Photobiomodulation therapy for osteoarthritis: Mechanisms of action

Table 2 Photobiomodulation treatment parameters

Parameters	SI units	Additional notes
Exposure duration	Seconds (sec)	Some tissues may require more or less exposure duration, depending on the physical traits of the patient. For instance, obese individuals
Radiant exposure	Joules per centimeter squared (J/cm2)	Intensity of the equipment must be adequately regulated depending on the different points to be irradiated. If the power density is too low, extending the irradiation time to reach the ideal energy density may not give an adequate final result. This should not be confused with “dose”
Number of irradiated points	-	Left to practitioner’s decision depending on the treatment plan
Area irradiated	Centimeter squared (cm2)	Area of target tissue must be carefully measured with precision for optimal results
Manual technique	-	Physicians must keep consistent pressure against the target point to ensure optimal delivery and penetration into the target tissue
Total number of sesssions	-	Number may vary depending on how the patient responds to the treatment
Session intervals
Irradiance at target point	Milliwatts per centimeter squared (mW/cm2)	This parameter must be adequately regulated depending on the different points to be irradiated, otherwise, the absorption of photons will not be sufficient to attain the desired result. Additionally, very high intensities may generate excessive heat
Beam spot size at target point	Centimeter squared (cm2)	This must be carefully measured with precision for optimal results
Radiant energy	Joules (J)	Different tissues may require more or less energy according to the patient’s unique physical attributes (e.g. skin pigmentation and mass)
Total radiant energy	Joules (J)	The total accumulated energy delivered per session and over all sessions

SI Units: International System of Units.