MESA , Ariz. , June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of the Low Level Laser to use for pain relief in patients suffering from chronic and acute pain. The laser, which is used by Lance Armstrong and the U.S. postal team on the Tour de France, has been proven through extensive testing to significantly reduce the level of pain symptomatic with a number of ailments.

Low Level Laser has become widespread amongst the athletic community. Pro golfers such as Steve Jones use the laser as part of their regular physical therapy treatments between tournaments. Bob Watson of Major League Baseball recently started using the PL 5000(TM) for pain management. In a recent letter to the president of Erchonia, Watson wrote, "I am so impressed with the laser, and its healing properties, I am now recommending it to my family, friends and business associates."

The impact of this revolutionary new type of treatment is no more evident than in the world of endurance athletics. Anyone who runs, bikes, hikes or swims experiences pain at some point, usually in the knees, back and shoulders. The Low Level Laser has taken the endurance world by storm as a safe and extremely effective treatment for pain management and as a permanent treatment method.

By contrast to the high-power, high-heat lasers that are used in various surgical procedures, Low Level Lasers produce a low-level, or cold, output that has no thermal effect on the body's tissue. Instead, the laser serves to stimulate biological function positively. Low-level laser therapy is commonly used to treat conditions such as acute and chronic pain in a number of medical areas without negative side effects.