Cold Laser
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Ultrasound
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Electrical Stimulation
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How it Works
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Increase circulation, faster healing, reduce or eliminate acute and chronic pain | Short term changes in cell membrane permeability | Short term effects on muscle contractions |
Tissues Affected
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Absorbed by all tissues including skin, subcutaneous, tendons, muscles, nerves and blood | Absorbed only by white connective tissue | Muscle tissue only |
Treatment Times
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2-6 Minutes | 5-8 Minutes | 15-20 Minutes |
Set Up Requirements
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Direct Contact (no gels or pads required) hand held units | Requires gel or water medium as well as constant motion | Requires conduction pads and extensive knowledge of muscle and nerve anatomy |
Patient Comfort
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May feel comforting sensation of warmth. Most feel absolutely nothing | Discomfort with excess heating of tissues | May experience severe discomfort with tingling and burning |
Patient Restrictions
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Safe to use with children, adults and elterly patients. Do not use over suspicious or cancerous lesions, or on pregnant women | Potential for overheating and damage caused by burns Not for use with patients with circulation or neuropath conditions, pacemakers, cancer, or pregnant women |
Potential for burns and blisters Not for use with patients with circulation or neuropath conditions, pacemakers, cancer, or pregnant women |
Cautions
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Eye protection when using laser unit | Potential burn damage and destruction of tissues | Potential for cardiac arrhythmia |