 THERALASE WHITE PAPER NOW AVAILABLE! UNDERSTANDING THE MECHANISMS OF LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY (LLLT) | |
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a rapidly growing modality used in rehabilitation and physical therapy. A number of safe and beneficial therapeutic effects of LLLT have been reported in numerous clinical conditions; however, despite many reports of positive findings from experiments conducted in-vitro, in animal models and in randomized controlled clinical trials worldwide, the use of this scientifically grounded, non-invasive, anti-inflammatory and regulatory modality has yet to find mainstream adoption by medical doctors. | |
Monday, November 14, 2011
UNDERSTANDING THE MECHANISMS OF LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY (LLLT)
Current Research in Low Level Laser Therapy - Free Webinar Nov 16
CURRENT RESEARCH IN |
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Why More is Less and What is Best
LLLT is a fast growing field of medicine recognized by every major industrialized nation in the world, offering painless, non-invasive and highly effective drug-free solutions. Able to treat a plethora of neural muscular skeletal conditions, LLLT is often the only solution that is available to the highly trained practitioner to control disease when conventional therapies have come up lacking.
Unfortunately, LLLT is yet to achieve universal recognition by the medical community due to the confusion in the marketplace caused by the many poorly designed clinical studies in the published literature promulgated by researchers who lack the formal training in the rigors of proper scientific and clinical study methodologies. These unscientific and poorly designed clinical studies do more harm than good for the LLLT field, as the large number of patients who could substantially benefit from this modern miracle called LLLT are denied the service because their attending practitioners remain unconvinced of the technology. I have used many different laser devices over the past 20 years in my career and I must say that no two lasers are created equal. The best therapeutic laser I have used is one from one of the oldest and most respected cold laser manufacturers in the world; namely, Theralase Inc., based out of Toronto, Canada. The Theralase TLC-1000 laser system is Health Canada, FDA and European Union approved as a class 3B superpulsed therapeutic medical laser device. The Theralase’s advanced LLLT proprietary technology encompasses potent and complementary bioregulatory mechanisms achieved using visible red 660 nm and near infrared superpulsed (NIR) 905 nm laser light.
The Theralase superpulsed laser has the distinction of being one of the fastest in the world - delivering pulses at 200 billionths of a second, producing average powers of 100 mW and peak powers up to 50,000 mW per diode. These unique parameters result in a higher concentration of light energy (I₀), or photon density at tissue depth versus any known competitive technology, without the risk of burning tissue.
While continuous wave (CW) and standard pulsed lasers (PW) are limited to less than 1 to 2 cm of therapeutically effective depth of penetration, the Theralase superpulsed (SP) NIR laser technology is able to demonstrate therapeutic effect at up to 10 cm below the tissue surface. This allows Theralase’s superpulsed technology to target deep tissue structures such as: bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. In the literature, Theralase’s 905 nm superpulsed technology has been proven to be more effective than a 905 nm CW laser treatment1, thus it is the superpulsing of the Theralase technology which creates this difference.
In conjunction with its 905 nm superpulsed technology, Theralase combines 660 nm continuous wave technology leading to a synergistic therapeutic effect operating via direct photochemical and photophysical cellular events. The therapeutic optical windows of 660 nm and 905 nm laser light utilised by Theralase’s LLLT technology correspond with the absorption and the action spectra optical windows of the key mitochondria chromophores, such as cytochrome c oxidase and the cellular membrane lipids. Moreover, it is apparent that 660 nm and 905 nm light have an impact on the mitochondrial chromophores via independent and nitric oxide mediated photochemical and photophysical mechanisms.1,2,3 Hence the combination of 660 nm and 905 nm light is proven to have an additive biologic effect compared to any individual wavelengths. This biologic effect is further amplified by these two wavelengths activating and targeting the proximal and distal therapeutic mechanisms, in tissues, which induce bioregulatory responses that effectively modulate local and systemic pathologic manifestations in the Theralase LLLT treated patients.
