Author: Dr. Nelson Marquina

This author has written 11 articles
Superpulsed vs. Continuous Wave

Superpulsed vs. Continuous Wave

Can I adjust my CW laser to emit superpulsed laser? The quick answer is no.  It's similar to changing a gasoline engine to a diesel engine. They are two very different ways of generating power.Generally speaking, superpulsed (SP) lasers generate high peak power with relatively lower average power for deep tissue penetration. Specific laser diodes are required to produce high peak powers and high pulse rates and use very short pulse durations such as 10 or 200 nanoseconds to deliver safe average power. Superpulsed diodes producing pulse rates of 30,000 pulses per second (30 kHz) or higher are biostimulative for gene expression (activating genes), amplifying tissue healing. So, superpulsed lasers are designed primarily for pain relief and tissue healing. They wouldn’t be appropriate or useful to perform soft tissue surgery.Continuous wave (CW) lasers are able to produce high average powers, but relatively low peak powers. Specifically, the maximum average power is also the maximum peak power. A 60W CW laser has equal maximum peak and average powers of 60W. Diodes used in CW lasers have relatively long pulse duration, creating high thermal effects that would quickly degrade the diode. With high peak powers they typically have low pulse rates to reduce the thermal accumulation that would be destructive to both the diode and the target tissue. However, this thermal effect is used productively for soft tissue surgery (ablating or carbonizing the tissue).SP and CW laser diodes are the “engines” that produce their respective laser beams with different properties, different benefits.     Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Share on email Share on print Schedule of Continuing Education Request a Demo

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Why Lumix Superpulsed Lasers?

Why Lumix Superpulsed Lasers?

Lumix Superpulsed lasers produce the highest pulse power and simultaneously emit the strongest average power of any therapeutic laser in the US today.  The 3 P’s of Performance: Power, Penetration, PulseAdequate amounts of pulse and average powers are essential for successful patient results.Research shows high pulse rates initiate cellular regeneration.Published research found combining superpulsed and continuous wave (CW) wavelengths allows CW emission to be delivered more deeply. Combining these two emissions increases the efficacy and safety of laser therapy. Published research demonstrates the promotion of gene expression and cellular regeneration when pulse rates are above 30,000 Hz (30 kHz). This is critical to repairing tissue and relieving pain.  * Lumix superpulsed lasers are available in 45, 100, 110, 250, or 660 watts pulse power, and 0.5 watts to 35 watts average power. What do Wavelengths Effect? Lumix superpulsed lasers effect deep tissue penetration. Equipped with multiple wavelengths, these lasers provide multidimensional therapeutic benefits. Additionally-The superpulsed lasers emission is more clinically efficient than continuous wave emission alone, according to recent research. Both CW and superpulsed emissions activate anti-inflammatory and normalizing mechanisms at the cellular level. This is true for any tissue, from muscle, tendon and bone to ligament, skin and nerve.  Superpulsed wavelength emission penetrates deeply, yet is almost completely non-thermal.  Laser Biotech offers three lasers in the Lumix Series:  Lumix 2, Lumix 3, and Lumix 4 — named according to the number of wavelengths in the design: Lumix 2 Series focus on superpulsed emission of 910 nm combined with CW wavelength of 650 nm. FDA cleared Class 3b and Class 4 in 2004.Lumix 3 Series are superpulsed (910 nm) and combine with CW wavelength options of 650 nm and an additional 810, 980 or 1064 nm to deliver multidimensional laser therapy. FDA cleared Class 4 in 2016. Lumix 4 Series are superpulsed (910 nm) and combine with 650 nm and an additional two 810, 980, or 1064 CW wavelengths. This allows practitioners to effectively treat a larger range of clinical applications. FDA cleared Class 4 in 2016.                                                          …

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Simplified treatment guidelines for Lumix laser therapy

Simplified treatment guidelines for Lumix laser therapy

Superpulsed laser safely treats any tissue with virtually no thermal risk Superpulsed + CW laser treats any tissue with reduced thermal risk, requiring lower CW average powers and providing deeper penetration Blood irradiation is a general support protocol for improving metabolism and alleviating trauma The “sweet spot” for regeneration is 30/40 kHz pulse frequency Use reduced %/duty cycle for the metabolically challenged patient: fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, adrenal depletion, debilitation Nerve tissue responds well to 40 kHz pulse frequency Acute injuries respond well to 20 kHz pulse frequency Old injuries, if not currently symptomatically active but recurrent, can be “activated” to an acute stage of inflammation with 60-80 kHz pulse frequency, for faster resolution Keep the laser on or very near the skin; slowly sweep the area when using higher average powers to control thermal build-up Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Share on email Share on print Schedule of Continuing Education Request a Demo

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10 Tips For a Smarter Laser Investment

