Laser therapy

Laser therapy is a medical treatment that uses focused light. Unlike most light sources, light from a laser (which stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) is tuned to specific wavelengths. This allows it to be focused into powerful beams. Laser therapy can be used to cut, burn, or destroy tissue. It has a wide range of applications in medicine, including cancer treatment, eye surgery, and dermatology.

History

The first working laser was developed in 1960 by the Hughes Research Laboratories. Since then, lasers have been used in a variety of medical applications. The first reported use of laser therapy in medicine was in the early 1970s, when it was used to treat a patient with a skin tumor.

Types of Laser Therapy

There are several types of laser therapy, including:

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Also known as cold laser therapy, this type uses low levels of light to stimulate healing. It's used to treat a variety of conditions, including back pain, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

• High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT): This type uses high levels of light to treat deep tissues. It's often used to treat sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions.

• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): This type uses a laser in conjunction with a photosensitizing drug to destroy cancer cells.

Applications

Laser therapy has a wide range of applications in medicine. Some of the most common include:

• Cancer Treatment: Lasers can be used to destroy tumors and precancerous growths. They can be used to target the cancer cells specifically, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

• Eye Surgery: Lasers are commonly used in eye surgeries, including LASIK and cataract surgery.

• Dermatology: Lasers can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and vitiligo. They can also be used for cosmetic procedures, such as hair removal and skin resurfacing.

Risks and Side Effects

Like any medical procedure, laser therapy carries some risks. These can include pain, swelling, redness, and burning. In rare cases, laser therapy can cause scarring or changes in skin color.

See Also

• Photomedicine
• Photobiomodulation

Laser therapy Resources
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