Anodyne Therapy: Device Watch reports on cold laser devices

[Guest guest]

Device Watch reports on " cold laser " devices.

June 17, 2009 http://www.devicewatch.org/reports/lllt.shtml

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) refers to the use of a red-beam or

near-infrared laser with a wave-length between 600 and 1000

nanometers and power from 5 to 500 milliwatts. The providers include

physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, and occupational

therapists, but devices are also marketed for long-term use at home.

The most aggressively promoted LLLT device appears to be the Anodyne

Therapy System, which has professional and home versions.

The system has FDA clearance for marketing for " relief of minor muscle and joint

pain and improvement of superficial circulation " but the company's Web site

suggests that it can do more.

In 2005, the FDA ordered the manufacture to stop claiming that it could wounds

and ulcers, gait and balance impairment, carpal tunnel syndrome, and several

other conditions.

Aetna, CIGNA, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), have

critiqued Anodyne's data and other published studies and explain why they do not

cover LLLT as a treatment modality. [barrett S. A skeptical look at low level

laser therapy.