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Only lasers can be used for low level laser therapy
1State Scientific Center of Laser Medicine, Moscow 121165 Russia.
Biomedicine
|November 14, 2017
Summary
This study confirms that only laser light, specifically its monochromaticity, is effective for low level laser therapy (LLLT). Other light sources are not suitable for LLLT applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Photomedicine
Background:
- The efficacy of low level laser therapy (LLLT) is debated, particularly regarding the role of specific laser properties like monochromaticity.
- Low-intensity laser illumination (LILI) is often conflated with other light sources without clear justification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically analyze existing literature comparing laser and non-laser light sources for LLLT.
- To determine the exclusive role and key properties of lasers in effective LLLT.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and analysis of publications from 1973 to 2016.
- Evaluation of studies with direct comparisons between laser and conventional light sources for LLLT.
Main Results:
- Many prior studies exhibit flawed comparisons or unsubstantiated claims regarding LILI.
- Correctly conducted studies demonstrate significantly higher efficacy of laser light over other sources.
- Monochromaticity, characterized by narrow spectral width, is identified as the critical parameter for laser efficacy in LLLT.
Conclusions:
- Low level laser therapy (LLLT) requires laser light sources exclusively.
- The unique property of monochromaticity is essential for the effectiveness of LLLT.
- Non-laser light sources are inappropriate for LLLT due to spectral differences.
