Cold or Low level Laser Therapy Coventry

The lasers used are certified as Cold Laser. For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy) has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan. In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy. It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

Cold or Low Level Therapy uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally. In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb's Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain. These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle.

Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy is a treatment where by a cold laser is utilized to treat chronic and acute pain. Cold or Low level laser therapy may be used for patients suffering from back and neck pain, musculoskeletal pain, joint pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, bursitis, neuropathy, Achilles tendonitis, migraine headaches, sprains and strains, carpal tunnel syndrome and other associated pains. Cold or low level laser therapy also treats conditions such as TMJ, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and other inflammatory and scarring conditions. By increasing serotonin levels, cold laser therapy contributes to the body's own healing process. Non-thermal and non-invasive, cold or low level laser therapy involves a combination of cold laser and electric stimulation and is one of the most effective healing therapies. Completed in ten to twelve sessions, cold laser therapy can significantly reduce treatment time and costs.

Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as:

Athletic and sports Injuries, Soft Tissue Injuries including Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas
Lower leg (calf pain) inflammation, Shin splints, Hamstring, Achilles tendonitis, Bursitis, conditions and disorders
Ankle sprains, injury, and fractures, inflammation conditions and disorders
Heel and foot injury, pain, Bursitis, Achilles Tendonitis, Plantar fasciitis, conditions and disorders
Knee pain, injuries, tears, ligament, Tendon injury, ruptures, Runners Knee, inflammation, Bursitis, conditions and disorders
Shoulder injury, pain, Shoulder tears, fractures inflammation, Tenosynovitis Tendonitis, Bursitis, conditions such as frozen shoulder, and disorders
Neck injury, Neck Pain, Neck sprain, Whiplash injury.
Back Injury, Lower back pain, Sciatica, slipped discs, prolapsed disc, herniated / bulging discs, Trapped nerves, and inflammation.
Elbow, Wrist and Hand injury, Tendonitis, inflammation, fractures, conditions and disorders, such as Tennis Elbow,(Golfers Elbow) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
Hip injury and pain, Sacroiliac Joint inflammation, groin and thigh strain (pull), sports hernia, Hip Bursitis/Tendonitis, Trochanteric Bursitis, conditions and disorders
Muscle sprain and spasms, Cramps, Joint Pain and stiff Joints.
Pain Relief, including Arthritic pain relief.
Wound Management including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burns, Skin infections
Chronic pain such as Trigeminal Neuralgia and Chronic Neck and Back pain.

Conditions treated with Low Level Laser Therapy

Repetitive stress injury
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Rotator cuff tear
Epicondylitis
Fibromyalgia
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction
Ligament and tendon tears
Fractures with associated soft tissue injuries
Facet joint syndrome
Bulging and herniated discs
Contusions
Tendonitis
Myositis
Synovitis
Bursitis
Plantar fasciitis
Rheumatoid arthritis

Injuries treated with Low Level Laser Therapy

Ligament and tendon tears
Fractures with associated soft tissue injuries
Facet joint syndrome
Bulging Prolapsed Slipped and herniated discs
Contusions

Inflammatory conditions treated

Tendonitis
Myositis
Synovitis
Bursitis
Plantar fasciitis
Rheumatoid arthritis

Low Level Laser Therapy Safety

Low level laser therapy is not harmful. Lasers used for tissue stimulation have insufficient strength to damage cells. 30 years of clinical studies and clinical use have shown no adverse effects whatsoever.

The Advantages of Low Level Laser Therapy

Non-invasive
Non-toxic
Easily applied
Highly effective
Cure rate > 95%
No known negative side effects

Mechanism of Action

Therapeutic lasers work by supplying energy to the body in the form of photons of light. The tissues and cells then absorb this energy, where it is used to accelerate the normal rate of tissue healing.