10 Tips For a Smarter Laser Investment

Penetration Depths of Continuous Wave and Superpulsed Laser Light In the United States alone, treatment of soft tissue injuries as well as acute and chronic pain exceeds $100 billion in annual services. Some laser treatments are now covered by insurance, making laser therapy effective and lucrative for medical practitioners.  Below is a list of 10 key points to help you make a smarter laser purchase.1. Average PowerAverage power is measured in watts (W) and quantifies the photons laser light energy delivers per second. Too little average power and too few photons - results will fall short. Average power also helps determine treatment time. Lower average power generally means longer treatment time. Conversely, average power that is too high, especially in continuous wave (CW) lasers, creates a thermal risk.2. Pulse PowerMeasured in watts (W), pulse power (aka peak power) represents the maximum power of the laser. Pulse power has different clinical relevance according to whether the wavelength is a continuous or superpulsed wavelength. High pulse power of a superpulsed laser represents the potential to deliver energy deeply without thermal risk. The combination of wavelength and pulse power drive tissue penetration. Consider the type and depth of tissues to be treated when choosing average and pulse powers of a laser for your practice.3. Pulse RatesPulsing is a way to manage the delivery of light energy and is measured in pulses per second or hertz (Hz). Continuous Wave (CW) laser emits with a pulse duration of thousandths of a second. The result is the heat buildup characteristic of CW wavelengths. Superpulsed laser is exponentially finer, with emissions at billionths of a second with virtually no heat accumulation. Research identifies pulse rates as a key factor in "turning on" genes for cellular regeneration and tissue repair. When the laser can safely and effectively reach the area to be treated, deliver the correct energy wavelength and generate a pulse rate greater than 30 kHz (demonstrated to enhance tissue repair), physiological issues are resolved at the source.4. WavelengthMeasured in nanometers (nm), which are billionths of a meter. Wavelength selection is determined by the primary type of tissue (e.g., nerve, muscle or bone)…

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Lasers and Pain Treatment: How to Supercharge Your Results

Lasers and Pain Treatment: How to Supercharge Your Results

Combining laser and ultrasound therapies can be a win-win for doctors and patients. Doctors often ask–Why would you combine laser and ultrasound therapies in the same treatment sessions? An article published in Lasers in Medical Science answers the question. Ultrasound acts as a facilitator and allows the laser beam to penetrate more deeply into the tissues where the source of pain lies. The ultrasound effects apply to both superpulsed and continuous wave lasers and their combinations.A natural protector, skin tissue presents a resistance to penetration by all forms of energy, including electrical current and laser light. The mechanical pressure of ultrasound waves decreases this resistance in the tissues. In the use of laser energy, the amount of tissue resistance to laser penetration also depends on the laser wavelength. According to this research article, ultrasound: facilitates more efficient medical therapeutic treatments, including laserspotentially reduces the risk of thermal side effects associated with projecting high laser power through the skinWhen the ultrasound waves mechanically decrease resistance, less energy – whether of electrical or laser therapies – is required, delivering more effective treatment with less energy. Enhanced tissue penetration gives the doctor and patient several benefits: Greater pain relief, reduced inflammation is delivered to deeper tissues.Faster, more comfortable results are achieved with less average laser power.Lower average power and decreased thermal risks allow the doctor to confidently delegate treatments to assistants.There are additional parameters to consider, such as the best ultrasound frequency and the best laser wavelengths to use in combination. But doctors who own both ultrasound and laser devices in their practice can leverage the combination into greater patient outcomes.  Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Share on email Share on print Schedule of Continuing Education Request a Demo

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Think Upstream!

Think Upstream!

At a laser therapy seminar, Dr Michael Nelson, DC reported the case of a patient with patellar tracking dysfunction. After imaging, he successfully eliminated the problem –by treating the hip joint and gluteals. “There was no ‘problem’ at the knee, just consequences,” he explained. He achieved success by thinking “upstream.”This patient was typical among female athletes. It’s not “weak knees” or patellar tracking that is the cause of the problem. The relative difference in the pelvic or Q angle (relatively different from males) promotes the vulnerability that may manifesting symptoms elsewhere.Another patient, a gentleman who had had some success with laser therapy by his podiatrist for diabetic neuropathy in his feet, asked him if laser could also help his “incurable” gastroparesis. He was referred to Dr. Sherron Marquina,DC. Within 12 laser treatments the symptoms of constant nausea and abdominal pain that he had experienced for years had disappeared. Described as incurable by his gastroenterologist, the visceral neuropathy responded to laser therapy. What were the treatment targets? Spinal nerve roots of the thoracicspine and the vagus nerve.Astonished by the results the patient asked if the relief was permanent. Dr. Marquina’s advice: “If you want the symptoms to return, just maintain your current diet and lifestyle.” Despite restored neural function, other “upstream” lifestyle factors (poor diet, poor sleep, excessive stress reported by the patient) were likely to recreate the neuropathy if not addressed.Both of these physicians recognized that the symptoms were signals, not the source of the problem. Going “upstream” might be considering distal or proximal structures or systemic mechanisms that create or contribute to the symptoms.“How do I treat XYZ? How long, how many treatments, what settings?” As physicians we can often respond just to symptoms and obtain effective resolution, especially for acute presentations. But chronic, recurrent or persistent conditions mayrequire a different strategy, not necessarily a specific protocol, whether we are treating with spinal adjustments, PEMF, e-stim, laser or combinations of treatments.So, what’s the “protocol” for a chronic condition? First, check the patient for possible “upstream” factors. This is especially important when chronic symptoms have been minimally responsive to previous treatments. Upstream joints and associated…

