Low-intensity laser therapy: A review

Low-intensity laser radiation is characterized by its ability to induce ath ermic, nondestructive photobiological processes. Although it has been in us e for more than 30 years, this phototherapy is still not an established the rapeutic modality. We have summarized the main arguments being brought up a gainst the use of this therapy and have reviewed the literature addressing both its in vitro and in vivo effects. We conclude that low-intensity laser irradiations might be of benefit in selected indications if the existing p reliminary data can be confirmed by more prospective and well-controlled st udies.