Therapeutic Benefits of Laser Therapy:

Anti-inflammatory Action: Laser light reduces swelling, leading to decreased pain, less stiffness, and a faster return to normal joint and muscle function.
Rapid Cell Growth: Laser light accelerates cellular reproduction and growth.
Faster Wound Healing: Laser light stimulates fibroblast development and accelerates collagen synthesis in damaged tissue.
Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation: Laser light reduces formation of scar tissue, leading to more complete healing, with less chance of weakness and re-injury later.
Increased Vascular Activity: Laser light increases blood flow to the injured area.
Stimulated Nerve Function: Laser light speeds nerve cell processes which may decrease pain and numbness associated with nerve-related conditions.
Frequency of Treatments
While some patients get immediate results, others require 6-10 treatments before seeing a lasting effect. Less severe or acute injuries will require fewer treatments than chronic or severe conditions

Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy Research

Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Applications, Case Studies and Low Level Laser Research with 28 Worldwide Clinical Studies are presented below:

Introduction

Cold or Low level laser Therapy, a review on research published by The Lancet shows that Low Level Laser Therapy(LLLT) also so known as Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy has been tested in over 200 clinical trials (RCTs) and published in the world's top medical journals including a review by The Lancet, a clinical study in the journal PAIN and is acknowledged by the World Health Organisation Bone and Joint Task Force , and published in the journal Spine. There are 24 researched reviews on low level laser therapy, for Musculoskeletal pain and syndromes, both chronic and acute, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cervical Osteoarthritis,lateral and medial epicondylitis, (Tennis,Golfers Elbow). Achilles Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel, TMJ, Tendonitis, Bursitis, soft tissue injuries, fractures, neck, shoulder ,back, hip, joints, knee, ankle injuries, conditions and disorders, are included on this page scroll down.

Low Level laser Therapy (LLLT)

Low Level Laser Therapy(LLLT) also so known as Cold Laser Therapy has been tested in over 200 clinical trials (RCTs) and published in the world's top medical journals including a review by The Lancet, a clinical study in the journal PAIN and is acknowledged by the World Health Organisation Bone and Joint Task Force , and published in the journal Spine.

The lasers used are certified as low level laser therapy (LLLT). For the past 30 years the technology of low level laser therapy also known as Cold Laser Therapy has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan. In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy. It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally. In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb's Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain. These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle.

Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy(LLLT) is a treatment where by a low level laser is utilized to treat chronic and acute pain. Cold or Low level laser therapy may be used for patients suffering from Sciatica, back and neck, hip, knee, ankle, foot pain and conditions a, musculoskeletal pain, joint pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, bursitis, neuropathy, Achilles tendonitis, migraine headaches, sprains and strains,trapped nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome , back, neck, shoulder pain and other associated pains. Cold or Low Level laser therapy also treats conditions such as TMJ, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and other inflammatory and scarring conditions. By increasing serotonin levels, Cold or low level laser therapy contributes to the body's own healing process. Non-thermal and non-invasive, low level laser therapy involves a combination of Cold or low level laser and electric stimulation and is one of the most effective healing therapies. Completed in ten to twelve sessions, Cold or low level laser therapy(LLLT) can significantly reduce treatment time and costs.

Cold or Low Laser Therapy(LLLT) has been tested in over 200 clinical trials (RCTs) and published in the world's top medical journals including a review by The Lancet, a clinical study in the journal PAIN and is acknowledged by the World Health Organisation Bone and Joint Task Force and published in the journal Spine.

Review on research published by The Lancet

Cold or Low level Laser treatment for neck pain

Neck pain is common, often persistent, and responds poorly to medication. So it is encouraging to read that a relatively novel, non-invasive treatment shows evidence of effectiveness. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 randomised controlled trials of low-level laser therapy (LLLT)' yielded 820 patients, for whom data was pooled. LLLT was found to reduce pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in patients with chronic neck pain. Low-level laser - or cold laser - is yet to be established as a medical treatment but, according to Wikipedia, papers are appearing at the rate of around 25 per month, mainly investigating treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

1. Chow RT, Johnson Ml, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM. 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 Dec 5;374(9705):1897-908.

Lower Back Pain LLLT Research

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with acute low back pain (LBP) with radiculopathy.

Background Data: Acute LBP with radiculopathy is associated with pain and disability and the important pathogenic role of inflammation. LLLT has shown significant anti-inflammatory effects in many studies.

Materials and Methods:A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed on 546 patients. Group A (182 patients) was treated with nimesulide 200 mg/day and additionally with active LLLT; group B (182 patients) was treated only with nimesulide; and group C (182 patients) was treated with nimesulide and placebo LLLT. LLLT was applied behind the involved spine segment using a stationary skin-contact method. Patients were treated 5 times weekly, for a total of 15 treatments, with the following parameters: wavelength 904 nm; frequency 5000 Hz; 100-mW average diode power; power density of 20 mW/cm2 and dose of 3 J/cm2; treatment time 150 sec at whole doses of 12 J/cm2. The outcomes were pain intensity measured with a visual analog scale (VAS); lumbar movement, with a modified Schober test; pain disability, with Oswestry disability score; and quality of life, with a 12-item short-form health survey questionnaire (SF-12). Subjects were evaluated before and after treatment. Statistical analyses were done with SPSS 11.5.