According to Brown et al., mitochondria produce and consume nitric oxide (NO) and NO stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis, apparently via the upregulation of nucleotides like ATP and transcriptional factors like nuclear factor kappa B (Nf-kB).⁽⁴⁾
Therefore, it can be strongly suggested that the Theralase LLLT induced NO can reprogram cellular function, mainly via oxidative stress and changes of mitochondrial temperature gradient due to a process similar to selective photothermolysis, and thus initiate a cascade of local and systemic therapeutic signalling1. These signal transduction pathways may lead to increased cell activation and traffic, modulation of regulatory cytokines, growth factors and inflammatory mediators and expression of protective anti-apoptotic proteins.⁽⁵⁾⁽⁶⁾
The results of these molecular and cellular changes in animals and humans integrate such benefits as: increased healing in chronic wounds, improvements in sports injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome, pain reduction in arthritis and neuropathies, amelioration of damage after heart attacks, strokes or nerve injury and alleviation of chronic inflammation and toxicity.⁽⁷⁾⁽⁹⁾
There is certainly more than one reaction involved in the primary mechanisms of LLLT and there is reason to believe that all of these processes occur simultaneously when a tissue is irradiated. Experimental data clearly supports the use of 660 nm and 905 nm laser light as the best choices, based on their role in the modulation of redox mitochondrial function, changes in the properties of terminal enzymes and the cellular signalling that are critical steps in the bioregulatory mechanisms of LLLT.
In closing, I must report that there is a perplexity in the literature pertaining to the direct photoacceptor or the light absorbing chromophore for near infrared light (NIR). Manufacturer’s marketing materials are particularly rich with assumptions about the prime molecular photoacceptor and mechanisms of the light within the 800 to 880 nm range; however, the clinical literature shows no strong evidence that cytochrome c oxidase has strong absorption in the 800 to 880 nm range. Therefore, although photobiological effects in the 800 to 880 light range are ascribed to light absorption by mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, the low absorbance in this region makes scientists highly question it.⁽⁷⁾⁽⁹⁾
Class 3B versus Class 4 Lasers
There is a slew of false information in the public domain regarding the effectiveness and cellular mechanisms activated during class 4 laser light irradiation. Many class 4 laser manufacturers are intentionally or unintentionally misleading healthcare practitioners into believing that higher power and longer near infrared wavelengths equate to deeper tissue penetration and better clinical efficacy. Nothing could be further from the truth. Particularly disturbing are claims made by manufacturers of Class 4 laser technologies emitting in the 808, 880, 970 and 980 nm wavelengths.
Unfortunately, all of these claims turn out to be fancy sales gimmicks, as they have not the standing in the clinical or scientific journals to support their claims. The clinical and scientific facts are clear that because of the very high absorption of NIR laser light by water at wavelengths greater than 950 nm, 99% of the energy produced at this wavelength or above is absorbed before penetrating the dermis of the skin, leading to a high risk of thermal damage and a low depth of penetration. Promoting that a laser is a class 4 laser states absolutely no information about the wavelength of the device, but simply informs the purchaser about the risk of thermal tissue damage. A CO2 laser (wavelength = 10,600 nm), for example, is a common class 4 laser that is absorbed in the first 10 microns (0.0004 inches) of tissue, thus primarily in the epidermis. The same holds for the excimer (XeCl, wavelength = 308 nm) laser which is also absorbed in the epidermis. At 970 and 980 nm, the depth of penetration is less than 300 microns (< 0.01 inches), thus total absorption is achieved within the dermis of the skin. For any given wavelength, the tissue properties are determined by the scattering and absorption coefficients of the specific tissue structures resident in the tissue. These scattering and absorption coefficients determine the penetration depths and ultimately govern the overall depth of penetration of a laser beam. Now a Class 4 laser typically has higher incident power and larger treatment area, but the depth of penetration is superficial and is restricted to a few hundred microns at best (i.e.: the top layer of the dermis). Even with higher incident powers and large treatment areas there is no biochemical effect due to lack of cellular mechanism activation; therefore, the thermal effects of a class 4 laser are the only mechanism of action remaining. Once the thermal effects of tissue have been exceeded, tissue damage is imminent.
Certain manufacturers use the limited knowledge of their customers to claim that a Class 4 laser has greater efficacy than a class 3B laser. This is unsubstantiated rubbish. Laser classification is only used according to IEC-825 guidelines to determine the possible risk for eye and skin damage and has nothing to do with the efficiency in treatment. Laser classification is determined by not just a question of optical output power, but also wavelength, divergence of the beam, emission area, pulsing parameters, exposure rates, et cetera. Regarding Class 4 high power lasers, it has not been proven in the scientific and clinical literature that high power is better than low power, in fact the opposite has been proven to be true. As I have mentioned above, there is a therapeutic “optical” response window between 600 and 950 nm and a biphasic dose response curve governed by the Arndt-Schulz law, within which the positive bioregulatory effects occur.
