special subjects
Rehabilitative Measures for Treatment of Pain and Inflammation
Low level laser therapy
Low-level laser therapy (also known as cold laser) applies light energy to deeper tissues and may provide analgesia for a variety of conditions, including sprains, strains, neck and back pain, shoulder pain, and fibromyalgia. It should not be used over the eyes, and appropriate safety eyewear is required. It should also not be used at the site of known malignancy, over a developing fetus, over a pacemaker or other implanted device, or over the thyroid gland. Low-level laser therapy can also trigger a seizure in patients with photosensitive epilepsy and should be used with caution in such patients. Although some evidence suggests potential benefit of low-level laser therapy for specific musculoskeletal conditions, the results are mixed depending on the specific condition being treated and the treatment comparisons. 