1. What does LASER stand for?
LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission by Radiation.
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2. How does laser light differ from "normal" light?
Light emitted from a laser diode is monochromatic (having only one wavelength), parrallel and coherent (having waves with similar direction, amplitude, and phase). These qualities make laser light much more valuable for therapeutic benefits.
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3. Are low level lasers SAFE?
Industry has been using laser diodes for years in such applications as bar code check outs, CD players, laser printers and pointers. The FDA has listed bio-stimulation lasers as non-significant risk (NSR) devices. The low level lasers shown on this website have received UL approval for safety. For more informationContact Us
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4. How do low level lasers or soft tissue lasers work?
Pain results from trauma, inflamation and/or cellular disruption, malfunction, or less than optimal cellular function. Healing and pain relief come with cellular normalization. Photons enable cells to perform optimally by stimulating them to initiate bio-chemical reactions, which produce enzymes and ATP (usable energy). Use of low level lasers (cold lasers or soft tissue lasers) enhances cellular function and it can also encourage the formation of collagen and cartilage in damaged joints and the repair of tendons and ligaments. Cold lasers and soft tissue lasers are gentle and non-heating to the tissues. They are configured with frequencies and power densities that are favourable to the cells and tissues of the body.
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5. Where can low level laser therapy be used?
Low level laser therapy may be used any place there is acute or chronic pain or inflammation, and, low level laser therapy may be effective on any disease or disorder. Users have reported successes when using low level laser therapy on: Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis Elbow, Whiplash, Headaches, Back and Shoulder Pain, TMD/TMJ, Burns, Cuts, Sprains, Colds and Cold Sores, Sinusitis, and even Age Spots and wrinkles!
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6. Have low level lasers been scientifically studied and proven?
Low level lasers have been used world-wide for over 30 years.
Over 3500 studies have shown that low level lasers:
(1) REDUCE PAIN by stimulating cells to produce their own endorphins, natural pain killers,
(2) PROMOTE FASTER HEALING by stimulating cells to increase the production of two major healing enzymes by as much as 75%,
(3) REDUCE INFLAMMATION by as much as 75%,
(4) INCREASE BONE REPAIR SPEED by stimulating fibroblastic and osteoblastic proliferation,
(5) RELAX MUSCLES and muscle spasms,
(6) DECREASE SWELLING by stimulating lymphatic drainage,
(7) ENHANCE THE IMMUNE SYSTEM by increasing the number of "killer" cells by 400-900%, and most importantly,
(8) RE-ENERGIZE CELL MEMBRANES to allow transport of essential nutrients across cell walls (nutrients will not cross an injured or sick cell wall, thus slowing healing) allowing a healthy new cell to grow.
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7. How much do low level lasers cost? We have seen low level lasers advertised for anywhere from $200 up to $20,000 each. Not all lasers are created equal. Cheap lasers usually incorporate only LED diodes, rather than true laser diodes. High quality laser diodes combined with LED diodes create the ultimate laser healing tools.
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8. Does a higher price always mean a better low level laser?
Not always. A VERY LOW price usually means that the product contains only cheap LED's, and no true laser DIODES- and while "LED only" products may provide some benefit, they are not nearly as good as a product with both LED's and a true laser diode in the 900 nm wavelength range. It is also not necessary to pay VERY HIGH PRICES (over $4,000) for an individual low level laser unit. Call our laser experts to explore your options. Phone toll free 1-888-824-7558.
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9. What features should I look for in a quality low level laser?
(1) A unit with both true Laser and LED/IRD diodes.
(2) Lasers that are designed to both Harmonize and Resonate with the body's natural energy. Sometimes referred to as multi frequency lasers because they are programmed to cycle through ideal Hz frequencies.
(3) The unit should be able to consistently control power output (more is not better) via a Computer-Controlled Power System.
(4) The laser should be able to produce Multiple Energy Levels and Multiple Wave Lengths.
(5) The laser diode(s) should be Polarized so as to energize the greatest number of cells.
(6) The laser energy should be Pulsed to encompass all frequencies in the brain.
(7) Programmability - certain frequencies used in combination with laser have been shown to increase eficacy of some treatments by up to 10%.
(8) The unit should be convenient to use.
