Alternative Healing with Cold Lasers
Have you heard the buzz about using cold lasers for healing
countless ailments? Cold lasers are being used by Doctors,
Dentists, Acupuncturists, DO's, Oral Surgeons, Veterinarians,
Chiropractors and the list goes on. Treatment with cold laser
therapy is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing segments
of alternative medicine.
The first cold lasers were used over 30 years ago. In Europe,
Asia and Canada cold lasers have been used routinely for about
20 years and yet in America they are relatively new to
mainstream medicine. Why is this? Just 3 short years ago the
United States FDA started to give clearance to cold lasers for
use in specific areas. For example the treatment of carpal
tunnel syndrome (CTS), neck and shoulder pain, and other pain
treatment applications.
Additional names that are often used interchangeably with cold
laser are: low level laser (LLT), photobiostimulation laser,
photobiomodulation laser , biostimulating laser, bioregulating
laser, soliton laser and soft laser. Until a consensus is
reached, the two most important names to remember are cold laser
and low level laser, which is often used interchangeably with
low level laser therapy (LLLT).
Why is it called a cold laser? A laser that utilizes a diode
that is 500 mW or less is called a cold laser because it does
not produce enough thermal output to heat the tissue being
treated. A variety of cold lasers are available on the market
with different power outputs and different wavelengths. Common
diode power outputs include: 5 mW, 30 mW, 50 mW, 100 mW, 200 mW
and 500 mW. The higher the power output, generally the shorter
the treatment. For a good selection of cold lasers offering a
variety of power outputs visit http://quantum-healing-lasers.com
and also check out the section on frequently asked questions.
Is there a difference between a laser and an LED? Yes, it is an
important difference, which comes down to coherence and depth of
penetration. A cold laser uses coherent, polarized light that is
highly focused and columnated, allowing it to travel in a
straight line for long distances or to penetrate into the deeper
layers of the body. The light from LED's is monochromatic, non
coherent light, which is useful for treatment of superficial
tissues such as wounds and skin conditions. In comparative
studies, lasers have been shown to be more effective and faster
working. Some of the most effective and versatile lasers on the
market utilize both laser and LED light output.
Is cold laser therapy scientifically well documented? LLLT will
naturally not work on anything, however due to the fact that it
treats at a cellular level, it is successful at treating an
astounding level of conditions. Some research has failed to
demonstrate effect in several indications, however proper
treatment is dependant upon numerous factors including dosage,
diagnosis, frequency of treatment and treatment technique. More
than 2500 research reports are published and more than 100
double-blind positive studies confirm the clinical effect of
cold laser therapy. Over 90% of the 370 studies revealed in the
limited LLLT dental literature alone verify the clinical value
of cold laser therapy.