Results: Statistically significant differences were found in all outcomes measured (p < 0.001), but were larger in group A than in B (p < 0.0005) and C (p < 0.0005). The results in group C were better than in group B (p < 0.0005). Conclusions: The results of this study show significant improvement in acute LBP treated with LLLT used as additional therapy.

Ljubica M. Konstantinovic, Ph.D.,1 Zeljko M. Kanjuh, M.S.,1 Andjela N. Milovanovic, M.S.,2 Milisav R. Cutovic, Ph.D.,1 Aleksandar G. Djurovic, Ph.D.,3 Viktorija G. Savic, M.S.,4 Aleksandra S. Dragin, M.S.,1 and Nesa D. Milovanovic, M.S.1

1. Clinic for Rehabilitation, Medical School, Belgrade, Serbia 2Center for Physical Medicine, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia.3Clinic for Rehabilitation, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia.4Department for Physical Medicine, Institute for Rheumatology, Belgrade, Serbia.

Address correspondence to: Ljubica Konstantinovic, Ph.D. Clinic for Rehabilitation dr Miroslav ZotovicMedical School, University of Belgrade

Sokobanjska 13, Belgrade.

Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Applications, Case Studies and Low Level Laser Research with 26 Worldwide Clinical Studies are presented below:

Musculoskeletal pain syndromes, both chronic and acute.Cold/Low level laser therapy (LLLT)has been shown to be effective in a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and associated pain presentations.In Rheumatoid Arthritis, LLLT can benefit not only the pain of acute small joint inflammation but also the chronic pain.In a review article on rheumatology (3), some 18 papers were considered. All studies involved double-blind trials with LLLT in chronic rheumatoid, and reported significant improvement in pain (80% success rate in relieving pain). Upon comparing LLLT to a similar rate of pain attenuation using anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the LLLT was free of any side-effects while 20% of patients treated with NSAIDs suffered unacceptable side-effects of medication. In another study of 170 patients with rheumatoid arthritis using LLLT (4), pain attenuation of up to 90% was noted.Trellis et al (6) used LLLT for osteoarthritis of the knee in 40 patients. He reported a significant reduction of 82% of the patients with improved joint mobility. Among 36 randomized patients, with pain caused by cervical osteoarthritis, those who received Infra-Red and Low Level Laser treatment improved 75% compared with the group receiving mock treatment (31%). Similarly, a study of 60 patients with Cervical Osteoarthritis, Low Pulsed Laser was successful in relieving pain and in improving function.

The results of a study show that cervical myofascial pain is significantly improved at 3-month with Diode laser. A similar successful LLLT treatment has been described for whiplash injuries.In a randomized study with 30 patients with supraspinatus or bicipital tendonitis, the results demonstrated the effectiveness of laser therapy in tendonitis of the shoulder. Another study with a patient population (n = 324), with either medial epicondylitis (Golfer's elbow; n = 50) or lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow; n = 274), and randomly allocated, provides further evidence of the efficacy of LLLT in the management of lateral and medial epicondylitis.

Treatment with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was shown effective in treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome pain. Another study, significant decreases in McGill Pain Questionnaire scores, median nerve sensory latency, and Phalen and Tinel signs were observed after treatment series with Low Level Laser Therapy. Patients could perform their previous work.

In acute trauma there is a soft tissue injury comprising swelling, haematoma, pain and reduced mobility. Sporting injuries and domestic accidents usually involve damage to muscles, joint ligaments and tenclass. In the absence of bone fracture or other injury demanding priority treatment, LLLT should be instituted at the earliest opportunity. Kumar reported a comparative study in 50 patients with inversion injuries of the ankle. He found that compared to conventional physiotherapy, the LLLT treated patients showed a more rapid resolution of symptoms and an earlier return to full weight-bearing.

