Article

Photobiological basis and clinical role of low-intensity lasers in biology and medicine.

Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine & Surgery 05/2004; 22(2):141-50. DOI:10.1089/104454704774076208
Source: PubMed

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review on the clinical role of low intensity laser therapy (laser photostimulation) in biology and medicine. Studies on wound healing and pain relief are highlighted to show the clinical efficacy of laser therapy. Controversies about the use of low intensity laser as a therapeutic modality for wound healing and pain relief are presented and a brief explanation is provided to overcome these controversies. The importance of standard parameters is emphasized for the applications of low intensity lasers in biology and medicine. A justification has been made to warrant further research on the use of low intensity laser as a therapeutic modality. Although the therapeutic applications of low intensity laser are imminent, the heterogeneity in treatment protocols and study design calls for a vigilant interpretation of the findings.

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Keywords

applications
 
brief explanation
 
clinical efficacy
 
comprehensive review
 
heterogeneity
 
laser photostimulation
 
laser therapy
 
low intensity laser
 
low intensity laser therapy
 
low intensity lasers
 
pain relief
 
standard parameters
 
therapeutic applications
 
wound healing
 

G Kesava Reddy