Laser has been used successfully in physical medicine and rehabilitation for a lot more than 30 years in various parts of the world and has begun to increase in popularity in the United States since the FDA has cleared its use for a number of medical indications. Laser treatment involves introducing the power of light into damaged or injured tissues to promote healing through the stimulation of ATP production and lymphocyte activity among other physiological responses.
In the usa, the FDA has thoroughly evaluated and subsequently cleared a number of laser devices for the treatment of neck and shoulder pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. The FDA in addition has cleared infrared light, that is light energy with wavelengths longer than visible light, to do the following:
increase local the circulation of blood
alleviate minor muscle or joint aches, pain, and/or stiffness
relaxation of muscles
relieve muscle spasms
sooth the pain and stiffness of associated with arthritis
Though laser therapy has been used safely and effectively across the world in animal research since the 1960's and safely with humans because the 1970's, you can find precautions with regard to the application of laser and specific instances where laser should not be used.
Only authorized and trained doctors should use laser for treatment. Since the beam of an infrared laser cannot be detected by the eye, protective eye wear that is designed for the wavelength used should be worn to avoid accidental exposure. Infrared light will not usually cause the eye to blink for protect itself. Another precaution relates to the use of laser over growth plates in the bones. Though hardly any, if any, studies have concluded that the utilization of laser has any negative effect on growth plates, it really is probably wise to avoid using a laser directly over them. Highly reflective jewelry ought to be removed from the region being treated, and treatment shouldn't be done over or near reflective surfaces. Additional reading should only be employed to the area to be treated and should not be used over areas where sensation has been compromised, as the patient is probably not able sense discomfort if the laser is too intense.
Continue reading should not be used to irradiate the eyes, over cancerous tumors, within 4 to 6 6 months of radiation therapy, over hemorrhage, over or close to the thyroid or endocrine glands, over a fetus or uterus during pregnancy, in cases where the individual has sensitivity to light, if the individual is using medication that's photosensitive, or with patients that have vascular disease.
Laser use has been proven effective for the treating numerous conditions, and may end up being effective in the treating others as the usage of laser increases. However, when laser can be used caution should be exercised and attention ought to be paid to the conditions under which laser could be harmful to avoid unwanted effects.