Fibromyaliga (FM) is characterized by widespread pain in the body, associated with particular tender points. It is often accompanied by disturbed sleep patterns, fatigue, headaches, irritable bowel and bladder syndrome, morning stiffness, anxiety and depression. FM can cause a high level of functional disability and have a significantly negative effect on quality of life. One study suggests that "Laser Therapy is effective on pain, muscle spasm, morning stiffness, fatigue, depression and total tender point number in Fibromyalgia".

A randomized controlled study with 63 with non-radiating low back pain showed that LLLT significantly improved pain and function.

In summary, the bulk of published work to date supports the use of LLLT for treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and associated pain. Moreover, the LLLT proved to be not only more effective than conventional methods, but more economical as well. The added advantage of absence of side effects, non-invasive nature of therapy and the ease of application, ensures good patient acceptance of the treatment modality.

Low Intensity Laser Therapy(LILT) for Head, Neck and Facial Pain.

Prof P.F. Bradley

The clinical application of low incident power density laser radiation for the treatment of acute and chronic pain is now a well established procedure. This paper reviews the currently available English speaking literature and summarises a selection of serious scientific papers which report a beneficial effect following the treatment of a wide variety of acute and chronic syndromes whose main presenting symptom is pain.

Head and Neck Clinical Applications of LILT

LILT is proving useful in a wide variety of painful conditions in the Head and Neck but the following are particular applications:

1. TM Joint Pain Dysfunction

2. Post Herpetic Neuralgia

3. Trigeminal Neuralgia

4. Painful Ulcerative Conditions

5. Pain of Advanced Oro Facial Cancer

The above information has been suppled by Quantum Healing Lasers.Com

The Ability of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to Mitigate Fibromyalgic Pain.

The CFIDS Chronicle Physicians' Forum Fall 1993

Douglas Ashendorf, MD, FAAPMR Newark, New Jersey

Physiotherapist Shows Lasers Relieve Pain.

A physiotherapist at Royal Brisbane Hospital (Australia) recently received a PhD from the University of Queensland for demonstrating that laser treatment prompts the release of endorphins into the bloodstream. Endorphins are a type of natural morphine that dulls pain. Physiotherapist Liisa Laakso studied the effects of lasers on 56 people who suffered myofascial pain syndrome, a chronic hypersensitivity often secondary to a person's primary painful affliction, such as arthritis. Previous experiments linking endorphin release and lasers have only been done on rats.

In the study, Laakso applied different doses and wavelengths of a laser diode to "trigger points" on the body and took blood samples measuring endorphin levels in these subjects and a control group. The control group reported some pain relief - most likely a placebo effect - but endorphins were present. Those patients that underwent laser treatment reported pain reduction of up to 78%, and endorphins were present in their blood.

Thermographic Study of Low Level Laser Therapy

Yoshimi Asagai, M.D.1, Atsuhiro Imakiire, M.D.2, Toshio Ohshiro, M.D.3, 1. Shinano Handicapped Children`s Hospital Shimosuwa, Nagano, Japan 2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan 3. Japan Medical Laser Laboratory, Shinanomachi, Tokyo, Japan.

Acute-phase injury is generally treated by localized cooling of the region, and rarely by theactive use of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in Japan. Thermographic studies of acutephase injury revealed that circulatory disturbances at the site of trauma occurred due to swelling and edema on the day following the injury, and that skin temperature was high at the site of the trauma and low at the periphery. Following LLLT, circulatory disturbances rapidly improved, while temperature in the high temperature zone around the site of trauma fell by 3 degrees on the average, but at the periphery the low temperature rose by 3 degrees on the average to nearly normal skin temperature. Clinically, swelling and edema improved. LLLT was also useful in treating necrosis of the skin in the wound area and in accelerating healing of surgical wounds of paralytic feet, which are prone to delayed, wound healing and also wounds due to spoke injury. LLLT is useful in treating swelling and edema in acutephase injury and in accelerating healing of surgical wounds.

Key words: Laser therapy, acute-phase injury, thermography, ankle joint sprain

Introduction

It has not been clearly defined to date if LLLT is indicated for acute-phase injury with swelling and calor. Yet it is frequently considered to be contraindicated in acute-phase injury. We have previously reported that, in patients with cerebral palsy with reduced peripheral skin temperature, the skin surface temperature was elevated to normal after LLLT

(1). in this study, we used thermography to examine changes in skin temperature following LLLT chie fly inacute-phase injury.

