The therapeutic use of optical radiation, the source of which is a laser, is called "laser therapy". Indications and contraindications to the use of this technique will be considered in today's article.
General information
With this treatment method, such as laser therapy, devices with a clear directed beam of particles deliver optical radiation in the infrared or red range. Numerous medical studies conducted in various countries have shown the almost absolute indispensability of laser therapy in the treatment of many diseases.
Laser Therapy Techniques
Laser therapy uses optical radiation of the infrared or red ranges, which is generated in pulsed or continuous modes. The output radiation power can reach 60 mW. The pulse repetition rate is 10-5000 Hz.
In medical practice, laser radiation acts on the lesion and adjacent tissues, segmental-metameric and reflexogenic zones (defocused beam), on the projection area of the affected organ, motor nerves, posterior roots and biologically active points (laser puncture). Laser puncture is carried out by a contact method in which the emitter is installed on the skin or mucous membranes of the patient. Laser therapy, depending on the irradiation technique, is stable and labile. With a stable method, the emitter is fixed in one position throughout the procedure. The labile technique involves the arbitrary movement of the emitter in the fields into which the irradiated zone is divided. In one procedure, 3-5 fields are irradiated simultaneously, the total area of which should not be more than 400 cm 2 . With the labile method, the emitter slowly moves to the center in a spiral, while capturing healthy skin areas 3-5 cm around the circumference of the pathological focus.
Therapeutic effect of laser therapy
Doctors who use such a treatment method as laser therapy leave mostly positive reviews. This technique helps:
- correct humoral and cellular immunity;
- increase nonspecific resistance of the body;
- improve the rheological properties of blood and microcirculation;
- regulate the hemostatic potential of the blood;
- have a vasodilating effect;
- to normalize the oxygen transport function of the blood and its acid-base state;
- improve proteolytic activity ;
- increase blood antioxidant activity;
- stimulate hematopoiesis;
- to activate intracellular DNA repair systems in radiation damage;
- improve metabolic processes (protein, lipid, carbohydrate, energy);
- stimulate regenerative processes;
- have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, detoxifying effects.
Laser therapy: indications and contraindications for the procedure
Due to the fact that it is possible to regulate the radiation spectrum, intensity, wavelength and precisely control the zone of influence of a quantum light beam, the technique can be used to treat many diseases. The procedure "laser therapy" is prescribed exclusively by the doctor individually on the basis of the general condition of the patient and the results of the tests.
For therapeutic purposes, the method of laser therapy is used for:
- specific and nonspecific inflammatory processes of acute or chronic form;
- sepsis
- inflammatory processes against the background of previous illnesses, operations or injuries;
- various forms of poisoning;
- diseases of the extremities of the thrombobliter type (obliterating atherosclerosis, obliterating endarteritis of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd stage of the disease);
- thrombophlebitis and phlebothrombosis of various localization in the acute or chronic stage;
- cerebrovascular insufficiency and chronic ischemic disease;
- diseases of the lymphatic vessels of various origins, including for the treatment of acquired lymphostasis;
- immunodeficiency states of different course and nature, which were provoked by diseases, injuries, operations;
- various autoimmune diseases (bronchial asthma, Hashimoto thyroiditis, thyrotoxicosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis) and a variety of allergic reactions;
- pancreatitis in the acute or chronic phase;
- gastroduodenitis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer;
- neurodermatitis, dermatosis, psoriasis;
- burns;
- diabetes mellitus;
- slow regeneration of wounds, trophic ulcers.
Preventive therapy with this method is carried out in order to prevent:
- complications after surgery;
- complications after injuries of the chest, abdomen or limbs;
- relapse of psoriasis and neurodematitis;
- infectious complications in people with hemoblastosis;
- relapse of duodenal ulcer and stomach;
- exacerbation of the condition in patients suffering from bronchial asthma;
- immunosuppressive conditions during cytostatic or radiation therapy.
In order to improve the body, laser therapy is prescribed for:
- decreased performance and loss of strength;
- frequent colds ;
- hyperlipidemia;
- diseases and after injuries as a means of rehabilitation.
