Multi Radiance Cold Laser Education

Laser treatment, also known as phototherapy or low level laser therapy (LLLT), uses focused light to help accelerate healing and reduce pain. The term L.A.S.E.R. stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation—a form of light energy that is highly concentrated and possesses unique properties not found in regular light, including coherence and monochromaticity. These characteristics allow laser light to penetrate tissues more effectively, making it a powerful tool in physical rehabilitation.Unlike other forms of electrotherapy, such as ultrasound, low level laser therapy has been shown to produce superior pain relief, particularly for chronic conditions and in the early phases of acute injuries. It’s a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option widely used to support tissue recovery and reduce inflammation.

The therapeutic effects of low level laser therapy (LLLT) are primarily photochemical, not thermal. When laser light is applied to the body, its photons penetrate tissue and are absorbed by chromophores—light-sensitive molecules found in cell membranes and mitochondria. These chromophores trigger a cascade of cellular activity by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and influencing the cell’s redox state and mitochondrial respiratory chain.Inside the mitochondria, the light energy is transformed into chemical energy, leading to the production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)—the energy currency of the cell. This process enhances cell metabolism, tissue repair, and regeneration. Additionally, laser light increases cell membrane permeability, further promoting beneficial physiological responses.These responses affect a wide range of cells and systems, including macrophages, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, mast cells, and nerve conduction pathways, resulting in reduced inflammation, pain relief, and accelerated healing.The effectiveness of laser therapy depends on both the wavelength and the power output of the device. The wavelength determines how deeply the light can penetrate and which tissues or chromophores it can interact with. Even with the correct wavelength, if the laser lacks sufficient power, it may not deliver enough energy to reach the target tissue and produce the desired effect.Different types of lasers emit light at specific wavelengths that interact with endogenous chromophores like water, hemoglobin, nucleic acids, and proteins, or with exogenous photosensitizers such as porphyrins and hematoporphyrins introduced into the body. These substances enhance tissue sensitivity to laser light, enabling precise, targeted phototherapy.

The depth of laser light penetration depends on several key factors, including the optical properties of the laser beam, the wavelength used, and how tissues absorb light through specific molecules called chromophores. Chromophores absorb light at different rates depending on the wavelength, which determines how far the light can travel through the body.

For example, water absorbs nearly all light at 10600 nanometers, the wavelength used in CO2 lasers. This makes CO2 lasers ideal for surgical applications where cutting and vaporizing tissue is required. In contrast, therapeutic lasers operate in a range where absorption by water and other chromophores is lower, allowing the light to reach deeper tissues without causing damage.

This optimal range is known as the therapeutic window, which spans approximately from 600 to 1200 nanometers. Within this range, laser light can penetrate tissue that contains water and other cellular structures without being absorbed too quickly. Most therapeutic lasers are designed to operate within this window.

Additional factors that influence depth of penetration include:
- The power and design of the laser device
- The treatment technique and application method
- The type of tissue being treated, such as skin, muscle, or bone
- The presence of melanin, natural pigmentation, or topical substances on the skin

As laser light travels through the body, it gradually loses intensity. Eventually, it becomes too weak to produce any measurable biological effect. Still, structures like muscle and bone are relatively transparent to certain wavelengths, allowing laser energy to safely reach deep targets.

Visible light between 400 and 600 nanometers is more strongly absorbed by melanin and is better suited for superficial applications. Lasers in the 600 to 730 nanometer range are typically used for surface-level treatments. Infrared wavelengths from 800 to 1000 nanometers offer deeper penetration and are more effective for treating muscles, joints, and deeper soft tissues.

This is why most medical and therapeutic lasers use wavelengths within the therapeutic window. These wavelengths balance safety and performance while delivering meaningful energy to the areas where healing is needed.

Therapeutic laser diodes generally operate in one of two modes: continuous wave (CW) or pulsed.

Continuous wave lasers emit a steady stream of light at a constant power level. While they lack the high peak power of pulsed systems, CW lasers can be programmed to flash rapidly by turning the light on and off multiple times per second. This creates a pulsing rhythm but does not deliver the same therapeutic benefits as a true pulsed laser.

True or super pulsed lasers emit brief, high-intensity bursts of light, typically lasting just 100 to 200 nanoseconds. These short pulses achieve very high peak power while maintaining a low average power, allowing light energy to reach deeper tissues without generating heat. This deeper penetration enhances therapeutic outcomes and cellular response.

Since pulsed laser systems require more advanced electronic components and specialized diodes, they are more costly to manufacture. As a result, the majority of therapeutic lasers available in the North American market use basic continuous wave technology. Many of these systems operate at power levels similar to inexpensive laser pointers.

By contrast, super pulsed laser systems, such as those from Multi Radiance, offer a more effective and clinically advanced way to deliver light therapy for tissue recovery and pain relief.

Yes, Multi Radiance Medical laser therapy is safe, non-invasive, and drug-free when used as directed. These devices are Health Canada licensed, indicating they meet Canadian safety and performance standards for medical equipment. They are also FDA-cleared and CE-certified, reinforcing their international safety credentials.

While laser therapy is generally very safe, it's important to follow proper usage guidelines:

- Never direct laser light into the eyes, as all lasers emit high-intensity light.
- Do not use the laser over known or suspected neoplastic (cancerous) tissue.
- Avoid using the laser over the abdomen during pregnancy.
- Patients with pacemakers should not apply laser therapy over the chest or near the heart.
- Always read and follow the device’s operating manual and protocol guidelines, and consult contraindications before treatment.

When used responsibly and according to manufacturer instructions, Multi Radiance laser devices provide a safe and effective therapy option for both clinicians and patients.

Eye safety is an important consideration when using any laser device. While Multi Radiance Medical lasers are classified as low-power therapeutic lasers and are designed with built-in safety features, direct exposure to the laser aperture should always be avoided.You should never stare directly into the laser emitter or similar high-intensity light source, even for short periods. Although the risk of eye injury is low due to the low-level nature of these devices, it is still recommended to wear safety goggles, especially when treating areas near the face or when multiple people are present in the treatment room.Wearing protective eyewear is a best practice, particularly in clinical settings, to eliminate any potential risk and ensure patient and practitioner comfort. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for proper use and safety precautions.

No, low level laser therapy (LLLT) does not cause heat damage or increase the risk of cancer. These devices emit non-ionizing light, meaning the energy is not strong enough to alter DNA or cause cellular mutations. Additionally, the average power output of therapeutic lasers is too low to produce harmful heat levels.Some patients may feel a mild sensation of warmth during treatment, which is a normal response to increased blood flow and cellular activity in the treated area—not a sign of tissue damage.Low level laser therapy is a safe, non-thermal, and non-carcinogenic modality when used according to manufacturer guidelines.

Yes, low level laser therapy (LLLT) is backed by extensive scientific research. More than 120 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have confirmed the clinical effectiveness of laser therapy. In total, over 300 research reports have been published across various medical disciplines, including more than 300 studies in dentistry alone. Approximately 90 percent of these studies support the clinical value of using laser technology for therapeutic purposes.In cases where studies did not show positive results, inadequate dosage was identified as the most common factor. In laser therapy, dosage refers to the amount of light energy delivered per unit area during a treatment session. It is typically measured in joules per square centimeter (J/cm²).Energy delivered is calculated as the product of power (in watts) and time (in seconds). This means a laser with higher power output can deliver the required energy in a shorter period. Additionally, pulsed lasers with higher average power can deliver the same therapeutic dose more efficiently and penetrate deeper into tissue compared to basic continuous wave lasers.