(9) Finally, the unit should be Reasonably Priced - meaning a suggested retail price between $2000 for a good home use laser and $4-10K for a professional cold laser (depending on features). In some cases it is worth spending considerably more for a laser that offers numerous attachments and a wide range of single and cluster probes and perhaps a scanner for the widest range of treatment options. It ultimately depends upon your needs and budget.
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10. What low level laser(s) meet all these requirements?
The TerraQuant Pro and Scalar Wave Laser or Quantumwave Laser meet all these requirements and both are available for the lowest allowable advertised price from Health Is Wealth Maui and Quantum-Healing-Lasers.com. For more information on the Terra Quant Laser and Scalar Wave Laser or to place an order please call Toll Free 1-888-824-7558 or E-mail:
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Laser Physics 101
In order to clarify how low-level laser therapy affects the body, it is necessary to review basic laser physics and developmental anatomy.
 LASER means Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation and was first theorized by Einstein. In 1960 Miaman developed the first laser, a ruby laser. This was a tube laser with a metal chamber, which contained the element ruby. When an electrical current excites the enclosed element, the atoms give off photons or packets of light energy. The photons bounced off a solid mirror on one end of the tube and out holes in the mirror on the other end of the tube. This light beam is unlike regular light in that it is coherent i.e., the photons are well ordered and synchronized. Laser light is also monochromatic, meaning it is of one pure color.
Power density is a key to laser energy. Power Density (PD), or light concentration is measured in watts per centimeter squared (W/cm2). The problem with most DC battery driven lasers is that the battery bleeds off and does not maintain a standard PD, which negatively affects low-level laser therapy (LLLT) results. Recent developments in miniature computers have enabled the patenting of techniques that maintain a standard PD as well as to control energy frequency.
Wavelengths are measured in nanometers. The most beneficial wavelengths are in the visible and near infrared ranges. These ranges are very safe ranges, far away from the damaging ultraviolet, x-rays, gamma and cosmic rays. Although the longer waves such as microwaves and radio waves are usually considered safe, there are some that think they might be damaging to the very sensitive individual. All wavelengths used in low-level lasers are safely divided from these potentially damaging waves. Many people only think of lasers as cutting lasers. In order to cut with lasers, it is necessary to increase the PD from 300 to 10,000 W/cm2. Cold Lasers do not even have a warming affect unless they are operated above 5 W/cm2. We only offer cold lasers that produce no warming effect and are perfectly safe.
Low-level lasers today are manufactured using semi-conductors, which are computer-like chips grown from various pure elements or combinations thereof. Combining the elements of InGaAlP makes visible light in the range of 630 to 685 nm; combining GaAlAs produces light in the range of 780 to 870 nm; and, combining GaAs produces infrared laser diodes in the 900nm range.
The visible light ranges, while quite beneficial, are limited by their depth of penetration (usually 1 to 3 mm). The invisible or infrared light range penetrates much deeper. Research and clinical results documents that the infrared beam penetrates from 20 mm to 10 cm (1 to 4 inces). Excellent results have been achieved using the TerraQuant Laser combination of 905 nm Infrared Laser light with 600-740 nm, Red Light Radiation, and 860-960 nm Infrared Light Radiation. Over 10 years documented use in over 30 countries worldwide has proven that the TerraQuant Laser utilizes a safe and effective combination.
Low level lasers are used everywhere in our society, such as bar code check out, laser printers, compact disc players and for many medical procedures. In fact, without lasers, our society and economy as we see it today would collapse.
World-wide studies have shown that laser energy is accumulative as well as cascading and reduces pain and inflammation via:
1. Bio-stimulation and photo-stimulation.
2. Endogenous opiate production
3. Slowing sensory nerve production.
4. Restoring cellular resonant energy.
5. Stimulating the Na/K pump mechanism in the cell membrane.
6. Inhibiting bradykinin & leukotriene production.
Osmosis, a scientific fact taught in all grade and high school science classes, states that no nutrient can transfer across the depolarized membrane of an injured cell. One of the most important functions of low level laser therapy is to re-polarize sick and injured cellular membranes. This allows for essential nutrients to transfer from the blood into the cell. Research has shown that low level laser therapy can increase cellular ATP (body fuel) by as much as 150%.