Laser therapy is also widely used in cosmetology to rejuvenate the skin, eliminate stretch marks, accelerate wound healing, and smooth out scars.
This treatment method is absolutely contraindicated in:
- impaired blood formation;
- changes in blood composition;
- tendency to bleeding;
- poor blood coagulation.
Depending on the characteristics of the course and nature of the disease, the doctor may prohibit the use of this method of treatment for diseases of the heart and blood vessels. As a rule, laser therapy is contraindicated in cerebral sclerosis, malfunctions in the bloodstream of the brain, and some disorders in the functioning of the respiratory organs.
Renal and liver failure in the stage of decompensation, oncological diseases in most cases act as contraindications for this technique.
The use of laser therapy in gynecology
Due to the high therapeutic effectiveness, laser therapy has been increasingly used in gynecology recently (we will consider the indications and contraindications for the procedure below). In addition, this method of treatment is becoming more accessible.
Laser therapy in gynecology is carried out in several variations. This may be contact with the skin of the abdomen or the introduction of a special sensor into the vagina. In certain cases, a combination of the above techniques is used. The laser can also be used intravascularly. Why is this treatment used in gynecology?
Laser therapy allows you to:
- normalize biochemical processes;
- improve blood circulation and saturation of cells with nutrients and oxygen;
- activate the process of tissue repair;
- strengthen the therapeutic effect of drug therapy;
- reduce the manifestation of the symptoms of the disease, in particular pain syndrome.
Laser treatment is well tolerated and completely painless. Laser therapy in gynecology is indicated for:
- chronic inflammatory diseases of the genital organs;
- adhesive processes that impede the normal functioning of the pelvic organs;
- menstrual dysfunction, dysfunction of the ovaries;
- endocervicitis;
- mild and moderate forms of endometriosis;
- some causes of infertility;
- removal of papillomas, genital warts.
Laser therapy is also used to improve the course of the postpartum or postoperative period.
When is the use of a laser in gynecology contraindicated?
Experts do not recommend using this technique for various neoplasms. These include fibroids, cysts, mastopathy. In this case, the laser can cause further growth of the formation and even provoke its transformation into a cancerous tumor. In addition, laser therapy is contraindicated in the presence of acute inflammatory processes. It is known that the laser can activate inflammatory mediators and free radicals, which will adversely affect the general condition of the body.
Laser therapy in the treatment of adenoids
Laser therapy for adenoids is also popular today. The procedure is absolutely painless and completely eliminates the risk of developing complications that are often observed after surgery.
The elimination of adenoids by this method is a rather lengthy process, including, as a rule, ten to fifteen sessions. During the procedure, they act directly on the affected tissues, which makes it possible to quickly remove their inflammation and swelling. In order to consolidate the result, it is recommended that the course of treatment be carried out two to three times a year.
When is laser use indicated for adenoids?
Laser therapy for adenoids is usually carried out at the initial stage of the disease (1st, 2nd stage). At later dates, it is no longer so effective, therefore, in such cases, surgical treatment is already used, in which the overgrown edematous mucous membrane is excised.
Contraindications
The use of a laser with adenoids is contraindicated in:
- anemia and other blood diseases;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- violation of the thyroid gland;
- open form of tuberculosis.
Rules of conduct after the procedure for laser therapy of adenoids
After a laser therapy session, you should:
- exclude outdoor games and physical activity;
- prevent prolonged exposure to high temperatures on the nasal cavity;
- refuse to eat hot food.
Procedure cost
How much does laser therapy cost? The price of the procedure depends on the clinic in which the treatment is carried out, and the region. In Russia, the cost of one session is in the following limits:
- rectal laser therapy - 250-2450 rubles;
- vaginal laser therapy - 150-2450 rubles;
- urethral laser therapy - 270-2450 rubles;
- ENT laser therapy - 500-1500 rubles;
- intravenous laser therapy - 400-5500 rubles.
Conclusion
From this article, you learned more about such a treatment method as laser therapy, the indications and contraindications for the use of which we have examined. We hope you find the information useful. Be healthy!