In laser therapy, what does "continuous wave" refer to?

In laser therapy, "continuous wave" refers to a continuous emission of laser light, meaning that the laser produces a steady and uninterrupted beam of light over a specified duration. This type of output is beneficial for delivering consistent energy levels to the treatment area, which can enhance the effectiveness of the therapy for a range of conditions, including pain relief and tissue healing.

Continuous wave lasers are particularly useful for applications that require sustained energy delivery to achieve desired therapeutic effects, whereas other types of laser outputs, such as pulsed or intermittent emissions, may have different applications and benefits that are not necessarily aligned with situations requiring constant energy delivery. Continuous wave lasers can penetrate deeper into tissues, making them ideal for treating chronic pain or deeper tissue injuries, as the uninterrupted wave can accumulate energy in the targeted area.