Patients and Methods

Subjects were 7 patients with sprains of the ankle joint, two patients with fractures of the tibial shaft, and one patient with dislocation of the elbow joint. LLLT was also used in orthopedic surgery for disorders of the distal lower extremity such as talipes varus, which is frequently followed by postoperative necrosis of the skin in the wound area as well as delayed wound healing, and pre- and postoperative treatment of paralytic feet with circulatory disturbances. The procedure was as follows. Room temperature was maintained at 25oC. After acclimatization for 20 minutes, continuous irradiation with a GaAlAr semiconductor laser (JQ305, Minato Medical Science Co., Ltd., Japan) with the wavelength adjusted to 810 nm and the output to 100mW was applied using the contact method.

The spot size on the tissue was 0.56cm2 with a power density of 17.86W/cm2 at 100mW, the energy density per point being 107.5J/cm2. The area surrounding the site of trauma was irradiated for 3 to 5 minutes in total, one minute per spot, and changes in the skin surface temperature were followed using Thermotracer TH1106. The test was performed from immediately after injury till 5 days post-trauma, an average of two days after injury.

Results

Immediately after injury, the skin surface temperature was elevated to about 34 degrees at and around the site of trauma (Fig. 1). On the day following the injury, skin temperature remained elevated around the site of trauma to the same degree as immediately after injury, but was markedly reduced to about 29 degrees at its periphery (Fig. 2). Skin temperature began to fall in the high temperature zone and began to rise in the peripheral low temperature zone immediately following LLLT, and the peripheral skin temperature reached a peak or became almost normal at about 40 minutes after the initiation of irradiation (Fig. 3). Changes in post-LLLT skin temperature in all patients

1. Sprain of the right ankle joint immediately after injury:

a) Before irradiation, a high temperature zone extends over the trauma site and a wide area around it.

b) At 10 minutes after LLLT,skin temperature fell at the trauma site, and rose in the toes at the periphery.

c) At 20 minutes after LLLT,skin temperature was re-elevated at the trauma site.

31 Laser Therapy Vol. 12 Official Journal of the World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT) showed that skin temperature fell by an average of 3degrees in the high temperature zone around the site of trauma, and rose by an average of 3 degrees in the peripheral low temperature zone, both to approximately normal skin temperature. Clinically, swelling and edema were diminished and repeated irradiation suppressed exacerbation of swelling and edema.Patients receiving pre- and post-operative

application of LLLT for such conditions as talipes varus, in which postoperative necrosis of skin in the wound area and delayed wound healing are frequent, spoke injury produced when the foot is caught in a bicycle's spokes (Fig. 4), and paralytic feet with distal circulatory failure due to spin bifida or cerebral palsy, we have not seen any necrosis of the skin in the wound area or delayed wound healing.

Discussion

There have been many reports on wound healing (2, 3).Currently, the site of trauma is cooled to reduce swelling in acute-phase injury. An important problem in the healing

of wounds and associated fractures is how to suppress swelling and edema, and improvement of local swelling and edema is also crucial for the healing of ligament injury in sprained ankles. However, the use of LLLT for sprained ankles is controversial (4). Thermography has been used for evaluating the effect of LLLT (5). In the present thermographic evaluation, the surface temperature was high around the trauma site and low in the periphery, which indicated that local blood and lymph flow were impaired by swelling and edema, thus raising temperature. When LLLT was applied to these areas, it was found that skin temperature fell in the high temperature zone but

rose in the low temperature zone to approximately the normal temperature in both zones, suggesting improved blood and lymphatic circulation. Clinically, reduction of local swelling and edema was considered to have led to the improvement of blood and lymph flow.

Conclusions

1: In acute-phase injury, skin temperature was elevated around the site of trauma, and reduced in the periphery on the day following the injury.

2: Immediately after irradiation, skin temperature fell by 3oC on the average in the high temperature zone around the trauma site, and rose by 3oC on the average reaching normal temperature in the low temperature zone at the periphery of the injury.

3: LLLT rapidly improved blood and lymphatic flow, which had been impaired by injury, and alleviated swelling and edema. LLLT was also useful in accelerating healing

of the surgical wound.

