The Resource Manual 

Electromagnetic Energy

 

Low power lasers produce a coherent, monochromatic, collimated light beam. They are used for pain modulation and wound healing. The two principal wavelengths used are 632.8 nm produced by Helium Neon HeNE laser and 94 nm, produced by the gallium arsenide (GaAs) laser. Lower power (cold) lasers are distinguished from high power (hot) lasers by the lack of thermal effects. Many companies are now making units that use high energy LED lights instead of lasers.  Diathermy is another form of electromagentic energy that is used to provide pain relief, decrease muscle spasms, and promote tissue and wound healing.  There are various types of diathermy including shortwave and longwave diathermy.  Lastly, another form of electromagnetic energy that is beneficial when treating patients is the use of iontophoresis.  This is the use of electricity to deliver medication through the skin.  The medication needs to be charged and in a solution form in order to be delivered via iontophoresis.