The use of LLLT in animals and humans almost exclusively involves light in the range above 600 nm and below 950 nm with the maximum effective “optical window” ranging from 650 nm to 930 nm.⁽¹⁰⁾
As an example, a class 4 laser emitting 880 and 970 nm laser light at 10 W average power with a beam surface area of 10 cm² producing a radiant exposure of 1000 mW / cm², thus exceeding the safe exposure limits known as the Maximum Permissible Exposure limits (“MPE”), which range from 200 mW to 500 mW / cm² depending on wavelength. Therefore, these devices need to be treated as thermal invasive devices, period!
The use of class 4 lasers have a high potential of delivering non optimal treatment doses of energy due to their lack of penetration and excessive MPE; thus presenting a greater risk of burning patients, particularly with dark hair follicles. Let’s say that you wish to deliver energy to a tissue surface of 1 cm² with a dose of 10 joules/cm² of energy. With a 10 Watt laser this takes one second of treatment time. If however you wished to deliver 2 to 4 joules of energy to the same surface area, which is a more common therapeutic dose, this would take 0.2 to 0.4 seconds. Most Class 4 manufacturers treat up to 5 minutes with their technology, thus they have exceeded the therapeutic dose of tissue not only in wavelength by being outside the optical window, but also in power by exceeding the MPE by 20 times and the therapeutic dose by 500 times. This logic suggests that too much power and the wrong wavelength simply equates to the expense of more money without the requisite return in better clinical effects. I therefore regard lasers with output powers exceeding 500 mW as unnecessarily strong and downright dangerous to conduct LLLT treatments.
Class 4 lasers for phototherapy is not new and not innovative, as such lasers have been on the market for years but have been approved strictly for surgical applications; such as: general surgery and tissue ablation for port wine stains, spider veins, et cetera. Just advertising the advantage that a laser is class 4 and hence, is a better instrument then a class 3B laser is akin to claiming that the Chrysler 600 is a better vehicle than the Mercedes Benz 500, just because the number is higher.
The above criticism is directed towards the gross generalizations and false claims of vendors of Class 4 lasers who purport their use for therapeutic purposes, not against the use of class 4 lasers for their eligible claims in laser surgery and tissue ablation. One thing remains certain, current scientific and clinical research proves that class 3B lasers are best suited for therapeutic applications and class 4 lasers are best suited for tissue destruction.
Bibliography:
1) In vivo effects of low level laser therapy on inducible nitric oxide synthase. Moriyama Y, Nguyen J, Akens M, Moriyama EH, Lilge L. 3, March 2009, Lasers Surg Med, Vol. 41, pp. 227 -231)
2) Primary and secondary mechanisms of action of visible to near-IR radiation on cells. T, Karu. 1, Mar 1999, Photochem Photobiol, Vol. 49, pp. 1-17
3) Mechanisms of Low Level Light Therapy, T.N, Hamblin M.R and Demidova. [ed.] SPIE. 2006. Vol. 614001
4) Nitric oxide and mitochondria. GC. Brown. 12, Jan 2007, Front Biosci, Vol. 1, pp. 1024-1033
5) Novel effects of nitric oxide. Davis KL, Martin E, Turko IV, Murad F. 2001, Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol, Vol. 41, pp. 203-236
6) Nitric oxide prevents axonal degeneration by inducing HIF-1-dependent expression of erythropoietin. Keswani SC, Bosch-Marcé M, Reed N, Fischer A, Semenza GL, Höke A. 12, Mar 2011, Proc Natl Acad Sci, Vol. 108, pp. 4986-4990
7) Cellular Cromophores and Signaling in Low Level Light Therapy. T, Hamblin M.R. and Demidova –Rice. [ed.] SPIE. 2011. Vol. 6428, pp. 642802-1
8) ((Powers L, Blumberg WE, Chance B, Barlow CH, Leigh JS Jr, Smith J, Yonetani T,Vik S, Peisach J. The nature of the copper atoms of cytochrome c oxidase as studied by optical and x-ray absorption edge spectroscopy. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1979 Jun 5; 546(3):520-38
9) Beinert H, Shaw RW, Hansen RE, Hartzell CR. Studies on the origin of the near-infrared (800-900 nm) absorption of cytochrome c oxidase. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1980 Jul 8; 591(2):458-70)
10) (Biostimulatory windows in low-intensity laser activation: lasers, scanners, and NASA's light-emitting diode array system. Sommer AP, Pinheiro AL, Mester AR, Franke RP, Whelan HT. 1, Feb 2001, Clin Laser Med Surg, Vol. 19, pp. 29-33)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
THERALASE INTRODUCES TLC CONTROLLERLESS SERIES
COST EFFECTIVE THERALASE TLC CONTROLLERLESS SERIES is now available in 3 different power levels*
Theralase has just made the TLC-1000 more affordable by introducing the "Controllerless Series". Both patients and therapists are provided the same super-pulsed dual wavelength technology with high patient efficacy and low hands-on treatment time as the TLC-1000, but without the controller.
