Low level laser therapy method and means

摘要

The invention described provides a treatment for edema, lymphedema and extra-cellular fluid with Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). The invention in particular will be effective in the treatment of lymphedema that includes the effects of lymph gland damage, disease or removal (LO) following surgery typically associated with cancer treatment or at least provides an alternative to other treatments. In particular the use of LLLT according to the method and apparatus of the invention can effectively treat LO and post surgery LO of a limb associated with the removal of a lymph gland. A method of treatment of the lymphatic system/lymphedema and edema in a mammalian subject includes the step of radiation of the surface of the skin of a mammal in the area of physiological-concern with a low-level infrared laser. The laser is a Class 1 laser arranged to emit a pulsed beam. The laser is applied at discrete points on the surface of the skin for up to 1 minute per point in the area of physiological concern being nodal areas adjacent to an affected limb. The wavelength of the laser emission is between 600 to 1100 nm the laser having pulse widths from 1 nanosecond to 1 second with peak powers from 1 milliwatt to 1000 Watts, average powers from 1 microWatt to 1000 milliWatts at repetition rates from 0.1 to 100 kilohertz. Further, the energy of the laser is delivered at substantially 5 Joules with an energy density of about 1.5 Joules per square centimetre.