Laser Safety in Sports Rehabilitation

At Marquette University, the athletic training department uses a Class 4 near infrared laser to help athletes recover from injuries. The laser is not in an enclosed or isolated space, and wearing protective eyewear is not enforced. Recognizing the absence of safety protocols surrounding this powerful laser, I identified a need to bridge the gap between the Athletics and Physics communities. I brought this problem to Dr. Jax Sanders in the Marquette Physics Department, and we co-authored a paper to address the issue. Our primary objective was to provide easily understandable information on how the laser operates and emphasize the importance of implementing safety guidelines. By 'shedding light' on the risks associated with the laser and educating athletes and trainers, we aimed to promote a safer environment in which the laser is used.