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Light Therapy is the ultimate form of Alternative Medicine Photobioactivation — Light is the energy of life
Photobioactivation is a term applied to a light stimulus that initiates and/or accelerates a physiological response. Other stimuli used in medicine, for example, are temperature, ultrasound, electrical power, electromagnetic fields, etc. Pulsed light has been shown to have a harmonizing effect on the brain. It also delivers a stronger and deeper penetrating effect upon the cells.
Laser Therapy was discovered in the 1960's. Today, thousands of clinical evaluations and over 100 double blind studies confirm its effectiveness in:
Wound healing (formation of granulation tissue, epithelization, improved trophic condition)
Anti-inflammatory effect (enhancement of immune response)
Analgesia (pain relief)
Improvement of regenerative processes
These effects can be observed in rehabilitation and pain management centers, dermatology, neurology, surgery, rheumatology, traumatology, orthopedics, gynecology, urology, dental medicine and veterinary medicine.
Laser Therapy devices (Low Level Lasers up to approx. 500 mW (milliwatts) power output) do not have a thermal effect. This means they provoke no immediate visible skin reactions, no heating of tissue and virtually no sensations during therapy. Cold Laser Therapy is a soft laser therapy without side effects.
This is in contrast to the use of HOT LASERS for surgical applications. Hot lasers coagulate, vaporize and carbonize tissue with their high-energy rates (<3 to <50 Watts).
Photochemical effects
The laser energy is absorbed by metabolically active pigments of the mitochondria in various cutaneous and subcutaneous layers: here involved are the two enzymes of the oxidation chain, Cytochrome a/a3 and Flavoprotein with absorption maxims of wavelengths applied.
It is supposed that the changes in the stereochemical conformation induced by an electro magnetic field leads to an increase in activity and improves the concentration of ATP by up to 200%. In addition, an increase in oxygen and glucose metabolism is observed. The main effect is an optimized function of the Na-K pump at the cell membrane, an increased protein synthesis (prostaglandin, enzyme) and a significantly higher rate of mitosis.
Depending on the stimulated type of cells, the following cell physiological reactions are observed:
Regenerative and anti-aging effects of Terraquant low level lasers/Cold Laser
Enhanced fibroblast formation and collagen synthesis with improved tissue strength values
Smoothes skin and reduces wrinkles with increased microcirculation
Neovascularization of lymphatic and blood vessels as well as vasodilatation, improve microcirculation and lymphatic drainage (resorption of oedema)
Larger quantity of granulation tissue and accelerated epithelization
Increased activity of osteoblasts promote the formation of callus
Regulation of muscle tissue including myocardium
Enhancement of peripheral nerve re-growth
Prevention of central nerve degeneration and regeneration of peripheral axons after injury
Enhanced immune response and performance
Analgesic effect (pain management)
Measurable changes in the potential of nerve cell membranes lead to its hyperpolarization as a good analgesic mechanism
Improved release reaction of ß-endorphines
Changes in transmitter concentration at the synapsis
Accumulation of 5-OH-indoleacetate (serotonin metabolite)
Relaxation of muscle induced by the neuromuscular unit (ATP increase)
Effect on the immune system (immune modulation)
Activation of proliferation of immune cells including macrophages
Immune suppressive effect by reduced antigen perception of the T-lymphocytes (increased acceptance of a transplant)
Optical window of the skin
The skin is a non-homogenous tissue and yet shows in its spectral analysis an optical window with an optimal transmission capability of light between >600 nm (visible red) and <1300 nm (infrared). Wavelengths (colors) outside of this optical window are mostly being absorbed before they reach deeper layers.
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Low level laser comparison chart
The TerraQuant Laser, model MQ 2000, used in 30 countries worldwide, is now available in North America.
It is offered at the amazingly low price of $3495.00 and comes with a 2 year warranty and Free Shipping.* Quantity discounts available.
The Complete Terra Quant Laser Package includes a new MQ 2000 unit ready to plug in and use with informative operators manual, numerous protocols for each of the 5 modes, 2 pairs of protective eye glasses, a deluxe carrying case and a 2 year warranty.
