Photobiological basis and clinical role of low-intensity lasers in biology and medicine

The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review on the clinical role of low intensity laser therapy (laser photostimulation) in biology and medicine. Studies on wound healing and pain relief are highlighted to show the clinical efficacy of laser therapy. Controversies about the use of low intensity laser as a therapeutic modality for wound healing and pain relief are presented and a brief explanation is provided to overcome these controversies. The importance of standard parameters is emphasized for the applications of low intensity lasers in biology and medicine. A justification has been made to warrant further research on the use of low intensity laser as a therapeutic modality. Although the therapeutic applications of low intensity laser are imminent, the heterogeneity in treatment protocols and study design calls for a vigilant interpretation of the findings.