Canadian Medical Guide > Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment > Therapeutics > Physical Therapy Techniques > Phototherapy Terms and Definitions

Phototherapy

Medical Definition:	Treatment of disease by exposure to light, especially by variously concentrated light rays or specific wavelengths.
Guide Notes:	coord disease with /ther, not /radiother; PHOTOCHEMOTHERAPY, COLOR THERAPY & ULTRAVIOLET THERAPY are also available
Previously Indexed:	Jaundice, Neonatal/therapy (1966-1980),Light/therapeutic use (1967-1980)

Phototherapy Categories.

	Heliotherapy - The treatment of disease by exposing the body to the sun's rays; the therapeutic use of sunbathing. (From Dorland, 27th ed)
	Laser Therapy, Low-Level - Treatment using irradiation with light at low power intensities and with wavelengths in the range 540nm-830nm. The effects are thought to be mediated by a photochemical reaction that alters CELL MEMBRANE PERMEABILITY, leading to increased mRNA synthesis and CELL PROLIFERATION. The effects are not due to heat, as in LASER SURGERY. Low-level laser therapy has been used in general medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry for a wide variety of conditions, but most frequently for wound healing and pain control.
	Ultraviolet Therapy - The use of ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation in the treatment of disease, usually of the skin. This is the part of the sun's spectrum that causes sunburn and tanning. Ultraviolet A, used in PUVA, is closer to visible light and less damaging than Ultraviolet B, which is ionizing.

Phototherapy Medical Definitions and Terms

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