Factors affecting Low Level Laser Therapy

Low Level Laser Therapy has been reported as causing many therapeutic reactions within living tissue, yet research studies have not been able to support conclusively the results which appear to occur clinically. If the physiotherapist accepts that light quality may have been a variable overlooked in previous studies, it is necessary to consider whether there are other factors which may have contributed to the variable and, at times, conflicting results. These factors include depth of penetration and resultant absorption. Factors such as power output, dose, pulse frequency and frequency of treatment will also influence the therapeutic action of laser. This review evaluates parameters common to most therapeutic lasers as well as other features including the multiple-diode probe. Issues which may help clinicians optimise their treatment when using Low Level Laser Therapy will be addressed.