This page is meant for those who approach laser therapy for the first time and for those who want to know a little bit more about it.
Here you find few simple and easy-to-get definitions, useful technical pills, tips and tricks.
The term laser originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
Laser light comes with several unique features:
The key values to measure and describe laser are:
The effects of laser radiation on tissues will be different, according to the power and to the level of focus of the laser beam:
We perceive light as a combination of colours between wavelengths of 380 nm (violet) and 740 nm (red). This is why we hear talking about ultraviolet light or infrared light when referring to the non-visible spectrum.
The unit of measurement for wavelength is the nanometre (nm) and is defined as the distance between two points in a successive wave.
Red and infrared laser light interacts with different receptors, called chromophores, at different wavelengths. When a specific wavelength interacts with a specific chromophore this phenomenon is called resonance.
These are the reasons why DoctorVet combines 3 different wavelengths + aimong bean depending on the targeted chromophore and the desired effect:
The light pulsation is used to make the most of the resonance between laser wavelength and the target tissue while modulating the energy emission.
The frequency setting, measured in Hertz (Hz), allows DoctorVet to alternate moments of emission with moments of tissue relaxation per unit of time. This way a higher power, measured in Watts (W), corresponds to an adequate recovery time for the tissues involved.
To better explain this concept, we can use a metaphor: the candle flame.
If you put the finger on a candle flame, the prolonged and continuous heat will scorch it. Instead, if you move the finger quickly over the flame, the exposure time will shorten, avoiding any damage.
In this scenario the power of the flame was constant and only the exposure time was changed.
When moved quickly over the candle flame repetitively, the finger tissue has indeed an adequate time to relax and disperse the heat accumulated during the exposure.
Continuous Wave (CW) in doctorVet is comparable to keeping the finger still high above the candle flame; whereas Pulsed is to move the finger on and off the flame retentively: the frequency in this case is the time above the candle flame vs. the time away from it.
The faster you move your finger above the flame, the higher the heat intensity you can bear. Changing the frequency from LOW / MEDIUM / HIGH Pulsation will therefore have different effects on the tissue.
Laser is a light that stimulates the body to do what it naturally does, but faster and more efficiently.
The therapy occurs when a dose of light energy reaches the target tissue resulting in inflammation control, pain reduction and tissue biostimulation. It is suitable to treat a wide variety of conditions including pre-surgical, post-surgical, acute, and chronic disease states.
When it comes about doctorVet, he combination of 3 different wave lengths stimulates 3 different chromophores – melanin, hemoglobin, and cytochrome c oxidase – which trigger 3 main effects:
1. Blood circulation
a. Stimulate capillary micro-circulation.
b. Improve red blood cells profusion to tissues.
2. Oxygenation
a. Stimulates oxygen release from blood to tissues.
b. Improve oxygenation of therapy target tissues.
3. Metabolic stimulation
a. Improve ATP cycle efficiency.
b. Increase tissues energy level.
Very high power without control
The pain threshold for laser therapy is about 1–2 watts/cm2 of power density. The typical treatment size for most Class IV therapy lasers is about 10 cm2. 15 watts of continuous wave power continuously would be dangerously close to, if not above, the pain threshold. DoctorVet has pre-established protocols to control the dose and power applied to the patient at all times.
A wavelength above 960nm
Laser therapy will not be as effective if the light is absorbed by water and converted into heat. Wavelengths in the range 960nm –980 nm coincide with a peak of water’s absorption of light, which leads to a quicker conversion of light into heat. This inhibits penetration and leads to local thermal accumulation which, beyond simply heating the tissue, does not have much therapeutic benefit.
Laser therapy is painless and has no contraindications. However:
This is why DoctorVet comes with #3 protective glasses for the operator and protective glasses for the patient (Doggles) are available (optional).
Laser therapy is not as effective if the energy emitted by the laser is absorbed by the water in the tissue and converted into heat. Wavelengths between 960nm and 980nm coincide with peak absorption by water.
This inhibits the ability of the laser to penetrate the tissues and causes of localized heating. It is more interesting to use those wavelengths that are absorbed by the chromophores that produce the photobiomodulation.
The ability of the therapeutic laser to stimulate main receptors, melanin, haemoglobin, and cytochrome-C oxidase decays exponentially with wavelengths greater than 940 nm.
The wavelength of the laser determines the interaction’s intensity between the laser and the water in the tissues.
The CO2 laser works with a wavelength of 10,600nm and superficially interacts with water. The absorption/depth ratio of the water penetration is 0.01mm.
The diode laser works with a wavelength between 800 and 1,000nm, ten times smaller than that of the CO2 laser. At the same depth, the diode laser demonstrates a water interaction force thousands of times greater than the CO2 laser, giving an absorption/depth ratio of the water penetration of 8 mm.
The higher cutting speed and the limited depth of the thermal damage make the CO2 laser is ideal for soft tissue surgery.
The diode laser is instead best suited for therapy and bio stimulation, as it penetrates deeper the tissues and interacts with melanin and haemoglobin as well as with water.
These are the reasons why DoctorVet divides the treatment into phases, and each phase is optimized for a specific tissue:
It is demonstrated by scientific studies that:
doctorVet reaches 25,000Hz!
It depends on the patient, on the clinical history, and on the severity of the situation. However, we can share here general guidelines:
DoctorVet provides you with all the suggestions you need depending on the clinical case!
Via dell’Impresa, 1
36040 Brendola (VI)
VAT 02558810244
C.R. VI 240226
© Copyright 2016-2021 LAMBDA S.p.A. | Privacy Policy
