Low-power lasers in medicine. A report by the Australian Health Technology Advisory Committee (AHTAC) June 1994.

Abstract

Low-power lasers are those that deliver an output power in the milliwatt (mW) range. Output is typically between 1 and 30 mW, but can be up to 100 mW; It has been suggested that low power lasers cause biostimulation--a photochemical response to laser light inducing biochemical alterations in cells. However, there is no universally agreed theory to explain the mechanism of the claimed effects of treatment; The wavelengths, treatment protocols and conditions to be treated are not established; Low-power lasers are in widespread use for the treatment, in the main, of a range of musculoskeletal problems, despite little published evidence of efficacy; Evidence from controlled trials is inconclusive and conflicting; The Australian Health Technology Advisory Committee considers that the efficacy of low-power lasers in the treatment of musculoskeletal and other conditions is not established. The Committee therefore recommends that; those who use this technology should take steps to obtain unequivocal evidence of benefit from appropriately designed and conducted trials; and in any clinical use of such lasers, the treatment protocols should be clearly defined.