The Science Behind Our Lasers

How Laser Therapy Works

The word laser is actually an acronym for “light amplification stimulated emission of radiation.” Laser light is monochromatic, coherent and collimated light. It is all one color or wavelength; all the waves are in the same phase of motion, and they are all headed in the same direction. The light is cloned to a specific wavelength, or multiple wavelengths, that can be combined into one device.

Wavelengths have individual properties. 

The properties of light that determine the depth it will penetrate to the cellular level where the biological effects occur. The power or intensity is measured in milliwatts or watts. . The Powercure Pro is a Class IV laser which means lasers delivering more than 0.5W or 500 mW of power. 

 Therapeutic wavelengths range from the visible reds of 500–600 nm to the near infrared (IR) wavelengths of 1000 nm.

Energy delivered or the work performed is measured in Joules. The relationship between the intensity of work and the work performed is a function of time and is expressed in the following formulas:

• 1 Watt = 1 Joule/Second or Joules = watt x second
• This means that 1.3W laser treating an area for 10 minutes or 600 seconds will deliver 780 Joules.

Spot size is the area of the laser beam. It is the area on the tissue that is receiving therapy. The depth of the penetration and the ability of the laser to provide enough photons deep enough within the tissues is a function of the power of the laser together with the spot size and the wavelength of the photons.  

A larger spot will deliver a higher effective fluence at a given tissue depth. Fluence is the energy delivered to an area of tissue and is expressed as: Joules (J)/cm2.

Ideal laser therapy provides a large amount of power over a large area.

The goal of all laser therapy is to deliver an effective dosage of photons to the target tissues, therefore achieving a positive physiological outcome. This can be done with either a continuous or a pulsed emission of photons. Continuous wave (CW) emission delivers a constant intensity of laser light for an extended period of time.  The Powercure Pro has two settings: pulse and continuous wave. We recommend the continuous wave because although there is some evidence that pulsed light does have effects that are different from those of continuous wave light. Further work is needed to define these effects for different diseases, conditions, and pulse structures. Lasers Surg Med. 2010;42:450–466.

When the photons (laser light) enter the tissue, they begin to scatter. An example of this is when the photons pass through a highly vascularized area. The blood vessels and corresponding structures have a high water content that changes the optical density of the tissues in the pathways of the photons; therefore, the photons are reflected in many directions. Scattering is wavelength dependent. The longer the wavelengths, the less they will scatter. Scattering in the tissue also broadens the incident beam, thereby decreasing the effective dosage at the intended target area. The Powercure Pro has two wave lengths: 650 and 808 nm.

How Laser Therapy Helps Tissue Repair

• promotes collagen production
• activates local immune cells (macrophages and lymphocytes)
• alters the expression of genes involved in wound healing and possibly analgesia. 
• anti-infective which is a wonderful choice for antibiotic resistant infections 
• stimulate healing of deeper tissue such as tendons, bones, cartilage, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and neural pathways.
• reduces pain, 
• reduces inflammation, and swelling 
• improves blood flow – vasodilation – opens blood vessels to increase blood flow to damaged tissue
• Releases endorphins – These are natural chemicals in the body that have many functions, including reducing pain signals.
• Muscle relaxation – The muscles around an injury or an inflamed joint can become stiff and painful to compensate. Relaxation of these muscles improves comfort for dogs.
• Promotes cell growth and repair

Conditions Treated By Cold Laser Therapy

Laser therapy has been used to treat several conditions and ailments in dogs. It has been used as a sole treatment, in conjunction with other therapies or medications, or to help heal following surgery in dogs. 

• Arthritis 
• Trauma
• Autoimmune disease. 
• Alleviate acute and chronic pain 
• Disc disease – pre, instead of, or post surgery -the 80 nm wave is perfect for deeper penetration
• Wound healing, particularly horses, 650 nm wavelength of the Powercure Pro serves that purpose
• Tendon repair
• Bone healing, accelerating fracture repairs
• Dental damage healing
• Hair regrowth
• Stem cell stimulation
• Surgical incision healing

How Is Laser Therapy Performed In Dogs?

Laser treatment is usually a low-stress treatment and the patient is awake during the procedure. Most patients find the experience pleasant, and many just lay down and sleep during the treatment. A handheld laser wand is slowly moved back and forth over the treated area, producing a slightly warming sensation on the fur. Clipping will help penetration of the laser. Sessions last up to 5 to 30 minutes depending on how many Joules you wish to deliver as the number and frequency of treatments depend on the injury and the type of laser being used.

Goggles are worn by the person delivering the laser during the procedure. The patient’s eyes are kept away from the laser. Note that the googles are specific for each laser and protect against the wavelength of the laser. This means that you cannot interchange goggles between lasers.