MULTIPLE PROBE
Near Infrared Laser Diode: 5x905 nm:
High*
• Average power: 100 mW
• Peak power: 50,000 mW
Medium*
• Average power: 75 mW
• Peak power: 37,500 mW
Low*
• Average power: 50 mW
• Peak power: 25,000 mW
Visible Red Laser Diode: 4x660 nm:
• Average power: 25 mW
Treatment area size: 20 cm2
TRIPLE PROBE
Near Infrared Laser Diode: 1x905 nm:
• Average power: 100 mW
• Peak power: 50,000 mW
Visible Red Laser Diode: 2x660:
• Average power: 25 mW
Treatment area size: 3 cm2
SINGLE PROBE
Near Infrared Laser Diode: 1x905 nm
(collimated):
• Average power: 100 mW
• Peak power: 50,000 mW
Treatment area: 0.1 cm2
Please call for special introductory pricing
www.theralase.com
Toll Free: 1.866.843.5273
Tel: 1.416.447.8455
102-29 Gervais Dr. Toronto Ontario
M3C 1Y9 Canada
Theralase has just made the TLC-1000 more affordable by introducing the "Controllerless Series". Both patients and therapists are provided the same super-pulsed dual wavelength technology with high patient efficacy and low hands-on treatment time as the TLC-1000, but without the controller.
MULTIPLE PROBE
Near Infrared Laser Diode: 5x905 nm:
High*
• Average power: 100 mW
• Peak power: 50,000 mW
Medium*
• Average power: 75 mW
• Peak power: 37,500 mW
Low*
• Average power: 50 mW
• Peak power: 25,000 mW
Visible Red Laser Diode: 4x660 nm:
• Average power: 25 mW
Treatment area size: 20 cm2
Near Infrared Laser Diode: 1x905 nm:
• Average power: 100 mW
• Peak power: 50,000 mW
Visible Red Laser Diode: 2x660:
• Average power: 25 mW
Treatment area size: 3 cm2
Near Infrared Laser Diode: 1x905 nm
(collimated):
• Average power: 100 mW
• Peak power: 50,000 mW
Treatment area: 0.1 cm2
Please call for special introductory pricing
www.theralase.com
Toll Free: 1.866.843.5273
Tel: 1.416.447.8455
102-29 Gervais Dr. Toronto Ontario
M3C 1Y9 Canada
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Theralase Successfully Expands Cancer Destruction Applications
Brain and Colon Cancer Cells Killed by Light Activated Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDCs) - Suggesting a Promising Approach for Cancer Therapy
Toronto, Ontario – October 27, 2011, Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: TLT) announced today results of investigational studies demonstrating destruction of specific brain and colon cancer cell lines, when successfully treated with Theralase’s patented light activated Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDCs).
Roger Dumoulin-White, President and CEO of Theralase stated, “This new research expands the application of Theralase’s patented PDC technology in the cancer field and introduces the potential for a successful impact on two devastating forms of cancer; specifically, brain and colon cancer. Our research has demonstrated a significant kill rate of greater than 90% in specific human brain and colon cancer cells lines. These results now lay the groundwork for further pre-clinical trials, which if proved successful may lead to human clinical trials. Theralase plans to aggressively pursue commercialization of its ground-breaking PDT technology through the accelerated FDA regulatory approval process. This FDA process “fast-tracks” approval when a treatment is shown, through proven success rate, to have a positive impact on serious, life-threatening medical conditions for which no other drug or treatment exists or is as effective. Theralase also plans to continue its research and development to optimize its PDCs, from the same platform, to destroy a variety of life threatening cancers.”
Dr. Arkady Mandel , Chief Scientific Officer at Theralase Inc. stated, “We are extremely pleased with our results. Remarkably, with only 10 minutes of light exposure by Theralase’s proprietary light source is sufficient to effectively energize Theralase’s patented Photo Dynamic Compounds to destroy human brain and colon cancer cells in-vitro. Moreover, initial drug stability testing suggests that the efficacy of the PDC was not compromised even after one year of storage at appropriate conditions. This suggests a highly stable compound, which is an important consideration in product clinical development and commercialization. Further studies are planned to correlate these findings with improvement in brain and colon cancer survival.”
About Theralase Technologies Inc.
