The recommended dosage (WALT) for anti inflammatory effect
Laser classes 3 or 3 B, 780 -860nm GaAlAs Lasers. Continuous or pulse output less than 0.5 Watt Energy dose delivered to the skin over the target tendon or synovia
| Tendinopathies |
Points
or cm2 |
Joules
780 -820nm |
Notes |
| Carpal-tunnel |
2-3 |
12 |
Minimum
6 Joules per point |
| Lateral
epicondylitis |
1-2 |
4 |
Maximum
100mW/cm2 |
| Biceps
humeri c.l. |
1-2 |
8 |
|
| Supraspinatus |
2-3 |
10 |
Minimum
5 Joules per point |
| Infraspinatus |
2-3 |
10 |
Minimum
5 Joules per point |
| Trochanter major |
2-4 |
10 |
|
| Patellartendon |
2-3 |
6 |
|
| Tract.
Iliotibialis |
2-3 |
3 |
Maximum
100mW/cm2 |
| Achilles
tendon |
2-3 |
8 |
Maximum
100mW/cm2 |
| Plantar
fasciitis |
2-3 |
12 |
Minimum
6 Joules per point |
|
|
|
|
| Arthritis |
Points
or cm2 |
Joules |
|
| Finger
PIP or MCP |
1-2 |
6 |
|
| Wrist |
2-4 |
10 |
|
| Humeroradial joint |
1-2 |
4 |
|
| Elbow |
2.4 |
10 |
|
| Glenohumeral joint |
2-4 |
15 |
Minimum
6 Joules per point |
| Acromioclavicular |
1-2 |
4 |
|
| Temporomandibular |
1-2 |
6 |
|
| Cervical
spine |
2-4 |
15 |
Minimum
6 Joules per point |
| Lumbar
spine |
2-4 |
40 |
Minimum
8 Joules per point |
| Hip |
2-4 |
40 |
Minimum
8 Joules per point |
| Knee
medial |
3-6 |
20 |
Minimum
5 Joules per point |
| Ankle |
2-4 |
15 |
|
Laser classes 3 or 3B, 904 nm GaAs Lasers (Peak pulse output more than 1 Watt) Energy dose delivered to the skin over the target tendon or synovia
| Tendinopathies |
Points or cm2 |
Joules 904nm |
Notes |
| Carpal-tunnel |
2-3 |
4 |
Minimum 2 Joules per point |
| Lateral epicondylitis |
1-2 |
1 |
Maximum 100mW/cm2 |
| Biceps humeri cap.long. |
1-2 |
2 |
|
| Supraspinatus |
2-3 |
3 |
Minimum 2 Joules per point |
| Infraspinatus |
2-3 |
3 |
Minimum 2 Joules per point |
| Trochanter major |
2-3 |
2 |
|
| Patellartendon |
2-3 |
2 |
|
| Tract. Iliotibialis |
2-3 |
2 |
Maximum 100mW/cm2 |
| Achilles tendon |
2-3 |
2 |
Maximum 100mW/cm2 |
| Plantar fasciitis |
2-3 |
3 |
Minimum 2 Joules per point |
|
|
|
|
| Arthritis |
Points or cm2 |
Joules 904nm |
|
| Finger PIP or MCP |
1-2 |
2 |
|
| Wrist |
2-3 |
3 |
|
| Humeroradial joint |
1-2 |
2 |
|
| Elbow |
2-3 |
3 |
|
| Glenohumeral joint |
2-3 |
6 |
Minimum 2 Joules per point |
| Acromioclavicular |
1-2 |
2 |
|
| Temporomandibular |
1-2 |
2 |
|
| Cervical spine |
2-3 |
6 |
Minimum 2 Joules per point |
| Lumbar spine |
2-3 |
10 |
Minimum 4 Joules per point |
| Hip |
2-3 |
10 |
Minimum 4 Joules per point |
| Knee anteromedial |
2-4 |
6 |
Minmum 2 Joules per point |
| Ankle |
2-4 |
6 |
Daily treatment for 2 weeks or treatment every other day for 3-4 weeks is recommended Irradiation should cover most of the pathological tissue in the tendon/synovia.
Tendons
Start with energy dose in table, then reduce by 30% when inflammation is under control (Does not apply for carpal tunnel tendo synovitis)
Therapeutic windows range from typically +/-50% of given values Recommended doses are based on ultrasonographic measurements of depths from skin surface and typical volume of pathological tissue and estimated optical penetration for the different laser types in caucasians.
Disclaimer: The list may be subject to change at any time when more research trials are being published. World Association of Laser Therapy is not responsible for the application of laser therapy in patients, which should be performed at the therapist/doctor`s discretion and responsibility
Revised August 2005 |
