High Intensity Laser (HIL) technology is based on the well-known principle of low level laser therapy (LLLT). High power and choice of the right wavelength allow for deep tissue penetration. HIL offers powerful and non-addictive form of pain management. Through a natural process of energy transfer (biostimulation and photomechanical effect) it speeds up healing and regeneration. HIL is particularly effective in treatment of sport injuries, e.g. muscle strain or joint distortion, and back pain caused by e.g. herniated disc or disorders in the cervical region causing neck pain.

Highlight

• Maximum power 50 times higher than in conventional laser
• Unique wavelength of 1064 nm
• Penetration depth up to 10 centimeters into the tissue
• Extremely effective in healing acceleration and pain management
• Designed for the use in sports medicine, orthopaedics and rehabilitation

Mechanism Of Action

Laser (acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) can be used as a therapeutic device which produces monochromatic (one specific wavelength), coherent (constant phase) and polarized (directional) light.

The source of laser beam in therapeutic high power lasers is typically a semiconductor diode capable of producing light of one specific wavelength (e.g. 1064nm).

The light generated by the diodes is then directed into an optical fiber, end of which is connected to the laser applicator. The beam is further processed by a series of lenses which ensure the right direction and diameter of the beam and consequently the spot.

Therapeutic lasers are defined by their power and wavelength. Wavelength is important as the ideal effects on human tissue are of light in the “therapeutic window” (approx. 650 – 1100 nm). 1064nm wavelength of the High Intensity Laser ensures a good ratio between penetration and absorption in the tissue. The amount of power a laser can safely deliver can reduce therapy time by more than a half.

Classes

Based on the power and wavelength lasers are divided into several classes. Therapeutic lasers are typically of class 3B, low level laser therapy (LLLT) with power less than 500 mW, and class 4, High Intensity Laser with power 500 mW and more.

Modes

The High Intensity Laser can be used in two modes – pulsed and continuous. Pulsed mode represents turning the laser on and off with a very high frequency and is used as an analgesic treatment. Continuous irradiation is a mode in which the laser remains turned on the whole time of the therapy and is used to promote biostimulation, healing and recovery.

Safety

Although therapeutic High Intensity Laser is generally safe to use and promotes reparative processes, it can still damage the eye and so protective eyewear is obligatory throughout the therapy. With increasing power of the High Intensity Laser, caution is in place as to its thermic effects which on one hand provide very pleasant therapy, but on the other, if not monitored and used by a trained operator, can damage the tissue.

Indication 

Sport Injuries

Sports injuries are no more a pathology specific to top athletes. As larger part of population is interested in living a healthy lifestyle, the number of sport injuries increases every year. Sport pathologies include muscle strains, sprains, ruptures and tears all over the body. A study reports excellent results in symptomatological regression with disappearance or reduction of any functional deficit in 294 people treated with High Intensity Laser.

Trigger Point

Trigger point, sensitive spot in the muscle, is a very common indication in patients. As simple as they may seem, they can be the direct cause of pain, complicate injuries or mimic practically any pain but the trigger point one. The High Intensity Laser is a fast, lasting and painless solution. The photomechanical effect of the High Intensity Laser relieves pain and the thermic effect causes relaxation of thetrigger points.

Sprained Shoulder

A sprained shoulder is caused by a force on the arm which stretches the shoulder ligaments. The result can be overstretching or tearing of the shoulder ligaments or capsule. The biostimulation characteristic of the High Intensity Laser is responsible for fast healing. High Intensity Laser stimulates the tissue to faster oxygen exchange in the mitochondria and consequently increased production of ATP – the body’s source of energy. When the High Intensity Laser treatment is applied, full motion of the shoulder is restored significantly faster than with conservative treatment.

Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprain – one of the most common injuries. Whether one sprained their ankle due to a sudden jolt, twisted it or overstretched it, the consequences are pain and swelling. The common treatment options include rest, icepacks and post-treatment exercise in order to increase strength and mobility. High Intensity Laser treatment shortens the rest phase, relieves pain and prevents the edema to reach chronic phase. High Intensity Laser treats inflammation by decreasing the concentration of proinflammatory mediators in the area.

Herniated Disc

Majority of people presenting with low-back pain have problems with discs in the painful area. Conservative treatment options include behavioral therapies, lumbar support and physical therapy which are financially challenging. High Intensity Laser offers fast pain relief and solution to herniated disc and even in severe cases (receiving 40 treatments) is significantly cheaper than conservative therapeutic solutions. Therapy by High Intensity Laser has proven effective, time-saving and cost-effective.

Cervical Pain

Cervical pain is one of very common types of pain that can be caused by various disorders not necessarily in the cervical region, but e.g. radiating from the shoulder. High Intensity Laser features deep penetration which can get through the skin all the way to the source of pain whether it’s vertebrae, deep lying trigger point or ligament. It relieves pain through blocking free nerve endings, increasing blood perfusion of the treated area and speeding up metabolism. All effects of High Intensity Laser combined, lead to immediate pain relief and faster healing.

Low Back Pain

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common types of pain among today’s population. It is related to disability and work absence, accounting for high economic costs in Western world the more when acute phase becomes chronic. Non-invasive, painless and easily administered High Intensity Laser treatment can be provided for a wide range of conditions causing LBP. At the same time it is a safe, proven and effective therapy that actually helps.

Andersson GB (1999) Epidemiological features of chronic low back pain. Lancet 354:581–585

Degenerative Knee Arthritis

Degenerative knee arthritis is another indication successfully treated by the High Intensity Laser. It has been reported that High Intensity Laser treatment decreases pain in patients by up to 63%, reduces inflammation and rapidly induces the deep tissue photochemical and photothermic effects that increase blood flow, vascular permeability and cell metabolism.

Muscle Strain

Muscle strain and pain related to it can refer to strain, pull or even tear of the muscle or its attaching tendons. The High Intensity Laser treats the muscle through a thermic effect and at the same time by triggering photomechanical processes on the cellular level, which cause synthesis of extracellular agents, endothelial cells and regeneration of the muscle and connective tissue cells. The High Intensity Laser shortens the rest phase and returns the patient to their daily routine or sports earlier than when applying conservative methods.

Analgesic Effect

Analgesic effect of the High Intensity Laser is promoted mainly when using the pulsed mode. The High Intensity Laser can deliver very short pulses at a very high repetition rate. With this setting it has the ability to create actual pressure. The pressure waves are carried through the tissue where they stimulate free nerve endings. Based on the gate control mechanism of pain, mechanical stimulation of free nerve endings leads to their inhibition and hence pain relief. Analgesic effect of the High Intensity Laser is instantaneous and long-lasting.