Theralase Technologies Inc. founded in 1995, designs, develops, manufactures and markets patented, superpulsed laser technology utilized in biostimulation and biodestruction applications. The technology is safe and effective in the treatment of chronic pain, neural muscular-skeletal conditions and wound healing. When combined with its patented, light-sensitive Photo Dynamic Compounds, Theralase laser technology is able to specifically target and destroy cancers, bacteria, viruses as well as microbial pathogens associated with food contamination. For further information please visit www.theralase.com, regulatory filings may be viewed by visiting www.sedar.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchanges) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For More Information
Roger Dumoulin-White
President & CEO,
416-447-8455 ext. 225
Greg Bewsh
Director of Investor Relations,
416-447-8455 ext. 262
Monday, October 24, 2011
Therapeutic Choices for Rehabilitation
Cold Laser Therapy and Patient Programs
Written by Rhonda Mostyn, BSc, DC, Cert LT Rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries involves integrating the best possible therapeutic tools at the optimal phases of healing. It’s kind of like baking. Use the finest chocolate in your cake, mix all the ingredients properly and you’ll turn out a quality dessert. For the patient, the dessert is simply feeling and functioning better in the fastest time possible. With new therapeutic products promoted on a regular basis, practitioners must make informed decisions when choosing the most effective tools for their patient programs. Technological advances in health-care products have made coming to these decisions even more challenging as the practitioner is obligated to stay up to date with new technology. As well, patients are more likely to “shop around” for the best choices in therapy. Lateral epicondylitis cold laser treatment. For rehabilitation practitioners, as well as patients, cold laser therapy, an emerging technology, has become a frequent therapeutic choice. In this article we’ll look at why cold lasers have gained popularity in the area of injury rehabilitation.
EFFECTS ON HEALING: INFLAMMATION
Healing of soft tissue injuries can be generalized into three key phases: (1) initial inflammatory phase, (2) tissue repair stage, and (3) remodelling phase.1 The goal of integrating laser into the patient’s rehabilitation program will be to hasten or re-activate the healing process by stimulating each of these phases of healing.
The initial inflammatory phase, characterized by pain, swelling, redness and warmth, is an important stage of healing. Monocytes and macrophages aid in clearing necrotic material and angiogenesis takes place. In the case of rehabilitation of chronic injuries, inflammation has often been prolonged and is interfering with the progress to subsequent phases of healing.
Initiating cold laser therapy in the early stages of healing reduces the incidence of chronic inflammatory conditions. One of the most important functions of cold laser therapy is that it stimulates the metabolism of cells in damaged tissue and leads to increased cellular byproducts, including ATP. This increase in ATP can then be used to fuel an array of reparative processes required for healing in the tissues. The formation of new blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and collagen fibres is stimulated. Laser therapy also produces temporary vasodilation of blood vessels and activation of lymphatic vessels. The increased blood flow in the area helps to clear away inflammatory products while the enhanced lymphatic drainage removes the interstitial fluid that builds up in the inflamed site.
COLD LASERS AND TISSUE REPAIR
In addition to clearing away inflammation, cold laser therapy plays an important role in tissue repair. When damaged tissue is irradiated by laser, the number of fibroblasts in the tissue increases. Fibroblasts actively create new collagen by synthesizing the collagen precursor procollagen and modifying the procollagen into tropocollagen. The tropocollagen assembles into collagen fibrils, which then assemble into collagen fibres. New collagen fibres are then used to repair damaged tissue in the area, including ligaments, tendons and muscles.
Research has shown that chronic overuse injuries such as tendinosis are associated with a failed healing response in which the body’s fibroblasts produce abnormal tendon and ligament collagen.2,3 The normal parallel bundled fibre structure is disturbed; the continuity of the collagen is lost, with disorganized fibre structure and evidence of both collagen repair and collagen degeneration. Laser therapy, on the other hand, has been shown to promote new tissue fibres that are well organized and have up to 30 per cent greater tensile strength.
IMPROVED STRENGTH OF LIGAMENTS AND TENDONS
Fung et al. studied the morphology of collagen fibrils in healing medial collateral ligaments (MCL) in rats. The MCLs were surgically transected and were divided into three groups: those receiving laser treatment at a higher power (63.2 J/cm2), those receiving laser treatment at a reduced power (31.6 J/cm2), and a control group receiving no laser treatment. When the MCLs were examined at three and six weeks post surgery by electron microscopy, the researchers discovered that both laser-treated groups showed an increase in collagen fibril size.4
In a separate study, Oliveira et al. looked at the effect of laser therapy on healing of transacted Achilles tendons in rats. The researchers used polarization microscopy to examine and compare the collagen fibres in healing tendons of rats irradiated with laser compared with those in a control group. Their results supported an improvement in collagen fibre organization in the laser-treated group over the controls.5
WHERE DOES LASER FIT IN?
