Laser Therapies: Types, Uses and Safety

This compilation titled "Laser Therapy: Types, Uses, and Safety" focuses on varied aspects of laser (photobiomodulation, PBM) therapy ranging from types of lasers, parameters of optical radiation determining its biological activity and therapeutic action, basic and modern techniques, mitochondrial effects of laser for therapeutics to the clinical use of PBM in treating various medical conditions and its use in surgery. The authors discuss parameters of optical radiation of low intensity determining its biological activity and therapeutic action, basic techniques and modern technologies, and mitochondrial effects of laser therapy. This book provides the most up-to-date information on recent clinical and research trials and clinical uses as well as catalogs the optimal therapeutic settings for a myriad of disease states. The book describes the use of PBM in dentistry, tissue repair and regeneration, treatment of fibromyalgia, muscle fatigue, injury, regeneration and repair, hearing loss, osteoarthritis, neurosurgery, gynecological diseases, snakebite envenomation, acute and chronic respiratory diseases, hypertension, relieving symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage, venous ulcer healing, treatment of inflammation, and its synergism with physical exercise in treatment of obesity. Further, the role of laser therapy in drug development and in enhancing drug delivery has been discussed. Lastly, we have discussed the evolving role of optogenetics using laser lights in elucidating the molecular mechanism in various pathologies. The authors have critically discussed the uses and side-effects of laser therapy and have highlighted the future directions and approaches to get the best outcome. Altogether, this book will serve as a helpful guide on how PBM could play a role in providing daily care to the patients and enlighten upcoming students and researchers.