Therapeutic Laser Flashcards

0
Q

What are the 3 characteristics of “true” lasers?

A

Monochromatic
Coherent
Collimated

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1
Q

What type of laser is in our lab?

A

AlGaAs
Aluminum Gallium Arsenide
IIIb, 1M, 4

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2
Q

Explain what it means if a laser is monochromatic.

A

The wavelengths are the same frequency and color.

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3
Q

Explain what it means if a laser is coherent.

A

Multiple electromagnetic waves with the same wave length are in fixed phase with one another (Rounds in a song - noncoherent)

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4
Q

Explain what it means if a laser is collimated.

A

It is a focused, less divergent beam

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5
Q

What are characteristics of diodes?

A

Monochromatic
Non-coherent
More divergent - longer to deliver energy to targeted tissue

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6
Q

Difference between LEDs vs. SLDs

A

LEDs - emit visible light

SLDs - emit brighter LED

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7
Q

Diodes vs. Lasers

A

Lasers - light is further processed to created more energy, more photons to smaller area, more energy delivered at a quicker rate
Diodes - less effective on penetrating tissue, take significantly longer to deliver energy, non-coherent

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8
Q

What is a photon?

A

A particle of light

Basis for radiant energy

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9
Q

When is Cryotherapy best used in conjunction with laser?

A

Cryotherapy before Laser

Limits bloods ability to steal photons through vasoconstriction

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10
Q

What are the 3 mechanisms in which light acts when absorbed by tissue?

A
  1. Excitement of electron bonds causes molecule to change shape /break (3b & 4)
  2. Excitement of atoms causes movement which may lead to heat (3b & 4)
  3. Atoms may rotate causing potential temperature changes ( 4)
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11
Q

When are Massage or Traction best used in conjunction with Laser?

A

Before or after

They only affect superficial tissue without changing temperature

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12
Q

What pathologies has the FDA approved laser therapy for?

A
Minor muscle and joint pain
Muscle spasms
Pain and stiffness
Promote relaxation of muscle tissue
Temporary increase of localized blood flow
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13
Q

What are the concerns with skin color and obesity when using laser?

A

Skin color- Melanin absorbs light well, more skin absorption=less penetration
Obesity - thicker subcutaneous layer=less penetration

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14
Q

What are the relative contraindications with laser?

A

Tattoos - specifically black ink

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15
Q

What effects does pulsed mode have on total power produced?

A

Decreases

16
Q

What are the precautions with laser?

A

Clothing - especially those with dyes
Skin Color
Obesity

17
Q

What is the primary function of therapeutic laser?

A

Photobiomodulation - modify biological processes with light

Modifies pain and/or the healing process

18
Q

What are the potential benefits of Laser?

A
Decreases in inflammatory process
Analgesic
Accelerated tissue repair and cell growth
Increased vascular activity
Increased metabolic activity
Trigger and acupuncture points
Decreases scar tissue formation
Immunoregulation
Wound healing
Increase nerve function - cell regeneration/reconnection
19
Q

What affects the limited depth of preparation of lasers?

A

Power

Wavelength - longer the wavelength and the deeper the penetration

21
Q

Describe Scanning technique.

A

Treatment area is large as wound attempting to heal
Laser is not in contact with skin
Slow, slow steady pace covering entire treatment area

22
Q

How is dosage calculated?

A

(average power x Rx time) / rx area

Given in Joules/cm

23
Q

How do you calculate treatment time for gridding?

A

(dosage x beam area) / power

24
Q

When is Thermotherapy best used in conjunction with Laser?

A

Laser and then cryotherapy

Laser allows vasodilation increasing light absorption and deeper heat penetration

25
Q

How do you calculate treatment time for scanning?

A

(dosage x Rx area) / power

26
Q

Describe class 1 lasers.

A

Self Contained
No Risk
Ex: printer and CD player

27
Q

Describe Class 1M laser.

A

Visible or infrared
Safe except for when magnified
Ex: Binoculars

28
Q

Describe gridding technique.

A

Coverage Area is size of beam
Laser is in contact with skin
Takes in to account cosine law
Apply greater pressure with trigger points

29
Q

Describe Class 2 Laser.

A

No risk of eye damage
Visible
Ex. Grocery Scanner

31
Q

Describe Class 3a Laser.

A

May cause eye damage
Infrared
Ex: laser pointer

31
Q

What are the absolute contraindications with Laser?

A

Cancerous tumors
Thyroid
Directly over the eye
Pregnancy

32
Q

Describe Class 3b Laser.

A

Hazard if viewed directly

Infrared

33
Q

Describe Class 4 Laser.

A

Risk of permanent eye damage
Infrared
Ex: Military Weapons, Surgical Lasers

34
Q

What is the differences between different class lasers?

A

Higher the power = greater risk of eye damage and greater power generated

36
Q

What determines color of laser light?

A

Wavelength

37
Q

Describe Low-Powered Lasers.

A

“Cold Lasers”

Power output

37
Q

Describe High-Powered Lasers.

A
Surgery - wrinkle/tattoo removal, ocular surgery
Class IV
Therapeutic
Welding
Shooting down satellites
37
Q

Describe Helium Neon Lasers.

A

Most common gas laser
Therapeutic
Visible red on Em spectrum
Power output - 1.0-10.0 mWW - continuous