Laser therapy should be initiated from the first phase of rehabilitation to decrease inflammation and promote tissue healing. Decreased inflammation will aid in pain reduction and tissue healing will limit atrophy and fibrosis in tissues. In this author’s experience, the number of sessions required is largely dependent on the chronicity of the injury. Treatment initiated early in an acute injury may only require two to three weeks of care, whereas laser therapy initiated at a later phase, or for a chronic injury, will require about four to six weeks of treatment.
A COMMON PRESENTATION: LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS
There have been many studies reporting the efficacy of cold laser therapy treatment for lateral epicondylitis.6,7,8 Oken, et al. compared the effects of cold laser therapy to bracing or ultrasound in a prospective, randomized controlled trial. They divided 58 patients into three groups: bracing plus exercise, ultrasound plus exercise, and CLT plus exercise. Results from this study showed that bracing had a shorter beneficial effect than did ultrasound and laser therapy in reducing pain, and that laser was more effective than bracing and ultrasound in improving grip strength after treatment.9 In another study, Stergioulas compared treatment with a combination of laser and plyometric exercises to sham laser and plyometric exercises in 50 patients. Patients were treated for eight weeks, one to two times per week. The laser plus exercise group had a significant decrease in pain, increase in wrist range of motion and in grip strength and improved weight test results compared to the exercise only group at eight weeks of treatments and at eight weeks followup.10
Laser treatment for rehabilitation of this injury should be focused on repairing damage and minimizing fibrosis at the point of attachment of extensor carpi radialis brevis at the lateral elbow. Treatment can also be performed over the forearm extensor muscles to increase microcirculation and relax the muscles. Laser light is well absorbed by chromophore-rich blood, which is abundant in most tissues. However, relatively avascular structures such as tendons require relatively higher doses of laser light. A typical course of laser treatments for chronic lateral epicondylitis would require three to six weeks of treatments, scheduled a minimum of twice weekly.
CHOOSING A LASER FOR YOUR FACILITY
Once a rehabilitation practitioner has decided that a cold laser device will be an efficacious addition to their patient programs, they should spend time investigating and comparing laser systems. It’s important to choose a system that will best fit with their facility. For instance, if a large proportion of patients present with lower back pain or myofascial syndromes, a system with multiple lasers would be best to cover these large treatment areas. Short treatment times are very valuable in high-volume clinics in keeping pace with patient demand. Portability of the laser may be important in large facilities with several practitioners and treatment rooms. For any facility, a system that is easy to learn and operate is always best. The practitioner should also ensure that extensive training and support materials are included to minimize time out of their busy schedule for training new staff.
Although all cold lasers are not created equal, research supports this technology as an effective tool for healing musculoskeletal injuries. This research is valuable but it is not the key to the rising popularity of lasers in rehabilitation. Satisfied patients and practitioners drive this trend. An increase in high-quality laser products accommodates the needs of various facilities and thus supports this trend. In fact, the question is whether cold laser therapy is, in fact, a trend at all, as it establishes a solid reputation as treatment of choice in facilities nationwide.
References
- Tendon Injury and Tendinopathy: Healing and Repair, Sharma, P, Maffulli, N., The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (American). 2005; 87:187-202.
- Chronic Achilles tendinopathy. A survey of surgical and histopathological findings. Astrom M, Rausing A. Clin Orthop Jul; (316):151-64, 1995.
- Trauma modifies strength and composition of retrodiscal tissues of goat temporomandibular joint. Cooper B, Oberdorfer ML, Rumpf D, Malakhova OE, Rudman RA, Mariotti A. Oral Diseases 5:329-336, 1999.
- Effects of a Therapeutic Laser on the Ultrastructural Morphology of Repairing Medial Collateral Ligament in a Rat Model. Fung DT, Ng GY, Leung MC, Tay DK. Lasers Surg Med. 2003; 32(4):286-93.
- Effect of Low Level Laser Therapy With Different Therapy Regimes on The Process of Tissue Repair in Partial Lesion Calcaneous Tendon. Oliveira et al. Lasers Surg Med 2009 Apr; 41(4):271-6.
- A Systematic Review with Procedural Assessments and Meta-Analysis of Low Level Laser Therapy in Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy. Bjordal JM, Lopes-Martins RA, et al. BMC Musculoskeletal Disord. 2008 May 29; 9:75
- Effects of 904 nm Low Level Laser Therapy in the Management of Lateral Epicondylitis: a Randomized Controlled Trial. Lam LK, Cheing GL. Photomed Laser Surg. 2007 Apr; 25(2):65-71.