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How to make Section 179 Work For You
Deciding what laser to purchase is hard is enough.

How to make Section 179 Work For You

Deciding on what laser to purchase is difficult enough. Pay a little + deduct a lot! = Section 179 What is IRS Section 179This section of the tax code is all about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. It allows you to expense the full value of equipment assets, like a laser purchase, on your taxes within the same tax year that you made the purchase.Businesses can deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment purchased or financed during the tax year. That means if you buy a piece of qualifying equipment - and put it into service - before December 31st, your business can deduct the FULL PURCHASE PRICE from 2018’s gross income.Who QualifiesAny practice that purchases, finances, or leases new or used business equipment during the tax year should qualify for depreciation tax deductions. However, there are limitations on amounts, so we advise consulting with a tax advisor before taking advantage of a deduction. The IRS list of qualifying equipment is a long list and your therapeutic laser purchase should be on it (again, we recommend discussing this with your tax advisor) And as an added bonus in 2018, depreciation deductions can include qualified property (building) improvements as well-for example, that extra room you created for your laser and the influx of patients that come as a result! Leasing & Tax DeductionsThere is definitely a huge advantage to financing equipment and taking the Full Depreciation Tax Deduction. Section 179 means that, after purchasing equipment, your practice can deduct the total cost of the equipment, even if you have not paid the equipment off in full yet. The benefit in the amount of taxes saved can actually exceed annual monthly payments. And this is where Section 179 can really work for you, since the result should be a very bottom–line friendly deduction.To SummarizeFor a small practice working at managing cash flow, Section 179 leverages your equipment purchase. You can minimize out of pocket expense and take the full tax deductions. Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Share on email Share on print Schedule of Continuing Education Request a Demo

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Doing the Math is Crucial in a Therapeutic Laser Purchase

Doing the Math is Crucial in a Therapeutic Laser Purchase

A Star Wars looking laser means nothing in the clinical application of laser therapy We all know that outward appearances aren’t everything. This holds true when considering a therapeutic laser purchase. Forget the bells and whistles of futuristic, space-age appeal that some lasers exhibit. In reality, what counts is inside the machine.  And how the laser delivers results. Results that Matter When a therapeutic laser purchase is on the table, look for a laser capable of producing results in the shortest time frame possible. This comes down to:peak and average powersdepth of tissue penetrationpulse ratesOften times those numbers are nowhere to be found in the sales materials. And even when they are present, the offered interpretation may not comply with the principles of modern physics. Looks can be Deceiving With the proliferation of therapeutic lasers on the US market since 1999,  models have morphed into all shapes and sizes—from floor and hand-held models to desktop and portable versions,  to ones with screens that talk to you, some versions will attempt to tell you how to treat a patient. They look and feel like R2-D2, but are lacking in the necessary power that ensures effectiveness and provides optimal clinical results. Experience that Counts When laser expert Dr. Nelson Marquina worked for NASA, he recognized his mission in advancing humanity through technology. Upon discovering laser therapy, he reviewed the research, designed clinical studies and partnered with a manufacturer to co-design lasers. These lasers arrived to the laser therapy market with the highest therapeutic value and at the most reasonable prices. The device?  The Lumix superpulsed laser. Laser Quality and Powers Rule Lumix superpulsed lasers are scientifically proven to have the highest peak and average power wattage in the industry. Those powers, combined with a high pulse rate, are able to send waves of healing light coursing through the human (or animal) body, focused with the necessary depths of penetration to regenerate tissue and reduce pain and inflammation – safely, effectively and gently.Sound like something you might expect to see on a classic Star Wars’ episode? Safe, reliable relief from chronic or acute pain and injuries as well as effective…

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Laser Therapy and Peripheral Neuropathy

Laser Therapy and Peripheral Neuropathy

 

In December of 2017, a diabetic patient sought laser treatment for autonomic digestive neuropathy. The patient had been told by medical doctors that the condition was incurable. Thee doctors insisted the only option was medications to manage the ongoing pain and agonizing digestive symptoms. After some success with laser treatment by a podiatrist for peripheral neuropathy in their feet, the patient requested treatment for the autonomic neuropathy and was referred to a chiropractor that used Lumix superpulsed lasers.

