Low Level Laser (aka Cold Laser)
Low-level lasers (aka Cold laser) are different than more publicized heat lasers used to cut, and cauterize tissue. Low-level lasers do not have a thermal effect and are used to stimulate rather than destroy tissue. These types of lasers have been in use for over 25 years, and there has yet to be one recorded side effect.
Dr.Meltzer uses electric diode lasers. Diodes are high end, culminated and strictly measured within a plus/minus .05%. Some lasers only use LED technology. LEDs are inexpensive, non-focused wide range light sources. The primary difference is in performance and depth of penetration. Laser diodes penetrate, working subcutaneously. LEDs do not, affecting surface only .
LASER Q & A
General Knowledge
Q. What is Low Level Laser Therapy?
A. Low Level Laser therapy is the use of low intensity photonic energy as a treatment modality.
Q. How does Low Level Laser work?
A. Photonic stimuli excite the body’s cells infusing them with energy, with the three primary reactions being,
reduction of inflammation, cell regeneration and increased blood flow.
Q. What is it used for?
A. The potential applications of Low Level Laser are almost limitless, however; to date Erchonia (Dr. Meltzer
uses 2 different types of lasers, including the Erchonia PL5) has received market clearance for multiple
applications including Neck and Shoulder Pain, as well as Laser Assisted Liposuction to reduce swelling
during surgery. Erchonia continues to conduct clinical trials on other applications.
Q. What are the benefits of low-laser therapy?
A. Low Level Laser Therapy is a noninvasive, fast and effective modality that has been proven in clinical trial
to reduce pain, reduce edema and promote healing.
Q. How safe is Low Level Laser Therapy?
A. Low Level Laser Therapy is very safe. The only general precaution is the use of special filtering glasses
when a class 3B laser is in use. Dr. Meltzer uses a class 3A laser which requires no glasses as well as a
class 3B.
Q. How deep into the tissue can laser light penetrate?
A. The depth of penetration is dependent on multiple factors including mass and density, however since low
level laser has been proven in clinical study to effect subcutaneous cells; the point is low level laser, does
penetrate; as opposed to the heat lamp devices that do not.
Q. Can I use Low Level Laser Therapy at home, on myself?
A. Low Level Laser Therapy is simple enough that once the protocol had been established by a physician,
a patient could administer it themselves, however; all market clearances stipulate “By Order of Physician.”
Applications
Q. Is Low Level Laser Therapy painful?
A. No, most people do not feel anything, for those that have reported a feeling, it is nothing more than a
slight tingling.
Q. Who uses the Low Level Lasers?
A. Erchonia has a broad client base with representative from every practice in the health Care industry,
including by not limited; Cosmetic Surgeons, Chiropractors, Plastic Surgeons, Physical Therapists,
Registered Nurses and Medical Doctors.
Q. How is Low Level Laser Therapy administered?
A. The mechanics of how low level laser therapy is administered is based on the indication for use, however; the general process is the probe containing the laser diode(s) are held in place or moved gently over the treatment area at a distance of anywhere from 4” – 12.”
Q. How long does it take for the laser to heal or improve a condition?
A. This is dependent of the application, however; progress is immediately evident.
Q. What’s the difference between Lasers vs. LED?
A. Electric diodes are high end, culminated and strictly measured within a plus/minus .05%. LEDs are inexpensive, non-focused wide range light sources. The primary difference is in performance and depth of penetration. Laser diodes penetrate, working subcutaneously. LEDs do not, affecting surface only .
Research
Q. What clinical studies have been conducted using Low Level Laser?
A. Erchonia has sponsored numerous clinical trials and continues to promote low level laser as a modality through ongoing research. To see the completed study results and the on-going study progress, click here.
Compliance
Q. Is Low Level Laser Therapy FDA approved?
A. The FDA clears for market devices and specific indications for use This is sometime referred to by persons outside the FDA as “FDA Approval”, although it is a term unacceptable to the FDA. All Erchonia devices have received a FDA market clearance or where self certified in accordance to FDA regulation.
Q. Are Erchonia Low Level Laser devices tested to ensure safety?
A. Erchonia Corporation develops, design and manufactures devices in accordance to both FDA and International standards for Medical Device Quality Standards. Prior to release to production, finished devices are tested to Medical Safety standards for Laser Controls, EMC and Safety.
Contraindications
Q. Are there any conditions which would prevent me from using low level laser therapy?
A. There are no code regulated contra indications, however; since there are no long term evaluations on certain conditions, Erchonia does not recommend use on pregnant women or persons with a pace maker.
Q. Does laser therapy cause heat damage or cancer in the tissue?
A. No, low level laser by virtue of design is not heat producing and does not alter the cell structure. The laser irradiation is non-ionizing meaning it does not collect in tissue.
Q. Are there any side effects?
A. Some persons have reported a sense of deep relaxation that may cause drowsiness.
Q. Are there any complications to the treatments?
A. There are no known and / or published adverse effects of Low Level Laser Therapy.
The above Q&A was taken from http://www.erchonia.com/faq
