The beneficial effects of the sun have been recognized in many cultures. Throughout history light has been used for healing purposes. Daylight constitutes the visible part of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation and has all the colors of the rainbow. This type of light has a warming effect on our bodies. Through the use of light energy our skin cells can manufacture Vitamin D. Our mood can also be elevated by light energy.

Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser was predicted from the theoretical work by Albert Einstein published 1916. Theodore Maiman of Hughes Aircraft presented the first working laser, a ruby laser, at a press conference 7^th July 1960.

Laser is a light beam that is different from conventional light sources in that it travels in only one direction and is monochromatic i.e. of one color. The laser beam is constituted of a single wavelength and is coherent. Its packets of energy called photons are all identical in size and travel equidistant in space and time.

Laser is known to the public as a cutting tool that has uses in industry and also surgery.
These lasers rely on their thermal or heating effect to achieve their objective.

The clinical use of low powered lasers, which do not have a thermal effect, was initially carried out in the countries of the former Soviet Union, most notably Hungary, and has continued there for 30 years. Its use slowly spread to the rest of Europe with increasing popularity in the last 10 years.

The interest of USA Military/NASA in phototherapy has further advanced both basic and clinical research in this modality.

A number of names have been used to describe this use of laser. Low level laser, Soft laser and Cold laser therapy have all been suggested. Photobiomodulation aptly describes the interaction of laser light with light sensitive bodies, called chromophores. The end-result is that poorly performing cells are enabled to function in an optimum manner. The application of light therapy for disease conditions is now called Phototherapy.

A reliable diagnosis of the condition is imperative.

Basic reading for clinicians:
Ten Lectures on Basic Science of Laser Therapy
   Author: Professor Tiina Karu

Laser Therapy
   Authors: Tunér and Hode

Clinical Electrotherapy
   Author: Professor Jan Bjordal

Photo Medicine and Laser Surgery
   Editor-in-chief: Raymond J. Lanzafame
   Co-Editor-in-chief: Chukuka S. Enwemeka

LaserWorld.nu
   http://www.laser.nu/

North American Association for Laser Therapy (NAALT)
   http://www.naalt.org