Information about 830nm wavelengths

Laser therapy reduces acute inflammation of soft tissue injuries. LLLT reduces the time from onset of injury, speeding the healing process. When used immedialtely after injury, inflammation and pain are minimized.

LLLT effectively reduces pain by increasing b-Endorphins that heal damaged muscle tissue. Low level lasers quicken the healing process. By reducing inflammation this allows the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Muscle renewal is significantly increased when treated with LLLT. The tensile strength healed tissue is also increased through LLLT. The time from the start of injury until it is healed is also reduced.

Research indicates that biological reactions are produced by the 830nm wavelengths that are not produced by other wavelengths. The shape of the laser beam emitted from the 830nm diode is egg or oval shaped. Shorter wavelengths eg visible lasers, emit a smaller, round shaped beam. Longer wavelengths, e.g. 830nm make them ideal for deep tissue penetration. The shorter wavelengths are more readily absorbed by the skin and blood, this limits their tissue penetration capabilities.

Having a longer wavelength, 830nm GaAlAs (Gallium Aluminium Arsenide) lasers are infrared and are not easily absorbed by the body, therefore they have significantly greater depths of penetration. 830nm wavelength lasers produce a larger amount of photons delivered to the treated tissue.

Increased endorphin levels are also produced with the 830nm wavelength. This wavelength stimulates the production of pain reducing plasma endorphin levels, whilst other wavelengths do not.

Studies reveal that tissue levels of ATP are significantly increased when the target area is treated with 830nm wavelength lasers. The maximum level of photons required for effective treatment is produced at this wavelength. 830nm penetrate up to 5cm, whilst other wavelengths e.g. visible red penetrate 1cm. (See below diagram, previous post).

Due to its deep treatment properties, tendons, muscle tissues and ligaments can be easily and effectively treated with 830nm wavelengths. This is not possible with short wavelengths as their penetration depths are restrictive for these conditions.

Research indicates that 830nm has the least surface absorption and thus the deepest penetration capabilities. For deep tissue injuries, 830nm is the best wavelength. At this wavelength, photons penetrate deep into the muscle tissue and treatment times are reasonable.

For treating deep lying injuries, 830nm wavelength is the most therapeutically appropriate one to choose.

Penetration depths of Laser 3000

Lasers Vs LEDs

There are some laser therapy products on the market that contain LED’s (Light Emitting Diodes). These products usually claim to provide superior treatment results and effects than those achieved with lasers. Whilst monochromatic, non-coherent light is useful for treating superficial wounds, research studies over the years show that lasers are more effective in treating this condition. This is due to the unique properties associated with laser light, resulting in deeper penetration depths. Many LEDs are low powered, say 5mW-15mW, with the result that energy is scattered, thus requiring longer treatment times. LED’s normally penetrate less than 1cm into muscle tissue, whilst infrared lasers, eg 830nm, penetrate up to 5cm. This proves once again that lasers are the best form of light therapy available on the market.