Use of laser therapy in the management of lymphoedema

Lymphoedema and Laser Therapy Clinic, Adelaide, South Australia and a current director of the Australasian Lymphology Association Laser is amplified electromagnetic radiation in a particular wavelength range (measured in nanometres [nm]) produced by electronically stimulating a medium to release photon bundles of energy. Medical lasers can be broadly generalised into: 8 High output lasers that produce power outputs up to hundreds of watts. They are used for hair removal, ophthalmology and general surgery 8 Low output lasers which are in the visible to infrared range of wavelength (670–950nm). Average power output is usually in milliwatts (mW).They are known as low level laser, soft laser or cold laser — referred to here as low level laser therapy (LLLT). Laser therapy can be delivered by: 8 Probes in direct contact with skin which minimise loss due to scatter/ radiation 8 Scanning which reflects the beam using motorised mirrors over areas up to 20x20cm. Some light may be lost in scatter but the output power is greater in such units than with hand-held models 8 Fibre optics which can be used intravenously, transcutaneously and intracranially.