Address for Correspondence: Yoshimi Asagai MD, Director, Shinano Handicapped Children`s Hospital, 6525-1 Shimosuwa, Suwagun, Nagano, Japan 393

2. Contusion of the right tibial shaft 1 day after injury: a) before irradiation,

a) Skin temperature is high at the trauma site, and low at the periphery.

b) At 10 minutes after LLLT:skin temperature fell at the trauma site, and rose slightly at the periphery. c) At 40 minutes after LLLT: skin temperature at the periphery reached a peak and nearly normal skin temperature

3. Fracture of the right tibia 2 days after removal of nailing: a) Before irradiation, skin temperature was high in the surgical wound, and low at the periphery. b) Immediately after LLLT, skin temperature was reduced in the high temperature zone, and elevated in the low temperature zone. c) At 40 minutes after LLLT, skin temperature at the periphery reached a peak.

4. Spoke injury:

a) At 6 days after injury the left foot had been caught in the rear wheel of a bicycle, and this left a large skin defect on the back of the foot and a contusion, with marked swelling and edema.

b) After daily LLLT, epithelialization was observed and the wound healed at 23 days after injury.

http://www.walt.nu Laser Therapy Vol. 12 32

References

1. Asagai,Y.,Ueno,R.,Miura,Y.,Ohshiro,T.(1995):Application of low reactive-level laser therapy(LLLT) in patients with cerebral palsy of the adult tension athetosis type. Laser Therapy,7:113-118.

2. asaki, K., Ohshiro, T. (1997): Assessment in the rat model of the effects of 830nm diode laser irradiation in a diachronic wound hearing study. Laser Therapy,

9:25-32.

3. ubota, J., Ohshiro, T. (1996): The effects of diode laser LLLT on flap survival: Measurement of flap microcirculation with laser speckle flowmetry. Laser Therapy, 8:241-246.

4. Robert A. Henrica C.W., Ton F, Lenssen, Frans, A.J.M., Gauke, K., Paul G.(1998): Low-level laser therapy in ankle sprains: A randomized clinical trial.

Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil, 79:1415-1420.

5. Ohshiro, T. (1988): Thermographic analysis and evaluationof pain attenuation with the GaAlAs LLLT laser system. In Ohshiro T and Calderhead RG: 'Low Lever Laser Therapy: A Practical Introduction'. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, UK. pp.56-62. 33 Laser Therapy Vol. 12 Official Journal of the World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT)

Results have suggested that the pain relieving properties of LLLT have been the most consistent benefit. The duration of benefit has varied from one hour to one week, and seems to increase as treatment progresses.

Other areas of improvement were not as clear. Improvement in sleep was observed with some regularity although this was undoubtedly due in part to decreased pain. The "non-restorative" sleep complaints were less regularly improved. Improvement with regard to abnormal sensations in the limbs (paresthesia and subjective swelling) appears to be fairly consistent. Improvements in fatigue, mood and headache.

Although the pilot study is incomplete, I believe that these early findings warrant the further investigation of laser therapy for patients with fibromyalgia. This is further supported by the relatively few and harmless side effects of this therapy, the fact that equipment and operating costs are reasonable, and the reality that there are few effective alternative treatments for fibromyalgia patients.

Carpal Tunnel Study Results Released

Laser Focus World

A physician at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School is evaluating a "cold" laser to treat patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, a debilitating nerve condition that causes severe pain and numbness in the hand.

Clinical results of a double-blind study of 11 patients afflicted with carpal tunnel syndrome who were treated with a diode-laser device manufactured by Lasermedics (Missouri City, TX) showed that after six to 15 treatments, nine of the 11 patients experienced relief of pain and other associated symptoms as well as normalization of abnormal latencies.

The study was conducted by Michael L. Weintraub, a neurologist from Briarcliff, NY, and reported in the February 1996 issue of Neurology.

The patients all used a 30mW 830nm, a hand-held, battery-operated, nonsurgical laser device that employs the process of photo-biostimulation.

Dr. Weintraub concluded that the results of his study support the efficacy and safety of laser-light treatment in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Physiotherapist Shows Lasers Relieve Pain

The effect of infra-red laser irradiation on the duration and severity of postoperative pain: a double blind trial.

Kevin C. Moore, Naru Hira, Ian J. Broome* and John A. Cruikshank, Departments of Anaesthesia and General Surgery, The Royal Oldham Hospital, Oldham, U.K *Department of Anaesthesia, The Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, U.K.,General Practitioner, Pennymeadow Clinic, Ashton-under-Lyne, U.K.

