Lasers in Physiotherapy Treatment

Laser therapy treatment is one of the major types of modalities for treatment in a physiotherapy setting. The term laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The use of lasers consists of a non-invasive treatment that allows different wavelengths to be emitted to promote the healing of the soft tissue, which can alleviate any pain. The process that is created with the therapeutic laser to relieve pain is called photo bio-modulation. When the laser emits a wavelength, the cells that come in contact with it change as the wavelength stimulates the cell to increase the cell respiration cycle. That increase will allow the cells to create tissue regeneration and reduce pain in the patient.

The main type of therapeutic laser that can be seen in a physiotherapy clinic is known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). Low-level laser therapy uses red infrared light to create tissue regeneration using the process described above. The more uncommon type is High-Power Laser Therapy, which destroys cells to create inflammation to heal the tissue.

At TRH services, the process to test a laser includes:

• Physical inspection of the unit as well as the laser applicators to ensure they are not damaged.
• Electrical safety testing
• Verifying the energy of the probes
• Verifying the heat emission

We also ensure physiotherapists are safe with the units as lasers can cause serious harm. All lasers need to have at least 2 pairs of safety glasses to protect the therapist’s and patient’s eyes from the laser wavelengths, as well as a sign that is posted where there is laser use that states that a laser is being used. It is also recommended that there is at least one person on site who is ensuring proper safety and training other therapists on laser safety.