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4.4. Laser Treatment Procedure
This section contains information about the protocols and settings on this device. The
following treatment recommendations are provided for guidance only. The practitioner is the
person who determines the settings and protocol to use when treating each individual
patient.
4.4.1. Pigment Considerations
This laser system will deliver a dual wavelength of 810 nm and 980 nm light which has been
found to provide therapeutic relief of pain. This laser system allows the operator to choose
skin color type for the patient. Since darker pigments will absorb 810 nm wavelength more
than lighter pigments, the software will adjust the output so that it contains 100% 980 nm
wavelength when the dark skin setting (Fitzpatrick V or VI) is selected.
Other circumstances when it may be appropriate to use this setting include:
•
Highly pigmented areas, such as areas with a dark sun tan, or areas with a tattoo
•
Areas with dense hair growth, such as the nape of the neck
4.4.2. Dose
The laser energy dose delivered during a treatment is measured in joules. This number is
displayed on the screen during a treatment and is calculated by multiplying the average
power (in Watts) by treatment time (in seconds). Laser treatment should be applied to an
area using a scanning application.
The software protocols in the laser system are designed to deliver a dose appropriate for
the treatment area and conditions input by the operator. It is recommended that treatment
information (pre-set protocol and input settings or power, energy delivered, treatment time,
and treatment area) is recorded for each treatment.
•
In general, doses are delivered to the area of pain, the surrounding tissues, and along
the nerve pathway for the specific area experiencing the pain.
•
Treat muscles connecting to a painful joint in addition to tendon attachments.
4.4.3. Setting Treatment Expectations
Patients and clinicians need to understand the possibilities and limitations of the application
of deep tissue laser therapy. Chronic pain may require several treatments before a beneficial
effect is achieved. Deeper tissues may require multiple treatments before significant benefits
are derived.
A typical treatment regimen may consist of three treatments spaced one day apart during
the first week, two treatments the following week, and one treatment in week three. If no
benefit is derived after the 6 to 1
0 treatments, then the patient’s options need to be reviewed
considering the condition and response. Occasionally, a patient can experience a tingling
sensation or soreness due to increased blood flow. In these instances, it is recommended
to wait until the soreness subsides before continuing with additional treatments.