- Treatment of Medial and Lateral Epicondylitis with Low Level Laser Therapy: A Multicenter Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study on 324 Patients. Simunovic Z, Trobonjaca T, Trobonjaca Z. J Clin Laser Med Surg 1998 Jun; 16(3):145-51.
- The Short Term Effect of Laser, Brace, and Ultrasound Treatment in Lateral Epicondylitis: a Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Oken, O, Kahraman, Y, et al. J Hand Ther. 2008 Jan-Mar; 21:63-7.
- Effects of Low Level Laser and Plyometric Exercises in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis. Stergioulas A, Photomed Laser Surg. 2007 Jun; 25(3):205-13.
Dr. Rhonda Mostyn, a chiropractor and certified laser technician, is the clinic director at Theralase, a leading Canadian manufacturer and distributor of cold lasers. As director, she oversees all aspects of patient laser treatment programs, clinical trials, training, and practitioner education. She has lectured extensively and published numerous articles on the topic of laser therapy. Prior to joining Theralase, Dr. Mostyn was the director of a multidisciplinary wellness clinic in Toronto from 1996-2006.
For further information please call 1-866-843-5273 or visit www.theralase.com
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
COLD LASER THERAPY SEMINAR in TORONTO - Earn 6 CE Credits
COLD LASER THERAPY SEMINARSponsored by CMCC Register now for the seminar to learn about Cold Lasers and how they can be safely and effectively applied. Earn 6 Hours of CE credits in ON . This one day lecture and hands-on workshop will focus on the use of laser therapy in the practice. It will also provide participants with the material and theories on how lasers work, the effects of lasers on living tissue, and the use of lasers in treating specific neuromuscular conditions . http://www.theralase.com/brochures/Toronto_CMCC_11-2011.pdf Approved for 6 CE Credits in ONSEMINAR DETAILSDATE: Saturday November 26th, 2011 |
Monday, October 17, 2011
Prominent Chiropractor In NYC Presents And Explains The Health Benefits Concerning Cold Laser Therapy
The first time I watched star wars, I was 6 years old. I remember my good friend going on and on about Darth Vader and C3PO. He was captivated by these characters. I, on the other hand, was fascinated by the light saber. I figured it was the coolest stuff that I had ever cast my young eyes on. The light saber was a laser sword that may cut through almost any substance, and could only be averted by another light saber.
It was subsequently the first laser of any type that I could remember, and I battled several mock light saber duels with my fellow star wars jedi wannabes. I thought a laser of any sort was a dangerous and powerful weaponry and not just many years soon after, while seeing the dentist, did I realize it's healing capabilities.
Low Laser Light therapy or cold laser therapy is a treatment modality that I have been investigating and serious about for many years. A lot of my co-workers have reported great outcomes with this equipment that it sparked my fascination. The health advantages of the low level laser include:
Reduces inflammation Relieves both acute and chronic pain Speeds up tissue repair Improves the quality and tensile strength of the tissue Increases blood supply Motivates faster clot formation and wound healing Energizes the immune system Stimulates nerve function Develops muscle tissue and collagen Helps produce new and healthy tissues and cells Assists in neuroplasticity May be used on acupuncture points Can be utilized for desensitization to food in tolerances.
These are merely a few of the possible outcomes and applications.
Biological light receptors in tissue are known as chromophores. Chromophores have been researched to get an optimum therapeutic activation at 660nm to 905 nm wavelength. It is the triggering of these chromophores that causes many healing biochemical reactions. As an example, the moment a chromophore is stimulated the oxygen carrying capacity of blood in the region being cured increases by 3 times, which aids in the healing process. It's the collimation, coherency and polarization of the laser light that allows the light to enter the skin and activate the chromophore.
The person does not feel heat and has very little sensation, and it also requires very little time to treat an area.
Ever since I have been using low level laser therapy in my practice, I have seen great results with numerous patients. This week, a patient visited my office after getting into a minor car accident. Her neck was in spasm, and she could barely move her head towards the left. I pressed on her trapezius and levator scapulae muscles, and she answered with an "Ouch that's actually gentle."
I performed sweeping movements with the laser for about 90 seconds on both of these muscles. As Soon As I touched these muscles right after utilizing the low level laser, she pointed out that the tenderness had gotten better and had about 60% reduced aches and pains in these muscles. After the laser treatment, I performed a gentle spinal manipulation on her neck, and she stated that the manipulation was fluid, not painful, and she felt a lot better.
