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Super Pulsed Cold Laser Therapy - Explained

The first low-level (cold) laser was developed in 1960 and early testing showed an increase in the speed and overall success of the healing process when it was used. Originally used for wound repair, clinical trials done throughout the 1970’s showed the applicability of the low-level laser in therapy to be more widespread than previously thought. The 1990’s came with the invention of more powerful and effective versions of the cold laser, eventually increasing its popularity in the field of rehabilitation.

Therapeutic cold lasers improve every year. New lasers have entered the market that provide deeper tissue penetration, higher power densities and reliable electronics to achieve better clinical outcomes. The trend has been to increase power density and dose since these have been shown to produce better clinical outcomes. In the case of superficial target tissues, clinicians have several laser options to consider. Underpowered lasers currently available do not deliver the needed light energy to treat tissues beyond a few centimeters. That’s where Multi-Radiance super pulsed lasers have an advantage. Read on to discover more about the technology & benefits of super pulsed laser therapy, and why we believe it’s the best option on the market.

What Is Super Pulsed (Low-Level) Laser Therapy?

Therapeutic laser therapy has become increasingly popular over the years. As interest and demand grow, the technology equally is rapidly developing.

Cold laser therapy is an example of revolutionary new technology entering the industry. Delivered through a technology called 'super pulsing', these super pulsed lasers deliver safer and more effective laser treatment than traditional methods (such as class IV laser), due to having no thermal output (categorised as class 1).

This new super pulsing technology allows for deeper penetration than that of lasers with the same wavelength and power output. The additional benefits of no heat being produced means the patient is more comfortable, a specialist room or equipment is not needed, and the laser can be held in one spot to deliver maximum treatment.

There is no need to continuously move the laser. In fact, they're so safe that pet owners can use them at home too.

If you're interested in a safer, more portable, and user-friendly way to deliver laser treatment, this is the place for you - explore more about our range of super pulsed lasers, or jump straight to our most frequently asked questions.

Photobiomodulation

Therapeutic uses for light have been demonstrated for over half a century and the varying wave-length (or colours) of light have been identified and defined as “photobiomodulation” or PBM

Photobiomodulation is the preferred term when referring to non-invasive, non-thermal LED/laser light therapy (LLLT). This is a form of light therapy that utilises non-ionising forms of light sources, including lasers, LEDs, and broadband light, in the visible and infrared spectrum.

It is a non-thermal process involving endogenous chromophores eliciting photo-physical and photochemical events at various biological scales. This process results in beneficial therapeutic outcomes including but not limited to the alleviation of pain or inflammation, immunomodulation, and promotion of wound healing and tissue regeneration

The super pulsed laser creates a synergistic effect based on a photoceutical optimised combination of wavelengths to:

  • Improve mitochondrial function
  • Manage oxidative stress
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Improve depth of penetration 

How Do Super Pulsed Lasers Work?

Multi Radiance lasers use true super pulse technology with 5 different wavelengths, all with their own therapeutic effects. Peer-reviewed research has confirmed the synergistic combination of these wavelengths and frequencies delivers more photon density through the skin for optimised outcomes in the target tissue than other leading lasers.


When it comes to laser therapy, wavelength determines the depth of penetration, not power. Super Pulsed Lasers (ACTIVet Pro & My Pet) use wavelengths, rather than power, allowing light to be delivered at greater depths, due to no safety concerns with heat.

Explore The Wavelengths

Super Pulsed Laser (905nm)

The Super Pulsed Laser (905nm) produces high powered light in billionth-of-a-second pulses. The power of each pulse drives the photons, or light energy deep into the target tissue. The technology’s power of up to 50,000mW creates a high photon density, reducing pain and improving micro-circulation.



What Are The Benefits Of Super Pulsing?

