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Chapter 7
Light Amplification of Stimulated
Emissions of Radiation

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Integrate the principles of physics, pain, inflammation and

repair process in the application of LASER.
2. Explain the indications, contraindications and precautions of
LASER.
3. Justify the use of LASER as an adjunct to the rehabilitation
program.
4. Perform the proper techniques and procedures in applying the
LASER.
5. Demonstrate proper patient handling and time management in
applying LASER.
6. Document the treatment.

UST CRS PT DEPARTMENT ACADEMIC YEAR 2010-2011 PT 2 WORKSHEET

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LASER

MARIAN GRACE A. GABOR, PTRP, DMS

The light energy absorbed into PRECAUTIONS AND

the patient’s tissue triggers biological CONTRAINDICATIONS
changes at a cellular level to provide the
temporary increase in local blood
INDICATIONS
circulation; temporary relief of minor
Pain Control
muscle and joint aches, pains, and
Sprain
stiffness; relaxation of muscles and Repetitive Stress
relief of muscle spasms; and temporary Tenosynovitis
relief of minor pain and stiffness Achilles Tendonitis
associated with arthritis. The dose and Achilles Tendon Bursitis
frequency of treatment can be adjusted Osteoarthritis
to produce the desired effect. Rheumatiod Arthritis
TMJ Dysfunction
Cold and Heat
CONTRAINDICATIONS
If you intend to apply cold or Over the eyes
heat in conjunction with laser light Areas injected with steroids post 2-3 weeks
therapy, use the following guidelines: Cancer
Active hemorrhage
Use cold before the laser Pregnant uterus
therapy. This slows the flow of red blood Over the neck (thyroid or carotid sinus region)
cells and reduces the amount of energy Over the chest (vagus nerve or cardiac region of
removed from the area. the thorax)
Open wounds, unless covered with a clear
Use heat after the treatment. protective barrier
This speeds the flow of red blood cells Infectious disease
so that more energy can be removed Over or near bone growth centers
from the area. Cardiac pacemaker

Treatment Procedures

1. Prepare the skin of the area to be treated.

a. Make sure that it is clean and free from any chemicals like liniments or lotion
that the patient might have applied prior to treatment.
b. You may ask the patient to clean it with mild soap and water or you may wipe
the area with alcohol.
c. If you’re treating open wounds, wrap the applicator with cellophane before
beginning the treatment.

2. Turn the machine on and manipulate the settings according to what is applicable for
the patient’s condition. You may use the various preset treatment options by

UST CRS PT DEPARTMENT ACADEMIC YEAR 2010-2011 PT 2 WORKSHEET

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pressing the CLINICAL INDICATIONS button. On the other hand, these are the step-
by-step guidelines on how to set the parameters individually.
a. Default PIN for the machine is 1234.
b. Press the FREQUENCY button to select among the 12 preset frequencies. By
pressing UP or DOWN buttons, you change the frequency by 1 Hz increment.
c. Now press the TIME button and use the UP or DOWN keys to raise or lower
the treatment time. Note that the treatment time and dosage are directly
correlated such that whenever the time is changed, the dosage is
automatically changed as well.
d. To change the DOSAGE, use the UP or DOWN keys.
3. Press the CLINICAL RESOURCES button, highlight the LASER/LED button, and select
the appropriate diode so that Laser only, LED only, or BOTH displays.

4. Once every parameter is set, you may now press the START button. Wait until the
applicator is ready before you begin treatment. This is indicated by 2 beep sounds.
The orange light on the back of the applicator will blink two times. You may now
press the Pause/Resume button on the back of the applicator to begin treatment.
Make sure that goggles are on for both the patient and the therapist.

5. The therapy can be interrupted at any

time just by pressing the Pause/Resume DOCUMENTATION
button on the back of the applicator, or
the Pause or STOP button on the Operator
Interface. Laser treatment x
[treatment area] x
6. The treatment ends with a sound of a [duration] x rationale
beep.
e.g. LASER treatment on trigger
7. If there are multiple areas to be treated, points of (B) upper trapezius x
allow the laser head to cool first before __ sec to decrease pain
starting the next treatment.

REFERENCE:
Chattanooga Group: Intellect Mobile Laser CD-ROM

_________________________________________________________________Questions

Answer the following questions.

1. What is the importance of letting the patient and the therapist wear goggles during
application of LASER?
___________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

2. How does the LASER cause temporary increase in local blood circulation?

UST CRS PT DEPARTMENT ACADEMIC YEAR 2010-2011 PT 2 WORKSHEET

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___________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Explain the mechanics behind the benefits that may arise from application of LASER to the
following conditions:

1. Rheumatoid arthritis
___________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

2. Pain associated with TMJ dysfunction

___________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

3. Ligamental sprain
___________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

After the practice session, answer the following questions.

Answers must be posted on the course site’s discussion forum on
LASER not later than August 4, 2012, 6pm.

1. Are there any contraindications or precautions in the case given? If yes, why are
these scenarios considered as such? If none, what are the necessary steps in
checking for precautions or contraindications?
2. How did you position the patient?
3. What are the parameters used in the treatment?
4. Explain how your treatment rationale will be achieved in using LASER?
5. Properly document the procedure performed.

______________________________________________________ Notes

UST CRS PT DEPARTMENT ACADEMIC YEAR 2010-2011 PT 2 WORKSHEET