiple conservative and surgical interventions for frozen shoulder.  The analysis found strong evidence for the use of laser therapy for short term pain relief.

Studies

Review article that concludes that High Power Laser Therapy is an effective treatment in patients with whiplash injury, compared to conventional simple segmental physical rehabilitation. Compared treatment with laser vs. standard physical therapy and found better results for VAS pain scores with laser treatment. Title High power laser therapy treatment compared to simple segmental physical rehabilitation in whiplash injuries (1⁰ and 2⁰ grade of the Quebec Task Force classification) involving muscles and ligaments

Studies

This is a human study that examined the role of skin color and tissue thickness on transmittance, reflectance, and skin heating using red and infrared laser light. Forty volunteers were measured for skin color and skin-fold thickness at a standardized site. Transmittance, reflectance and skin temperature were recorded for various energy doses using 635 nm (36mW) and 808nm (40mW) wavelength laser diodes with irradiances within American National Standards Institute safety guidelines (4.88mm diameter, 0.192 W/cm2 and 4.88mm diameter, 0.214W/cm2, respectively). Skin color and skin thickness affect transmittance and reflectance of laser light: 635nm red light had less penetration than 808nm infrared light regardless of tissue thickness, though transmittance decreased as tissue thickness increased for both wavelengths (with most light losses occurring in the first 4mm of tissue) Even though 808 nm had better penetration, this was also affected by melanin (decreased in darker skin) There was less reflectance with darker skin with a greater decrease in reflectance for red light than near infrared light As energy dosage increased, absorption did not change (prolonged PBMT irradiation does not modify the optical properties of the skin) The authors concluded that skin color and skin thickness must be accounted for when selecting energy dose to ensure therapeutic effectiveness at the target tissue.

Studies

This review covers the mechanisms of action of LLLT at a cellular and at a tissular level and summarizes the various light sources and principles of dosimetry that are employed in clinical practice. The range of diseases, injuries, and conditions that can be benefited by LLLT are summarized with an emphasis on those that have reported randomized controlled clinical trials.

Studies

Systematic review of studies of laser therapy for inhibitory effects on peripheral nerve pain. In 13 of 18 human studies laser therapy was shown to slow conduction velocity and/or reduce the amplitude of compound action potentials.  Several mechanisms for the analgesic effects of laser therapy are also discussed. Download

Studies

Although high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) has been used for the management of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), studies examining the effectiveness of HILT have been limited. We investigated the effectiveness of HILT in MSD using a systematic review and meta-analysis. The results of this study show that HILT treatment for back and neck pain significantly improved pain and disability scores compared with controls. The ROB of the included studies was moderate; however, significant heterogeneity existed. Thus, additional well-designed studies involving larger samples with long-term follow-up are needed to further assess each laser application, treatment region, and comparator. Download

Studies

Review of published laser therapy studies.  Phototherapy after resistance exercise may enhance contractile function, reduce exercise-induced muscle damage, and facilitate post-exercise recovery. Download