Therapeutic Laser Applications Flashcards

Which wavelength range is most commonly used in low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for tissue penetration?

Answer: 600–1000 nm (red to near-infrared)

Wavelengths in the 600–1000 nm range (optical window) penetrate tissue most effectively for photobiomodulation therapy.

What is the primary chromophore targeted by 810 nm laser light in photobiomodulation?

Answer: Cytochrome c oxidase

Cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondrial electron transport chain is the primary chromophore absorbing 810 nm near-infrared light.

A patient presents with a fresh acute wound (24 hours old). Which laser parameter adjustment is most appropriate?

Answer: Use lower energy density to avoid inhibiting inflammation

In the acute inflammatory phase, lower energy densities are used to support rather than suppress the natural inflammatory response.

The Arndt-Schulz Law as applied to laser therapy states that:

Answer: Weak stimuli excite physiological activity, moderate stimuli favor it, and strong stimuli suppress it

The Arndt-Schulz Law describes a biphasic dose-response where too little or too much energy produces suboptimal or inhibitory effects.

When treating a patient with tendinopathy using laser therapy, which tissue structure is the primary target?

Answer: Collagen fibers and tenocytes

Tendinopathy involves degenerated collagen and dysfunctional tenocytes, which are the primary cellular targets for photobiomodulation.

Which of the following is a contraindication for therapeutic laser application?

Answer: Direct irradiation over active carcinoma

Direct laser irradiation over active malignancies is contraindicated because laser energy may stimulate tumor cell proliferation.

The unit 'J/cm²' used in laser therapy represents:

Answer: Energy density (fluence)

J/cm² represents energy density (fluence), calculated as the total energy delivered per unit area of tissue.