Low level laser therapy has been used in clinical practice all around the world for over four decades.
The first experimental FDA clearance of Class 3B Lasers occurred in February of 2002, after a successful study for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on workers at General Motors. The laser that was used had a power of 90mw at 830nm.
Certain low level laser devices are also FDA approved for the relief of the following conditions [1,2]:
- Muscle and joint pain
- Stiffness associated with arthritis
- Pain associated with muscle spasms
- Hand pain and wrist pain associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Neck pain
- Lower back pain
- Wound healing
- Fibromyalgia
- Knee pain
- Tendonitis
References
1. Hurwitz, EL, Carragee EJ, vander Velde G, et al. Treatment of neck pain: noninvasive interventions: Results o fthe bone and joint decade 2000-2010 task Force on neck pain and its associated disorders. Spine 2008;33:S123-152.
2. Hopkins, JT, McLoda TA, Seegmiller JG, Baxter GD. Low-level laser therapy facilitates superficial wound healing in humans: A triple blind, sham-controlled study. J Athl Train. 2004 Jul-Sep; 39(3): 223-229.