On the Necessity of Class IV
The biological effect stimulated by laser therapy is related to the number of photons that reach the affected area, not the number of photons incident on the surface. Penetration is a complicated quantity that depends on wavelength of the radiation, power density of the beam delivered, and the absorbing/scattering properties of the particular tissue-type being treated.
OPEN FILEAntinociceptive Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy at 3 and 8 j/cm2 in a Rat Model of Postoperative Pain: Possible Role of Endogenous Opioids
Our results suggest that LLLT at 3 or 8 J/cm2 primarily modulates the endogenous opioids system and is not directly mediated by serotonergic receptors. Reduction of IL-1b and TNF-a may play a role in the antinociceptive action ofLLLT.
OPEN FILEClass IV Laser in Non-invasive Laser Therapy
Output power is one of the most important parameters of a laser, indirectly affecting also the spectrum of possible applications as well as time required to perform therapy.
OPEN FILEThe Effectiveness of Therapeutic Class IV (10 W) Laser Treatment for Epicondylitis
These findings suggest that laser therapy using the 10 W class IV instrument is efficacious for the long-term relief of the symptoms associated with chronic epicondylitis. The potential for a rapidly administered, safe and effective treatment warrants further investigation.
OPEN FILELaser Therapy May Improve Outcomes in Fibromyalgia
New data presented here at the American College of Sports Medicine 57th Annual Meeting suggest that the application of class 4 infrared light lasers to fibromyalgia trigger points improves upper body flexibility. This finding is important, investigators noted, because fibromyalgia is often difficult to treat with pharmacologic agents, and patients seek alternative regimens to ease their discomfort.
OPEN FILEClass IV Laser Therapy Treatment of Multifactorial Lumbar Stenosis With Low-Back and Leg Pain: A Case Report
Class IV laser therapy may be a treatment option in patients with chronic multifactorial low-back pain, possibly allowing for earlier active intervention and return to ADLs. Natural history influence on improvement cannot be excluded as a contributory factor in symptom reduction in this case study. Since laser therapy was initiated 9 months post-injury with ongoing symptoms, the amount of contribution is uncertain. More controlled studies with high-power laser therapy and significantly greater total doses than are possible with Class II and III lasers are necessary for a broader understanding of this emerging modality.
OPEN FILEClass IV Therapy Lasers: Maximizing the Primary Effects of Laser Therapy
A rapidly growing number of progressive health care providers are adding Class IV therapy lasers to their clinics. By maximizing the primary effects of the photon-target cell interaction, Class IV therapy lasers are able to produce impressive clinical results and do so in a shorter period of time. A busy office interested in providing a service that helps a variety of conditions, is cost-effective, and is being sought out by an increasing number of patients should give a serious look at Class IV therapy lasers.
OPEN FILEAn 808-nm Diode Laser with a Flat-Top Handpiece Positively Photobiomodulates Mitochondria Activities
Our data showfor the first time that even the higher fluences (64 J/cm2–1W), similar to the low fluences, can photobiostimulate the mitochondria respiratory chain without uncoupling them and can induce an increment in the ATP production. These results suggest that the negative effects of higher fluences observed to date are not unequivocally due to higher fluence per se but might be a consequence of the irradiation carried by handpieces with a Gaussian profile.
OPEN FILEOptimal Laser Phototherapy Parameters for Pain Relief
The findings of meta-analysis indicate that laser phototherapy is highly effective for pain relief. Based on the analysis of parameters, total energy can be optimized to yield the largest effect on pain relief.
OPEN FILEIntricacies of Dose in Laser Phototherapy for Tissue Repair and Pain Relief
The potential effects of patient-related factors, such as etiology, pathology, tissue optical density, depth of target tissue, and skin pigmentation are discussed concurrently and strategies are suggested to improve dosage determination.
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