Although The Apollo Portable Cold Laser, requires a license, it does offer a unique advantage over many other low level lasers. Apollo Physical Therapy Products has developed a portable product (battery operated). The portability makes it great for coaches as it can be used on the field to reduce pain and swelling associated with athletic injuries. The system is designed with a 60 second count down timer. The practitioner uses this timer to consistently deliver a measured amount of energy into each treatment area. The hand held unit weights less than 1.8 lb and comes with a key to limit unauthorized usage. The bright green display shows current battery level and the system can operate for about 2hrs with 2000 mW Cluster Probe. This unit is fixed output making it simple to use

This system can be purchased with either a GaAlAs pinpoint laser and an optional cluster probe. The 250 mW 810nm pinpoint laser is designed to be used similarly to an acupuncture needles. It can be used focus the energy in a specific part of the body to release energy similarly to a acupuncturist.

"Apollo Portable Cold Laser System

The 810nm cluster probe is a good feature because it allows a relatively high power density (2500mW/cm2) over a larger area. The larger treatment area means that the treatment is more likely to effect the "sweet spot" of the aggravated area. This is especially critical when dealing with pain and inflammation in a joint area. A Pinpoint laser typically treat such a small area that they may never actually deliver energy where it is most needed. The total power for the cluster is 2000 mW.

Apollo claims that their system is the most effective, portable therapeutic laser on the market today. With Treatment times are often less than 2 minutes,this system is mainly focused on alternative medicine practitioners who want to supplement their service with the addition of cold laser treatments.

In the lab, this system has shown promising result for the treatment of inflammation and the pain associated with joint damage. Although some patients may be a benefit from just one treatment, most patients need multiple treatments. This may be due to the fact that the exact location inside the body where the inflammation is starting must receive a "direct hit" for the laser for maximum impact. Although a seasoned practitioner may know where to target for specific problem, many resulting reactions are caused referrals from another area.

Apollo Cold Laser were recently discussed in the NASA Tech Briefs (Nov 2009).

Specifications

2000mW Laser Cluster Probe

Optical Output Power 2000mW (4 x 500mW Emitters)
Wavelength 810nm +/-5nm
Output Frequency Continuous Wave
Beam Divergence 9 x 38o
Power Density 2500mW/cm2 per Emitter
Emitter Type GaAlAs Semiconductor Laser Diode
Weight <1.0 lb

250mW Single Laser Probe

Optical Output Power 250 mW (1 x 250mW Emitter)
Wavelength 810nm +/-5nm
Output Frequency Continuous Wave
Beam Divergence 9 x 38o
Power Density 5000mW/cm2
Emitter Type GaAlAs Semiconductor Laser Diode
Weight <0.5 lb

Control Unit

Treatment Timer 60-second count down timer
Mode of Operation Continuous
Operating Frequency Continuous Wave
Duty Factor 100%
Batteries 10x 1.2V 2.5Ah NiMH Rechargeable Cells
Battery Operation ~2hrs with 2000mW Cluster Probe
Power Adapter In: 100~250VAC 50~60Hz  Out: 18VDC 1.3A
Dimensions (l x w x h) 9" x 4" x 2"
Weight 1.8 lb

 

The Apollo laser system comes with a 36 Months Parts & Labor and requires no mandatory servicing.