You can order now by dialing
toll free 1-888-824-7558
For more information on the TerraQuant Laser, email:
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Indications listed in the
World Literature of Laser Therapy
Low Level Laser Research is extensive and has been carried out for over 30 years. Laser Therapy is a regulative medical treatment modality, which is now used worldwide, mostly in medical specialties including Dermatology, Traumatology, Sports Medicine, Orthopedics, Dental Medicine, Urology, Gynecology, General Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Physical Therapy, Natural Medicine etc... Scroll down to learn why. Low Level Laser Therapy has been shown to promote the following effects:
Anti - Inflammatory effects of Cold Laser
Enhances proliferation of immune cells (enhancement of immune response, increase of NK cell activity etc.)
Enhances lymphatic activity (drainage)
Improves microcirculation (vasodilation)
Reduces swelling (oedema & haematoma resorption)
Reduces infarct zone size in heart & brain
Reduces mucositis after irradiation & chemotherapy
Postoperative wound healing- Herpes simplex& zoster
Decubitus, elephantiasis
Ulcus cruris, diabetic foot
Postoperative lymphoedema
Experimental
Mucositis
Analgetic (pain reduction) effects of Cold Laser
Induces B-endorphin release
Increases ATP production
Increases the measurable potential on nerve cell membranes
Relaxation of muscle tension and increase of pressure pain threshold
Reduction of trigger activity (f.e. myofacial pain and fibromyalgia)
Acupuncture point activation
Tendinitis, osteoarthritis, synovitis
Soft tissue injuries
Fractures, overstrained injuries (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, tennis elbow etc.)
Frozen shoulder, tension neck, tension headache, lumbago
Needle replacement
Regenerative effects of Cold Laser Therapy
Stimulates the rate of mitosis in repair mechanisms (bone, epithel and muscle tissue)
Enhances peripheral nerve regeneration after injury
Reduces degenerative process on central nervous system
Enhances survival of brain cells after transcient ischemia
Accelerates neo-vascularization (neo-angiogenesis)
Reduces or eliminates scar tissue formation
Increases collagen synthesis (fibroblast proliferation, tensile strength and elasticity increase)
Wound healing, bone repair
Tissue repair
Facial paresis
Stroke rehabilitation
Inner Ear problems
Wound healing
Wound healing, post injury
Wound management
Post operative etc.
Cold Laser Contraindications and precautions:
There are no absolute contraindications for Cold Laser Therapy (CLT). However, it is always better to be cautious when treating ones self or patients in high-risk categories. Laser therapy should be avoided or given with special caution or under medical supervision in the following cases:
Patients with pacemakers
Pacemakers are electronic devices and are well protected inside a cover and insensitive to light. Most therapy lasers have an EMC approval (Electro Magnetic Compatibility) and therefore should not interact with pacemakers.
Side Note: The TerraQuant Laser uses a healing technology to enhance microcirculation called magnetic induction and some writings suggest that because of that, the TerraQuant laser should probably not be used over a pacemaker.
Patients with a history of cardiac arhythmias or unexplained chest pain
Laser therapy applied to mid-thoracic area (Th4-7) para spinally may induce transient coronary spasm and/or arrhythmias in rare occasions.
Patients who are pregnant
Laser therapy should not be applied directly over the fetus. The same applies to the so-called forbidden acupuncture points (e.g. Hegu (LI4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and points in lumbosacral region) to avoid uterine contractions. However, nausea and vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum) may be treated through Neiguan (PC6) point.
Patients with labile epilepsy
As pulsing light (especially with 5-10 Hz frequency) can induce epileptic attacks. Laser therapy using visible low frequency pulsed emission should be avoided when treating these patients. Note! Remember to use eye protective goggles!
Endocrine glands
According to Spanish studies thyroid gland seems to be sensitive to light. Therefore laser therapy over the thyroid gland should be avoided unless there is a need for activation of thyroid function. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, below the larynx (voice box). The small, two-inch gland consists of two lobes, one on each side of the windpipe, connected by tissue called the isthmus.
Patients with tumors
Laser therapy has not induced or accelerated tumor growth in any of the reported in vivo studies. However, laser therapy should not be directed over the tumor tissue as the precise reactions of existing tumors to laser therapy is unknown.
Patients with prostheses
Although laser therapy does not increase the temperature of deeper tissues (muscles, cartilage, bone) or that of materials used in prostheses markedly, some very sensitive patients may react to laser therapy over the prosthesis by temporary increase of pain due to increased circulation or release of toxins.
