Monthly Archives: September 2007

Laser Therapy Advanced Training – Sports Injuries

Dear Colleague;

It is my pleasure to invite you to the second of our series of Advanced Training Courses in Low Intensity Laser Therapy .

The October event will focus on the treatment of sports injuries, including professional, amateur and recreational performers from the fields of football, hockey and baseball in addition to the performance arts (i.e. ballet, gymnastics, etc.).

The course will cover the appropriate treatment approach for an extensive range of pathological conditions and how to achieve optimal outcomes.

We hope that you will be able to attend and share the knowledge that our select panel of speakers will provide.

Sincerely,

Fred Kahn, M.D., F.R.C.S. (C)

Competitive Advantages of the BioFlex System compared to other products

It should be noted that the BioFlex System has a significant number of features differentiating it from other products.  The most important are:

  1. Scientifically developed and clinically researched protocols for application to specific disease entities
  2. A wide variety of adjustable treatment parameters permitting an infinite number of permutations and combinations of therapeutic protocols
  3. The highly effective three stage therapeutic approach 
  4. The ability to customize treatment, an invaluable component unique in the industry
  5. Flexible large surface treatment arrays
  6. Normal and pathology oriented anatomical tutor
  7. Hands-free treatment application
  8. Total accuracy, flexibility and reproducibility
  9. Effective in over 95% of patients treated
  10. Operation in both portable and stationary mode with all systems
  11. Instant electronic retrieval of patient files
  12. Permanent database including all aspects of patient information (i.e. diagnosis, therapy, billing records, etc.)
  13. Ongoing protocol updates that are easily incorporated into existing software
  14. Safety features ensuring completely safe operation of all systems  
  15. Sensors are incorporated in each BioFlex probe and array to indicate activity
  16. Systems can only be activated if array/probe in contact with tissues (prevents potential ocular damage)
  17. The BioFlex System is designed not only to provide therapy but also to facilitate "clinical research" by therapists (i.e. develop new protocols)

It should be noted that in over two million individual applications to date, a 95% significant improvement/cure rate has been achieved. Moreover throughout this process, no significant adverse effects have been observed. In applying the current standard of evidence-based medicine, it is clear that this System is the most advanced and sophisticated therapeutic device currently available on a global basis.   

The ability to prescribe over an almost infinite range of parameters makes the System unique. For example, if there are several areas of dermatological pathology in the same patient, one can initiate treatments based on standard protocols, utilizing a different approach for each area. This quickly allows the therapist to determine the most effective clinical response, with variations based on genetic and environmental influences.  The System allows a balanced approach permitting the development of protocols on an individualized basis. This process is referred to as "customization."  This method accommodates a variety of factors, some of which may be unknown and will allow the therapist to develop the correct protocols for each situation, particularly when the standard therapy is less than effective or plateaus.

In contrast, today's pharmacological practice prescribes the same dose of medication to the 250 lb. male and the 90 lb. female.  It should be evident to anyone that this is inappropriate, yet most prescriptions are dispensed in this fashion.  By comparing the rationale and elegance of the laser approach, one can easily comprehend the logic for individualization of therapeutic protocols.  Unquestionably, this is one of the most important aspects of effective therapy. 

In summary, the above points are just a few of the characteristics differentiating the BioFlex System from other devices.

Commentary on Studies regarding Efficacy of LILT

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to review Jan Tunér's article entitled, "Is the Blue Cross Meta analysis Reliable?" This again, is an excellent review of the many aspects of Low Intensity Laser Therapy.

Most importantly, it points out the lack of standardization in applying Laser Therapy to various tissues, therefore it is impossible to draw conclusions from many studies.

The article delineates that many lesions vary from the norm and classification of the lesion is critical, in order to characterize any study. Moreover, it points out the importance of wavelength, dosage, duration and other parameters utilized in any treatment. Unless such factors are standardized, the study cannot be deemed reliable and no conclusions with regard to the effectiveness of Laser Therapy can be derived from it. It is important for all Laser Therapists to recognize these differentiations.

Another study commenting on the efficacy of Laser Therapy for musculoskeletal and skin disorders by Beckerman, et al., at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, indicates that in a criteria based Meta analysis involving over 1,700 patients, studies with a positive outcome were generally of a better quality than studies with a negative outcome. Further comment  discusses the methodological quality of the 36 randomized clinical trials comprising the 1,700 patients included study and indicates that many studies were considered of low quality. Moreover, it found specifically that for rheumatoid arthritis, joint trauma and myofascial pain, laser had a substantial positive therapeutic effect.

The above certainly confirms my opinion that if laser is applied in relatively random fashion, without due attention to wavelength, waveform, frequency, duty cycle, energy density, etc. the information obtained may not be useful. When attention is paid to detail, conclusions have a higher degree of validity.

Herniated Discs No Match For Laser Therapy

Last Friday, we had a surprise visit from an old patient, Gerard Mol, a farmer from Prince Edward Island (PEI). Farming today has become more of a corporate venture and Gerard represents that form of endeavour, managing several hundred acres of various crops, including those wonderful potatoes, famous throughout the world.
Mr. Mol originally came to us in June 2006 with a long-standing history of back pain, subsequent to an injury 8 years earlier. His symptoms had been acute, present in excess of one year and were relatively incapacitating. There was “sciatic pain” and all meaningful physical activities were totally restricted. After many different therapies and consultations with a number of specialists, his condition had not improved. He had come to the conclusion that if Laser Therapy were not effective, he would be forced to “sell the farm.”
Radiological findings revealed herniated discs at L4,5 and L5-S1 levels. In addition there was extensive degenerative osteoarthritis, secondary to the heavy lifting the patient had performed over the years. A highly competent neurosurgeon had previously reviewed his situation and the decision to operate was reserved, in view of the extensive pathology.
Clinical examination when he presented at Meditech revealed a minimal range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine. There was a reverse scoliosis, flattening of the lumbar lordosis and the patient was in such acute pain that he had to be treated daily at a hotel near the clinic, initially. After three to four days, he was able to come to the clinic and at the end of two weeks, his symptoms were markedly reduced.
To maintain his status, Gerard with the assistance of a nurse he brought from PEI were trained to use the Professional System at home, in order to continue the healing process and prevent recurrence. This has been completely successful. Indeed, at this time, his spine is normal in appearance, he continues to be completely asymptomatic and he has regained total functionality with regard to range of motion of the spine and activity levels.
Mr. Mol, being a responsible citizen, used his business talents to establish the first Laser Therapy clinic in Prince Edward Island and he is in the process of enlarging this clinic with the addition of more systems to serve the population of his island. Meditech salutes Gerard for his perceptiveness in choosing the right treatment, leading by example and establishing an institution that will be a benefit to the people of PEI.