KLaser

[CoQ10]

Hey Everybody,

Is anyone familiar with the use of class IV lasers in the treatment of chronic pain? One website offers several promising studies, but of course bias in research is a concern:

http://www.klasers.com/

Any information on this course of treatment is greatly appreciated!

-C10

[Cloud9Fitness]

This is an interesting topic. The items are promoted as 'laser acupuncture', but may not act through the same mechanisms a acupuncture. The effects are measurable (clinically and mathematically significant) according to most literature, but the laser is typically tested against a placebo. A more acceptable study may be the use of laser acupuncture against other therapies for pain. I would prefer this type of study so that the cost/benefit could be assessed. Laser therapies are not cheap.

[RacerBill]

This thread is rather old, but the studies indicate laser is pretty useless for pain relief:

bryanc - lasers

[CoQ10]

Thanks for the info.

RacerBill -

There are a couple of more recent studies featured on the K-Laser website pertaining to laser treatment of osteoarthritis, spinal cord injury, and NSLBP. The results are promising.

However, the abstracts only compare laser to placebo in regard to pain relief. Can these class IV lasers help improve soft tissue conditions (cartilage thinning, muscular adhesion, partial tears, etc.) or is the pain relief related to improved neural functioning? As a layman, I'm really having trouble understanding how these laser treatments work.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks again.

-C10