Risk of eye injury
As the cornea and lens focus radiation onto the retina, the power density may increase to more than 100,000 times higher than the primary energy density on the skin or cornea. The cornea, aqueous humour, lens and vitreous humour are more conductive of radiation with a wavelength of 450-900 nm. The risk of retinal injury is reduced if laser therapy is given in a bright light when the pupil size is at the minimum. IR lasers are more dangerous than those emitting at visual wavelengths, as the invisible beam does not provoke an eye-blink reflex.
To date, few to no retinal injuries have been reported during or after laser therapy. Due to the individual characteristics of each laser beam (parallel, focalized or divergent) and in order to avoid any future discussions of possible eye injuries, it is recommended that patients always wear goggles unless the laser is of the particular variety that uses purely diffused laser technology such as the Scalar Wave Laser. On the contrary, laser therapy may be applied through the lids and eyeball to alleviate inflammatory reaction after high power laser irradiation to correct retinal detachment or even retinal lesions from accidental direct laser beam exposures.
Patients with solar eczema or hypersensitivity to sunlight
may react to laser therapy when high photon densities are used. Avoid photosensitizers when laser therapy is given over the newly abrased skin, especially in the face.
Note! Discoloration due to pigment reaction is possible. Radiation over dark skin or tattoos may cause thermal reactions.
Hematological interactions
There is no evidence that CLT could induce either thrombosis or prolonged bleeding time. Instead CLT is indicated for its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effect in acute injuries from fresh wounds and bruises to joint injuries and fractures. Increase of microcirculation and lymphatic flow prevents stasis and reduces existing oedema, and forms a basis for fast recovery.
Note! When adequate CLT provides only a short lasting relief of pain and dysfunction and this response is not getting better with repeated treatments, the underlying disturbances in homeostasis (e.g. systemic disease, infection, tumours) or interactions with medication should be taken into account.
Use with Certain Drugs
There is clinical evidence that cholesterol lowering drugs like fibrates and statins (e.g. serivastatin) may induce muscle pain and fatigue in about 1-2 percent of patients, in rare cases increase of S-CK and rhabdomyolysis leading to myoglobinaemia, myoglobinuria, kidney failure and death. More common is poor response to adequate pain therapy with any form of peripheral stimulation including CLT. Increased muscle pain and fatigue 1-2 months from beginning of statin medication is a clear sign of this side effect. The normal response to CLT may take some 2-4 weeks after cessation of medication. Statins provide valuable protection against cardiovascular accidents and should be terminated gradually and not stopped abruptly. Other drugs that may interact with statins are macrolides (e.g. erythromysin), cyclosporins, konazoles, nicotinic acid and fibrates.
Pekka J. Pöntinen, MD, PhD, FICAE, FASLMS
Assoc. Prof. Tampere University
Tampere, Finland
Today, LASERS play a very important role in industry, medicine and research.
Lasers are applied in measuring distances, laser imaging, cutting materials and identifying materials. In communications, LASER enables faster data transmission. Three characteristics make the LASER a unique form of light: monochromaticity, coherence/polarization and capability of parallelism. LASER stands for: Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
1. Monochromaticity
A term, which describes electromagnetic radiation (light) of only one precise wavelength (or color).
Low level LASER devices applied in Laser therapy, however, are non thermal light sources emitting always the same light color without significantly changing the skin temperature.
2. Coherence/Polarization
Coherence means that all the light waves are of the same phase. Coherence guarantees an orderly photon emission and an optimized photon density. This is a LASER specific property. Laser light has some sort and degree of polarization.
3. Parallelism
Laser light can be emitted into one direction in a parallel way. In the present, most Therapy-Lasers are emitting a slightly divergent beam for safety purposes.
By contrast to laser light, the white light as emitted by normal bulbs or daylight (sun) is a mixture of all wavelengths. In other words, sunlight contains all spectral colors of the visible part from 400 nm to 750 nm, including some ultraviolet and considerable infrared portions. The latter quality in an average power light bulb of 60 Watts causes perceptible heat. This is also called thermal radiation. Moreover, the light of bulbs is emitted in a spontaneous and non-coherent way.
Laser light in medicine
The active LASER media determines its possible application in medicine according to its characteristic color (wavelength) and operation mode (pulsed or continuous waves). The specific wavelength determines its possible absorbers and leads to photo-bio-medical effects.
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