Low level lasers are very safe for a wide variety of conditions. However, due to insufficient research studies, there are some cautionary practices that are recommended. As always, every individual is unique and must apply available information to his or her own situation. Unless you have been specifically advised to do otherwise, here are the situations where low level laser use is not recommended:
Thyroid Gland
Iodine, which is a light-sensitive substance, is produced in the thyroid. Due to this sensitivity we do not recommend use of Q-Lasers directly over the thyroid.
Eyes
Laser light can damage the retina in the eye. With the Q-Laser system, it is especially important not to look into the 808nm Enhancer infrared beam. Even though the light emitted is not visible, it can still harm the eye.
Pregnancy
Similar to recommendations for bodywork and other modalities, avoid shining a laser over a fetus in utero. While there is no evidence that the laser treatment elsewhere on the body would affect the pregnancy, due to liability reasons the current recommendation is that lasers should not be used at all on women during pregnancy.
Cancer
Don't use the laser over known cancer sites. While no evidence has been found implicating lasers in causing cancer, or spreading cancer in living tissues, laser light has been found to cause cancer cells to multiply in the laboratory setting. Some studies have shown that lasers reduce or eliminate small tumors in living tissue. Scientists believe that this effect is the result of an increased immune response with laser light. The laser increases immune cell activity and the immune system attacks the cancer cells.
That said, low level laser applications for cancer treatment is the subject of several on-going research progress, some of which are showing potential promise for the future. We have also found that several clients have had success using Q-Lasers to treat the side-effects of cancer treatments including chemotherapy and radiation.
Light Sensitivity and Light Sensitive Medications
Some medications including some antibiotics, Retin-A, some thyroid medications, St. John's Wort and any medication with a warning to avoid direct sunlight is a relative contraindication since some of these medications cause sensitivity to ultraviolet light which is not present with any of the Q-lasers. To be safe, however, a skin patch test is recommended:
- Apply one three-minute cycle on the Q1000 (7.5 joules of photonic energy) to a single spot on the arm or leg and wait five minutes. If you do not experience a reaction, proceed to the next step.
- Apply an additional three-minute cycles on the Q1000 (15 joules energy) to the same spot on the arm or leg and wait an additional five minutes. If you do not see a reaction, it is usually safe to continue with treatment.
- In extreme cases of photosensitivity or reactions to medication, wait 24 hours after the patch test before proceeding.
The Q10 Resonating Laser emits 1.26 joules per three-minute cycle and is unlikely to cause a reaction in all but the most sensitive individuals. The 660 Enhancer Laser Probe emits 6.6 joules of energy in three minutes, so the above test is sufficient.
The 808 Enhancer, however, emits significantly more energy than any other Q-Laser devices — 54 joules of near-infrared light per three-minute interval. Even though these are infrared emissions, not ultraviolet emissions (hence, not typically an issue for light sensitivity), if you are at all concerned, you should perform a short one-minute sensitivity test before proceeding.
Safety Considerations
