Laser Lessons from Dr. Phil Harrington

Introduction

• Presenter: Dr. Phil Harrington
• Topic: Introduction to Laser Therapy in 15 minutes
• Subtopics covered:
  • Dr. Phil's Vision
  • Definition of Photobiomodulation (PBM)
  • Mechanisms and Treatments
  • Optimal Parameters
  • Conditions Responding to PBM
  • Patient Appeal

Dr. Phil's Vision

• Class IV laser therapy will become integral in all healthcare fields.

Definition of Photobiomodulation (PBM)

• Commonly known as laser therapy
• Official term in research contexts (PubMed, Google Scholar, etc.): Photobiomodulation (PBM)
• Application of red and infrared laser light to biological tissue
• Goals:
  • Stimulate cellular processes
  • Enhance biochemical mechanisms
  • Healing, pain relief, reduction of inflammation, tissue regeneration
• Reference: Dr. Pravin Irani, University at Buffalo

Mechanisms and Treatments

• Recent advances in understanding of mechanisms
• Categories of mechanisms:
  • Intracellular
  • Photoreceptors on the cell membrane
  • Extracellular
• Key focus: Cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria (energy production)
• Effects on cell membrane ion exchange
• Importance of extracellular effects
• Reasons for understanding mechanisms:
  • Greater acceptance in the healthcare community
  • Optimization of parameters
  • Guide for better equipment construction

Physiological Effects of Laser Therapy

• Improved blood circulation
• Increased tissue oxygenation
• Increased cellular energy (ATP production in mitochondria)
• Overall effects:
  • Pain management
  • Resolution of inflammation (promotes natural inflammation stages)
  • Enhanced tissue healing
• Applicability:
  • Acute injuries
  • Sports injuries
  • Regenerative medicine procedures (prolotherapy, PRP, stem cell injections)

Research and Studies

• Increase in PBM studies in high-impact journals (Lancet, Science of Translational Medicine, etc.)
• Example studies:
  • Peripheral nerve regeneration
  • Bell’s Palsy treatment
  • Chronic low back pain
  • Chronic pain, osteoarthritis

Optimal Parameters of PBM

• Parameters involved in laser treatment:
  • Power
  • Power density
  • Light delivery mode (continuous wave or pulse frequencies)
  • Wavelengths of the light
  • Wavelength power distribution
  • Total dose delivered
  • Dosage to tissues
  • Handpiece delivery system
• Requirement: Class IV laser therapy

Benefits of Class IV Laser Therapy

• Effective delivery of therapeutic laser treatments
• Class IV therapeutic lasers required for effective results
• Example of treatment: Diabetic neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease
  • Immediate relief and improvement in tissue condition

Conditions Responding to PBM

• Inflammation
• Pain
• Tissue damage
• Effective for both superficial and deep neurological conditions
• Safe, non-invasive, virtually no side effects
• High-tech solution, in-clinic service

Conclusion

• Summary of covered topics: definition, mechanisms, optimal parameters, conditions, patient appeal
• Contact: Email questions to laserlessonsfromdrphil@gmail.com

Additional Notes

• Emphasis on the safety and non-invasiveness of treatments.
• Consistent evidence supporting benefits across various conditions.