(True) Super pulsing allows for deeper penetration than a laser of the same wavelength that is not super pulsed but has the same average output power. This is because short pulses allow for quicker absorption. In addition, the period between 20-200ns pulses promotes a better environment for optimal pain relief. Many Class IV companies promote their lasers as pulsed, but it’s typically just a gate that cuts the “on” time by 50%. This conventional pulsing has no effect on outcomes according to the physicist, Lars Hode. True super pulsing requires the (different) semiconductor used by Multi Radiance.

Super Pulsing Vs Continuous Wave Lasers

In general, laser diodes are either continuous waves or pulsed. The continuous wave (CW) diodes emit laser energy continuously, hence its name. Pulsed diodes emit a radiation impulse with a high amplitude (intensity) and duration which is typically extremely short: 100-200 nanoseconds. Continuous-wave lasers produce a fixed level of power during emission. Although lacking the high peak power of a "true" or "super" pulsed laser, most continuous-wave lasers can be made to flash a number of times per second to simulate pulse-like rhythms by interrupting the flow of light rapidly as in turning a light switch “off” and “on”. “True” or “super” pulsed lasers, as the name implies, produce a brief high power level light impulse.

It is the high power level achieved during each pulse that drives the light energy to the target tissue. Even though the pulse peaks at a high power level there are no deleterious thermal effects in the tissue because the pulses are of such short duration. Therefore, the peak power of a “true” or “super” pulsed laser is quite high compared to its average pulse power. By using “true” or “super” pulsed lasers, one is able to more effectively drive light energy into tissue. The laser and electronic technologies required to use pulsed diodes are more advanced and the diodes themselves are more expensive than the continuous wave diodes.

How Deep Does Super Pulsed (Low-Level) Laser Light Penetrate?

The level of tissue penetration by the laser beam depends on the beam’s optical characteristics, as well as on the concentration and depth of the chromophores, which are absorbed at different percentages according to the laser light’s wavelength.
For instance, water absorbs almost 100 percent of the laser irradiation at 10,600 nanometers, the wavelength of a CO2 gas laser. That is the reason why this type of laser wavelength is used in surgical applications.

Other factors affecting the depth of penetration are the technical design of the laser device and the particular treatment technique used. There is no exact limit with respect to the depth penetrated by the light. The laser light gets weaker the further from the surface it penetrates where eventually the light intensity is so low that no biological effect from it can be measured.

In addition to the factors mentioned, the depth of penetration is also contingent on tissue type, pigmentation and foreign substances on the skin surface such as creams or applied oils. Bone, muscles and other soft tissues are transparent to certain laser lights, which means that light can safely penetrate these tissues.

The radiation in the visible spectrum, between 400 and 600 nanometers, is absorbed by the melanin, while the whole extension of the visible which goes from 420 to 750 nanometers is absorbed by composite tetrapyrrolics. In the infrared, which covers about 10,000 nanometers of light spectrum, water is the main chromophore. Fortunately, there exists a narrow band in the light spectrum where water is not a highly efficient chromophore, thereby allowing light energy to penetrate tissue that is rich in water content. This narrow band, which extends approximately from 600 to 1,200 nanometers, is the so-called “therapeutic window”. That is the reason why the lasers in the market today have wavelengths within the 600-1,200 nanometer limit. The penetration index is not at the same level.


How Safe Are Low-Level Super Pulsed Lasers?

Class 1 super pulsed laser is the safest form of laser therapy. The lasers emit no heat and are safe to the naked eye. There is no need for specialised rooms or equipment when using these lasers. Learn more about laser classification here.


Protective eyewear is NOT required during the application of the low-level laser. It’s recommended to never look directly at a laser emitter or any similar light source for more than 30 seconds. Multi Radiance Medical laser devices are designed to low power specifications with maximum attention to eye safety. Whether or not you decide to use the safety goggles is largely a matter of personal preference and light sensitivity.

The average power and the type of light source (non-ionizing) laser devices use, do not permit heat-damage or carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effects. Due to increased blood circulation, there is sometimes a very minimal sensation of warmth locally

Laser therapy is not advised on patients that are pregnant, have cancer or have a systemic infection, due to the increased blood flow and cellular activity.



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