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- How long has laser therapy been utilized in pain management?
The laser was invented in 1960 and the biostimulative properties of
laser light were first discovered in 1967. Therapy lasers have been used
un Europe much longer than in the United States. The United States Food
and Drug Administration (US FDA) first cleared therapy lasers in 2002,
and Class IV lasers in 2003.
- What is the power of most laser therapy devices on the market?
Laser therapy devices being used in the US today range in power output
from 5 milliwatts to 12,000 milliwatts. Class 3a lasers are 5
milliwatts, Class 3b range from 5 to 500 milliwatts, and a Class 4 laser
is any greater than 500 milliwatts (or half a Watt).
The K-Series Class 4 therapy laser has power adjustable from 0.1 to 8
Watts in the K-800 model, and 0.1 to 12 Watts in the K-1200. The
adjustable power allows for a
wide range of treatment protocols. Class 4 laser therapy delivers a
therapeutic dosage to a large volume of tissue in a shorter period of
time.
- How many laser sessions are necessary?
Usually ten to fifteen sessions are sufficient to achieve a treatment goal. These sessions may be scheduled at two to three times per week for short duration treatment, or one to two treatments per week with longer treatment protocols.
- Are there any safety risks associated with Class IV laser therapy?
K-Laser treatments are extremely safe when applied by a K-Laser
certified, properly trained professional. K-Laser treatments should
never be given directly over the eye or the thyroid gland - along with
other absolute and relative contraindications as spelled out in the
K-Laser Safety Manual.
K-Laser treatment is safe to deliver directly over metal implants, over
broken skin, and on acute injuries.
- Is there any pain or side effects associated with Class IV laser therapy?
The K-Laser treatments should be painless and have no side effects when applied by a
K-Laser certified, properly trained professional. During treatment, the
patient experiences a gentle warming effect, and
at many times a profound feeling of relaxation.
- Some patients tell that they feel heat even if they are treated with high power Laser emission. Is Laser Therapy based on thermal effects?
The primary mechanism of laser therapy is photobiomodulation. Thermal effects are one component of high power laser therapy; however the stimulation of cells and tissue repair is based on scientific research that has demonstrated positive physiological effects of infrared wavelengths on cellular organelles and electron chain molecules.
- Can’t the same therapeutic effects be achieved with a noncoherent light source?
Coherence of laser has a greater penetration ability and higher therapeutic value than noncoherent light, although wavelengths specific to photobiomodulation will provide a therapeutic application regardless of the source. The K-laser therapy system however provides high-power laser in specific wavelengths that dramatically decrease treatment times and improve deep tissue penetration. Faster treatment time is a great benefit to the busy practitioner.
- Can the K-Laser be programmed for additional therapy protocols?
Yes. The K-Laser is unique in that it has preset therapy programs for
the
most common therapeutic applications. These presets are categorized
anatomically, and subcategorized by indication. There are also
additional treatments for specific ailments.
In addition, the K-Series laser features wavelength selecatbility,
intense superpulse and the ability to create and store up to 120
user-defined multi-step protocols.
- What type of warranty comes with the K-laser?
The K-Laser is backed by a full two-year service warranty for any
manufacturing defects, and the diodes are warranteed for life. The
optical fiber carries a 90-day conditional warranty.
- Can my laser be updated without having to purchase another unit?
Yes. The K-Series Class 4 Therapy Laser has the ability to be quickly
updated via a software update utilizing the USB port on the back of the
unit. Zoom handpieces and optical fibers are also available and can
be replaced, either on-site or by the K-Laser Technical Support staff.
- Is it true that new therapeutic strategies are being developed in laser therapy today?
Yes, multiple researchers throughout the world are finding therapeutic application of different infrared wavelengths as well as other visible light wavelengths such as red, green, and blue frequencies and their effects on tissues. Advances in laser application and delivery include variations in modulation or frequency and intensity as well as different treatment wavelengths.
These variations in laser delivery produce different effects on tissues resulting in shorter treatment times and better treatment outcomes. There are limitations in low-level laser therapy because of dramatic absorption of infrared in the subcutaneous tissues. It is difficult for lasers under 200 milliwatts to penetrate beyond a few centimeters. The K-laser Class IV therapy laser is the front-runner in high-power laser therapy systems and will continue to improve as new applications develop.
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