Class 3 lasers have between 1 and 500 mW. This group is referred to as therapeutic ‘cold’ lasers and come with ‘eye caution to eye danger’.
The physiological effects of laser include accelerated cell division via mitochondrial stimulation, increased leukocyte phagocytosis, stimulation of fibroblasts and collagen stimulation, enhanced synthesis of ATP, and angiogenesis. These effects lead to vasodilation, decreased inflammation, decreased edema, slowed nerve conduction and inhibited peripheral nociception.
Indications for laser therapy include wound healing, pain relief (both acute and chronic), muscle spasms (including, perhaps, delayed onset muscle soreness or ‘DOMS’), and edema reduction. Laser is used in pain management practice to speed wound healing and control inflammation.
Contraindications include use near the eye, over neoplasia, over open growth plates, pregnant uterus or the thyroid.
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