Here are the patient’s words about the experience:

 “I found little hope until I found Lumix laser therapy. After twelve, 15-minute treatments, my nausea ceased, my blood sugar levels began to stabilize and the debilitating abdominal pains that prevented me from holding my baby girl during the first two years of her life were gone. That was the day my wife cried. It was a day I will never forget. Lumix laser therapy changed my life.”

(more…)

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How Not to “Get Sold” on the Wrong Laser for Your Practice

How Not to “Get Sold” on the Wrong Laser for Your Practice

These therapeutic laser basics will guide you to a good purchasing decision. A major problem with many lasers flooding today's market is that they are not equipped with the technology to match the claims promised by their distributors. When a lasers parameters, like wavelengths and pulse rates, produce insufficient light energy to reach the targeted tissues the lasers end results are superficial and short-lived, at best.To ensure your purchase delivers look to: Wavelength, Penetration, Pulse Rate, and Power The average and peak powers of a laser are good indicators of clinical success. Peak power is measured in watts (W). Together with wavelengths, peak power drives laser tissue penetration. Too little peak power and the light energy doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to reach the area requiring repair. Average power is measured in watts (W).  The average power delivers the quantity of light photons. When the average powers are too low the number of light photons required for effective results fall short. Pulse rate is listed in kilohertz (kHz). Research identifies pulse rate as a significant factor in turning genes on for cellular regeneration and tissue repair. When the laser reaches the target, delivers the necessary amount of energy needed and generates a pulse rate greater than 30 kHz, (the amount demonstrated to enhance tissue repair) pain is alleviated and potentially eliminated at its source. Laser wavelengths are measured in nanometers (nm). Every laser is built with characteristic wavelengths. The wavelength selection is key to the type of tissue requiring repair. Certain wavelengths are suited for vascular tissues, others for avascular tissues. Some deliver more heat, some focus light energy more accurately to the target.   Lumix lasers were the first FDA-cleared Class 3b and Class 4 superpulsed lasers in the United States (2004) as a technology for delivering drug-free, non-invasive pain relief. Since 2016, Lumix lasers integrate deeply penetrating superpulsed laser wavelengths (910 nm) with continuous wave wavelengths (650, 810, 980, and 1064 nm). This equates to exponentially shorter treatment times. Lumix superpulsed lasers consistently offer safe and effective deep tissue results.  With preprogrammed or customized treatment protocols, Lumix superpulsed lasers successfully treat acute and chronic pain and recalcitrant conditions. This is good…

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How Laser Therapy Improves Athletic Performance

How Laser Therapy Improves Athletic Performance

Laser therapy improves athletic performance through conditioning and preventing injuries by strengthening muscles, ligaments and tendons. Athletes have different lifestyles and needs from the average patient. Athletes constantly depend on their bodies. They depend on them for support in winning matches against a competitor. Athletes push themselves to the next level of performance. All of which takes a huge toll on the body.No matter which sport you consider, there is considerable stress exerted on multiple body areas. These stressors are specific to the sport or sports the athlete participates. Through safe conditioning and utilizing laser therapy the participant can avoid injuries and stay in the game.Tennis players rely on the power behind their serve and return. This depends largely on strength of the shoulders, chest, arms, elbows, wrists and hands. Preconditioning around the rotator cuff, for example, with a therapeutic laser, generates stronger tissue to supports the shoulders. This treatment goes a long way for improving strength and endurance. It also reduces the risk of an injury that could sideline them.Runners depend largely on their legs, knees, ankles and feet. When working effectively, the trauma sustained from pounding a track is reduced. Be it short or long distances. That’s why many Olympians and professional sports teams find laser therapy improves athletic performance. Over and over, lasers prove helpful for enhanced endurance, speed, strength, and flexibility.  How Does Laser Therapy Improve Athletic Performance? Light emitted from adequately powered superpulsed lasers creates cellular transformation deep within tissues. Photobiomodulation is another term used to describe this process. Allowing oxygen and nutrients to replenish sick or injured cells, the laser light also fortifies healthy bodily cells. This process of absorption is similar to photosynthesis. Think of the way light has a regenerative effect on plant life. It absorbs regenerative and nutritive energy from the sun.Many athletes succumb to using performance enhancing drugs. They believe the supplements make them stronger. Or give them a competitive edge. But that edge often comes with a hefty cost, from disqualification to permanent injury. However, laser therapy improves athletic performance by creating similar advantages naturally, while posing zero risk of disqualification. Does Laser Therapy…

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