General Knowledge
Q. What is Low Level Laser Therapy?
A. Low Level Laser therapy is the use of low intensity photonic energy as a treatment modality.
Q. How does Low Level Laser (3LT™) work?
A. Photonic stimuli excite the body’s cells infusing them with energy, with the three primary reactions being, reduction of inflammation, cell regeneration and increased blood flow.
Q. What is it used for?A. The potential applications of Low Level Laser (3LT™) are varied, positive research has been published to show that low level lasers are effective in the treatment of neck and shoulder Pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, Raynoud's, macular degeneration, acne, as well as many other conditions. Erchonia (our laser manufacturer) continues to conduct clinical trials on other applications.
Q. What are the benefits of low-laser therapy?
A. Low Level Laser Therapy is a noninvasive, fast and effective modality that has been proven in clinical trial to reduce pain, reduce edema and promote healing.
Q. How safe is Low Level Laser Therapy?
A. Low Level Laser Therapy has is very safe, the only general precaution is the use of special filtering glasses when a class 3B laser is in use.
Q. How deep into the tissue can laser light penetrate?
A. The depth of penetration is dependent on multiple factors including mass and density, however since low level laser has been proven in clinical study to effect subcutaneous cells; the point is low level laser, does penetrate; as opposed to the heat lamp devices that do not.
Q. Can I use Low Level Laser Therapy at home, on myself?
A. Low Level Laser Therapy is simple enough that once the protocol had been established by a physician, a patient could administer it themselves, however; all Erchonia market clearances stipulate “By Order of Physician.”
Q. What the difference is between pulsed vs. constant wave?
A. Like their names imply, constant wave is a continuous emission of laser energy, without disruption, for the length of time the device is ON. Pulsed wave is controlled breaks in the wave, at predefined and programmed intervals.
Q. What is hertz as it relates to Low Level Lasers?
A. The predefined, controlled breaks in the laser emission, measured by the number of breaks per second, equals hertz.
Applications
Q. Is Low Level Laser Therapy painful?
A. No, most people do not feel anything, for those that have reported a feeling, it is nothing more than a slight tingling.
Q. Who uses the Low Level Lasers?
A. Erchonia has a broad client base with representative from every practice in the health Care industry, including by not limited; Cosmetic Surgeons, Chiropractors, Plastic Surgeons, Physical Therapists, Registered Nurses and Medical Doctors.
Q. How is Low Level Laser Therapy administered?
A. The mechanics of how low level laser therapy is administered is based on the indication for use, however; the general process is the probe containing the laser diode(s) are held in place or moved gently over the treatment area at a distance of anywhere from 4” – 12.”
Q. How long does it take for the laser to heal or improve a condition?
A. This is dependent of the application, however; progress is immediately evident.
Q. What’s the difference between Lasers vs. LED?
A. Erchonia 3LT™ devices used electric diodes, which are high end, culminated and strictly measured within a plus/minus .05%. LEDs are inexpensive, non-focused wide range light sources. The primary difference is in performance and depth of penetration, Laser diodes penetrate, working subcutaneously, LEDs do not affecting surface only .
Research
Q. What clinical studies have been conducted using Low Level Laser?
A. Erchonia has sponsored numerous clinical trials and continues to promote low level laser as a modality through ongoing research. Other organizations have published clinical studies in regards to the treament of various conditions in a variety of medical journals.
Compliance
Q. Is Low Level Laser Therapy FDA approved?
A. The FDA clears for market devices and specific indications for use, this is sometime referred to by persons outside the FDA as “FDA Approval”, although it is a terms unacceptable to the FDA. All Erchonia devices have received a FDA market clearance or where self certified in accordance to FDA regulation.
Q. Are Erchonia Low Level Laser devices tested to ensure safety?
A. Erchonia Medical develops, design and manufactures devices in accordance to both FDA and International standards for Medical Device Quality Standards. Prior to release to production, finished devices are tested to Medical Safety standards for Laser Controls, EMC and Safety.
Contraindications
Q. Are there any conditions which would prevent me from using?
A. There are no code regulated contra indications, however; since there are no long term evaluations on certain conditions, Erchonia does not recommend use on pregnant women.
Q. Does laser therapy cause heat damage or cancer in the tissue?
A. No, low level laser by virtue of design is not heat producing and does not alter the cell structure. The laser irradiation is non-ionizing meaning it does not collect in tissue.
Q. Are there any side effects?
A. Some persons have reported a sense of deep relaxation that may cause drowsiness
Q. Are there any complications to the treatments?
A. There are no known and / or published adverse effects of Low Level Laser Therapy.
