a guide to laser dose
Laser dose refers to the total amount of laser energy delivered to a given area over a specific time. It’s often measured in Joules per square centimeter (J/cm²) and is a key factor in laser treatments, whether for medical, cosmetic, or industrial applications.
Key Factors That Determine Laser Dose
Energy (Joules, J) – The total amount of energy the laser delivers.
Power (Watts, W) – How fast the energy is delivered (1 Watt = 1 Joule per second).
Exposure Time (seconds, s) – How long the laser is applied to the target.
Spot Size (cm²) – The area the laser beam covers.
Pulse Characteristics (for pulsed lasers) – The duration and frequency of laser pulses affect the dose.
Formula for Laser Dose
Laser Dose = Energy (J) / Area (cm²)
This means that if you increase the energy or decrease the treatment area, the dose will be higher.
Why is Laser Dose Important?
In medicine, it ensures effective treatment while avoiding burns or tissue damage (e.g., laser eye surgery, skin treatments, or tumor removal).
A proper laser dose is a balance between effectiveness and safety—too little may not work, and too much can cause harm.
dosage guidelines
Analgesia for Pain (Associated with Joints):
4-6 Joules per cm2 for acute pain, 4-8 Joules per cm2 for chronic pain
Analgesia for Pain (Associated with Muscles):
2-4 Joules per cm2 for acute pain, 4-8 Joules per cm2 for chronic pain
Anti-Inflammatory Therapy
1-6 Joules per cm2 for acute inflammation, 4-8 Joules per cm2 for chronic inflammation
Open Wound Therapy
2-6 Joules per cm2 for acute wounds for 7-10 days, 2-8 Joules per cm2 for chronic wounds once daily
Post Operative Wound Therapy
1-3 Joules per cm2 once daily
Osteoarthritis Therapy
8-10 Joules per cm2. Treat along the joint lines. Reference refers elsewhere for treatment of particular joints(1)
1. Adapted from Millis DL., Saunders DG. Laser therapy in canine rehabilitation. In Millis DL., Levine D (eds); Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy; 2nd ed. 2014