Low Level Laser Therapy

The purpose of this course is to provide a foundation for the appropriate application of low level laser therapy (LLLT) principles and techniques based on the current available research. Treatments of common conditions with LLLT in the field of physical rehabilitation will be discussed. The course will provide the participant with an overview of the use of laser in rehabilitation. The presentation will discuss the characteristics of laser energy with an emphasis on the manipulation of treatment parameters associated with dosing therapeutic laser. A research based perspective on dosing laser to treat soft tissue injuries, pain, trigger points, and neuralgia will be discussed. The physiologic effects, indications and contraindications to laser therapy will be reviewed. Upon completion of this workshop the participant will be able to appropriately choose the power (mW), wavelength (nm), pulse frequency (Hz), energy density (J/cm2), and treatment duration (min) to deliver therapeutic laser in clinical practice.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Describe history of low level laser therapy (LLLT)
Describe the basics of stimulated emission of laser and light energy
Describe the characteristics of light energy
Describe the biochemical and physiologic effects of LLLT
Manipulate the treatment parameters of LLLT to appropriately dose LLLT in clinical practice
Describe the indications and contraindications of LLLT
Integrate the application of LLLT into the comprehensive treatment plan
Apply LLLT using a research based approach

Course Instructor(s)

Joe Gallo

DSc, ATC, PT

Dr. Joe Gallo earned his BS in Physical Education and Athletic Training and his Master’s in Physical Therapy. He also holds a Doctor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. He currently serves as Director and Professor in the Salem State University Athletic Training Program. He also held faculty appointments in various physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs in his over 20 year career as an educator. Dr. Gallo is currently a Certified Instructor for the VitalStim® Therapy Specialty Program teaching NMES for the treatment of dysphagia. He has taught over 300 continuing education workshops to rehabilitation specialists across the United States. Joe’s research on electrophysical agents has been published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, and the Chinese journal of Sportsmedicine. In addition to his teaching and research, Joe has also maintained clinical practice in a variety of settings throughout his career.

Financial Disclosures: Dr. Gallo receives an honorarium for speaking/teaching live courses through CIAO Seminars. He also receives royalties for the purchase of his recorded courses and the purchase of his Ultrasound book.
Non-Financial Disclosures: Dr. Gallo uses modalities in his clinical practice.

Jon Rose

MS, PT, SCS, ATC

Jon received his Master of Science from Eastern Illinois University in 1992 and his Certificate of Physical Therapy from Ohio State in 1997. Jon currently holds an academic appointment as an Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. He teaches courses in anatomy, pathology, orthopedics, and sports medicine. He continues to treat patients and conduct research at Campbell Clinic. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in educational research at the University of Memphis. Formerly the director of rehabilitation for Samaritan Regional Health System in Ashland, Ohio, Jon has also worked as the Director of Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Coordinator for Campbell Clinic in Memphis, TN. Jon is currently a Certified Instructor for the VitalStim® Certification Course teaching NMES for the treatment of dysphagia. Jon’s professional appointments include Team Physical Therapist and Rehab Consultant for several semi-professional and professional sports teams. He is an NATABOC certified Athletic Trainer and a member of the APTA, Ohio PT Association, and Tennessee Athletic Trainers Association.

Financial Disclosure: Jon receives honoraria from CIAO Seminars for the presentation of this course. He also receives royalties for the purchase of his recorded course(s).
Non-financial Disclosure: There are no financial relationships to disclose.

John Kelly

M.P.T.

A graduate of the University of St. Augustine’s graduate Physical Therapy Program. John has over 17 years’ experience with acute inpatient and hospital-based outpatient rehabilitation and currently an outpatient clinical director for Siskin Rehabilitation Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. John continues to balance full time patient care with administrative responsibilities. John is NDT certified and an experienced manual orthopedic therapist working toward his clinical doctorate and manual therapy certification. John is a certified VitalStim® Instructor and has taught orthopaedic and electrotherapy courses across the country. John is an accomplished clinical instructor and consistently is recognized for his exceptional patient rapport and strong evaluations from course participants.

Financial Disclosure: John is a salaried employee for his position at Siskin Rehabilitation Hospital. John Kelly receives honoraria from CIAO Seminars for the presentation of his live courses. He also receives royalties for the purchase of his recorded course(s)
Non-financial Disclosure: No relevant non-financial relationship exists.

Yorick Wijting

PT, DPT

Yorick received his Physical Therapy degree in the Netherlands and his DPT at the University of St. Augustine, Florida. He has extensive training and practical experience in biophysical agents and teaches nationally and internationally to medical professionals on their therapeutic use. Yorick has been instrumental in developing the use of electrical stimulation by Speech Language Pathologists in the treatment of dysphagia. Yorick currently lives in California and runs his private practice in Gilroy, CA.

Financial Disclosure: Yorick receives honoraria from CIAO Seminars for the presentation of his live course(s) and royalties for the sale of his recorded course(s). Yorick is the author and an instructor for the VitalStim Therapy Specialty Program.
Non-Financial Disclosure: no relevant relationships exist

Penny Head

PT, PhD, SCS, ATC

Penny Head is an ABPTS Board Certified Specialist in sports physical therapy and an NATABOC Certified Athletic Trainer. With over 17 years’ experience Penny is currently the Clinical Director of Sports Medicine at Baptist Rehab Hospital in Tennessee. She has also worked as a Sports Medicine Coordinator and Director of Physical Therapy in a clinical setting. Penny is currently a guest lecturer and lab instructor at the University of Tennessee, her alma mater. Penny is also currently a Certified Instructor for the VitalStim® Certification Course teaching NMES for the treatment of dysphagia. She has served as Certified Athletic Trainer, Team Physical Therapist and Rehab Consultant to several athletic programs including the Memphis Redbirds. Penny is a member of APTA, Tennessee PT Association, and Tennessee Athletic Trainers Association.

Financial Disclosure: Penny receives honoraria from CIAO Seminars for the presentation of this course. She also receives royalties for the purchase of her recorded course(s)
Non-Financial Disclosure: No relevant relationships

Course Agenda

Day 1

08:00 - 08:30

Historical Background to Laser TX

08:30 - 10:00

Biophysics of Light and Laser Tx

10:00 - 10:15

Break

10:15 - 12:00

Neurophysiology relative to Low Level Laser Tx

12:00 - 01:00

Lunch

01:00 - 02:30

Evidence Based Clinical Protocols using LLLT (Lab and Theory)

02:30 - 03:15

Integration:Case Studies, Problem Solving

Contact hours pre-approved for:

CIAO is an AOTA Approved Provider #4119
7.0 Hrs OT/COTAs in FL (CE Broker #10-496765)
6.0 Hrs PT/PTAs in MN(#2590), NJ(#397-2007), OH(#06S1077)
6.0 Hrs PT/PTAs and OT/COTAs (unless otherwise noted)
CIAO is an IACET Approved CE Provider
CIAO is an Illinois Approved Provider for PT/PTA Continuing Education
CIAO is recognized as an Approved Provider for PT/PTAs by the NYSE Dept State Board for PT
This conference meets PDU Requirements for NBCOT
This course is approved by the CA Board of OT for Advanced Practice:
- 7.0 hrs Physical Agent Modalities CABOT#25-P1

CIAO is recognized on the NBCOT Provider Registry (meets PDU requirements for NBCOT)

The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

CIAO is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). CIAO complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, CIAO is accredited to issue the IACET CEU.