This trial was designed to test the hypothesis that LLLT reduces the extent and duration of post-operative pain. Twenty consecutive patients for elective cholecystectomy were randomly allocated for either LLLT or as controls. The trial was double blind. Patients for LLLT received 6-8-min treatment (GaAlAs: 830 nm: 60 mW CW: CM) to the wound area immediately following skin closure prior to emergence from GA. All patients were prescribed on demand post-operative analgesia (IM or oral according to pain severity). Recordings of pain scores (0-10) and analgesic requirements were noted by an independent assessor. There was a significant difference in the number of doses of narcotic analgesic (IM) required between the two groups.

Controls n = 5.5: LLLT n = 2.5.

No patient in the LLLT group required IM analgesia after 24 h. Similarly the requirement for oral analgesia was reduced in the LLLT group.

Controls n = 9: LLLT n = 4.

Control patients assessed their overall pain as moderate to severe compared with mild to moderate in the LLLT group.

The results justify further evaluation on a larger trial population.

Address for correspondence:

Dr K. C. Moore, Department of Anaesthesia, The Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Road, Oldham OL1 2JH, U.K.

Efficacy of laser irradiation on the area near the stellate ganglion is dose-dependent: A double-blind crossover placebo-controlled study.

Toshikazu Hashimoto, Osamu Kemmotsu, Hiroshi Otsuka, Rie Numazawa, and Yoshihiro Ohta, Department of Anaesthesia, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan

In the present study we evaluate the effects of laser irradiation on the area near the stellate ganglion on regional skin temperature and pain intensity in patients with postherpetic neuralgia. A double blind, crossover and placebo-controlled study was designed to deny the placebo effect of laser irradiation.

Eight inpatients (male 6, female 2) receiving laser therapy for pain attenuation were enrolled in the study after institutional approval and informed consent. Each patient received three sessions of treatment on a separate day in a randomised fashion. Three minutes irradiation with a 150 mW laser (session 1), 3 minutes irradiation with a 60 mW laser (session 2), and 3 minutes placebo treatment without laser irradiation. Neither the patient nor the therapist was aware which session type was being applied until the end of the study. Regional skin temperature was evaluated by thermography of the forehead, and pain intensity was recorded using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Measurements were performed before treatment, immediately after (0 minutes) then 5, 10, 15, and 30 min after treatment. Regional skin temperature increased following both 150 mW and 60mW laser irradiation, whereas no changes were obtained by placebo treatment. VAS decreased following both 150 mW and 60 mW laser treatments, but no changes in

VAS were obtained by placebo treatment. These changes in the temperature and VAS were further dependent on the energy density, i.e. the dose.

Results demonstrate that laser irradiation near the stellate ganglion produces effects similar to stellate ganglion block. Our results clearly indicate that they are not placebo effects but true effects of laser irradiation.

Address for Correspondence: Toshikazu Hashimoto MD, Department of Anaesthesia, I Hokkaido University I Hospital N15, W7, Kita-ku Sapporo, Japan 060.

Successful management of female office workers with "repetitive stress injury" or"carpal tunnel syndrome" by a new treatment modality- application of low level lasers for pain

E. Wong G LEE J. Zu CHERMAN and D. P. MASON

Western Heart Institute and St. Mary's Spine Center St. Mary's Medical Center. San Francisco. CA. USA and Head and Neck Pain Center, Honolulu HL. USA

Abstract

Female office workers with desk jobs who are incapacitated by pain and tingling in the hands and fingers are often diagnosed by physicians as "repetitive stress injury" (RSI) or "carpal tunnel syndrome" (CTS). These patients usually have poor posture with their head and neck stooped forward and shoulders rounded; upon palpation. they have pain and tenderness at the spinous processes C5 - T1 and the medial angle of the scapula. In 35 such patients we focused the treatment primarily at the posterior neck area and not the wrists and hands. A low level laser (100 mW) was used and directed at the tips of the spinous processes C5 - Tl.

The laser rapidly alleviated the pain and tingling in the arms, hands and fingers, and diminished tenderness at the involved spinous processes. Thereby, it has become apparent that many patients labelled as having RSI or CTS have predominantly cervical radicular dysfunction resulting in pain to the upper extremities which can be managed by low level laser.

Successful long-term management involves treating the soft tissue lesions in the neck combined with correcting the abnormal head, neck and shoulder posture by taping. Cervical collars, and clavicle harnesses as well as improved work ergonomics.

Pain Research Group, Arvada, Colorado, U.S.A.

Use of Low Reactive Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) utilising helium-neon lasers has increased lately especially in pain control. New protocols are being developed aimed at a complex of primary and secondary symptomologies. One of these protocols Stellate Ganglion Stimulation has shown in our research a unique set of developments. Targeting the area of the stellate ganglion is showing great promise in the rehabilitation of patients with a history of chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes, but several patients with pre-existing psychological symptomology have exacerbated during the initial stages of utilization of this protocol.

Patients with a history of psychological diagnosis for dysthymia, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder or minor diffuse brain injury have shown an exacerbation of these symptomologies during the initial phases of stimulation treatment. Overall, response to this form of therapy seems to be positive but some patients require dermatomal and/or site-specific therapy to maximize outcome. With specific psychological treatment combined with a more conservative amount of stimulation initially the increase in these symptoms shows a tendency to remit with the pain response. Our continued research is currently focusing on the mechanisms for this type of response as well as protocol refinement to maximize its effectiveness.

Address for correspondence:

Mechanisms of the analgesic effects of therapeutic lasers in vivo

L Navratil (1)and I Dylevsky(2)

1: Outpatient Department of Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics, First Medical Faculty, and

2: Department of Functional Anatomy, Second Medical Faculty and Faculty of Physical Education Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic

The analgesic effects in the course of application of therapeutic lasers to affected tissue have been described in a number of works in the literature. Although a few scientific-based reports have appeared, those on laser-induced analgesia are mainly clinical works describing the effect of the therapy which, however, do not study the mechanism of the laser action. There are several different possible responses induced by non-invasive low level laser therapy (LLLT).

The purpose of the present communication is to review the arrangement and characterisation of these responses. By being aware of these effects, the laser therapist can acquire a physiological and morphological scheme making possible the appropriate choice of the site of application of LLLT, choice of the irradiation technique, and selection of appropriate doses.

Address for Correspondence:

Leos Navratil MD PhD, Department of Clinical Radiahiology, Institute of Biophysics, First Medical Faculty, Charles University Saln1ovska 3, CZ 120 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic. 03/97 Rep. US 5 10 12 14 © 1997 by LT Publishers U.K, Ltd. LASER THERAPY 1997:9:33-40 Experimental Physiology (1994) 79. 227-234 Printed in Great Britain

Can low reactive-level laser therapy be used in the treatment of neurogenic facial pain? A double-blind, placebo controlled investigation of patients with trigeminal neuralgia.

ArneEckerdal and Lehmann Bastian. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Denmark

Neurogenic facial pain has been one of the more difficult conditions to treat, but the introduction of laser therapy now permits a residual group of patients hitherto untreatable to achieve a life free from or with less pain. The present investigation was designed as a double-blind, placebo controlled study to determine whether low reactive-level laser therapy (LLLT) is effective for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Two groups of patients (14 and 16) were treated with two probes. Neither the patients nor the dental surgeon were aware of which was the laser probe until the investigation had been completed. Each patient was treated weekly for five weeks.

The results demonstrate that of 16 patients treated with the laser probe, 10 were free from pain after completing treatment and 2 had noticeably less pain, while in 4 there was little or no change. After a one year follow-up, 6 patients were still entirely free from pain. In the group treated with the placebo system, i.e. the non-laser probe, one was free from pain, 4 had less pain, and the remaining 9 patients had little or no recovery. After one year only one patient was still completely free from pain. The use of analgesics was recorded and the figures confirmed the fact that LLLT is effective in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. It is concluded that the present study clearly shows that LLLT treatment, given as described, is an effective method and an excellent supplement to conventional therapies used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Address for Correspondence:

Arne Eckerdal DDS DOS Consultant, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery & Oral Medicine, Odense University Hospital, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark. 12/96 Rep. US X 8-10-12 LASER THERAPY, 1996: 8: 247-252

Double-blind crossover trial of low level laser therapy in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia

Kevin C Moore, Naru Hira. Parswanath S. Kramer, Copparam S. Jayakumar and Toshio Ohshiro

Post herpetic neuralgia can he an extremely painful condition which in many cases proves resistant to all the accepted forms of treatment. It is frequently most severe in the elderly and