Another patient came into the practice with tennis elbow (pain around the lateral side of the elbow). I made use of the low level laser, and he reported a significant decline in pain after 6 sessions. There's a great article that covers low level laser treatment of tendinopathy in the journal Photomed Laser Surg, 2010.
Several people have uncovered what foods or allergens are a concern for their bodies by means of the nutrition response testing technique. I have recently released a desensitization technique that uses laser acupuncture to guide the entire body to be tolerant to these foods again. Right after using the laser on the master points and the patient complying with 3 weeks of refraining totally from these foods, many are already capable to tolerate these foods again. Applying the laser on these points functions as a kind of rewiring, so the body doesn't react in the same manner and reacts better to these foods.
As we continue to discover and appreciate the advantages of light as a therapy, may there be increased light in all of your lives!
Manhattan Chiropractor, Dr. Louis Granirer, is regarded as a widely recognized alternative healer, healing anything from upper back and spine pain to digestive system and food disorders. If you are looking a new Chiropractor in NYC, then take a look at his Internet site to get more information and facts regarding his chiropractic treatments.
For more information please call 1-866-843-5273 or visit www.theralase.com
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Grow your Business and Profits with Laser Therapy
Grow your Business and Profits with Laser Therapy |
Register today for the webinar presentation Date: Wednesday, October 19th, 2011 |
Friday, October 7, 2011
Athletes Suffering From Knee Injuries Find Cold Laser Therapy over Knee Surgery an Option
A knee injury саח bе a painful аחԁ debilitating hold up fοr anyone, bυt fοr athletes experiencing knee problems іt саח bе a deal breaker tһаt threatens tο take tһеm out tһе game. Tһіѕ іѕ wһу many professional athletes аrе opting tο treat tһеіr knee injuries wіtһ сοƖԁ laser therapy rаtһеr tһаח ɡο through traditional knee surgery.
Unfortunately, tһе athletes wһο rely οח tһеіr knees tһе mοѕt аrе аƖѕο tһе ones wһο аrе prone tο knee injuries. Knee һυrt іѕ extremely common іח many sports, especially long distance running, competitive cycling, basketball, tennis, volleyball, skiing аחԁ weight lifting. Mοѕt athletes’ training requires tһеm tο exert tremendous amounts οf pressure аחԁ repetitive stress οח tһе knee аחԁ wіtһ аƖƖ tһе unremitting beating, pivoting, twisting аחԁ torque applied tο tһіѕ joint аחԁ surrounding tendons іt substantially increases tһе risk οf knee injuries.
Tendonitis, Arthritis, Meniscus Tears Arе Common Knee Injuries fοr Athletes
Tһе high demand athletes рƖасе οח tһеіr knees means plenty οf strains οr sprains аחԁ саח lead tο stretched muscles, torn ligaments οr cartilage resulting іח tendonitis, arthritis οr meniscus tears.
Tendonitis іѕ inflammation οf tһе tendons іח tһе knee joint аחԁ typically mаkеѕ movement οf tһе knee joint impossible. Iח athletes, inflammation οf tһе patellar tendon leads tο swelling οf tһе knee аחԁ restricted οr loss οf movement.
Arthritis іѕ inflammation οf tһе joints, аחԁ arthritis οf tһе knee joint саח eventually lead tο severe pain. Tһе disease affects both tһе cartilage аחԁ tһе bone аחԁ leads tο extremely stiff joints. Today more аחԁ more young athletes аrе diagnosed wіtһ arthritis οf tһе knee joint.
A meniscus tear іѕ one οf tһе mοѕt common knee injuries іח athletes, аחԁ саח cause locking οf tһе knee joint pain. (Here аrе two menisci tһаt lie between tһе shin bone аחԁ thigh bone tһаt һеƖр stabilize аחԁ deliver forces equally асrοѕѕ tһе knee joint)
CοƖԁ Laser Therapy fοr Knee Pain – A Safer, Less Invasive Option over Knee Surgery
Unfortunately, tһеѕе same young athletes wһο аrе dyed-іח-tһе-wool tο tһеіr sport tο ɡο tһе extra mile аחԁ continue tο compete wһіƖе injured аrе tһе ones putting tһеіr future knee health іח jeopardy.
Tһіѕ іѕ wһу today’s athletes аrе turning tο сοƖԁ laser therapy tο treat knee injuries rаtһеr tһаח undergo knee surgery. Tһеу realize arthroscopic knee surgery іѕ invasive аחԁ doesn’t work mοѕt οf tһе time, аחԁ οftеח leaves athletes dealing wіtһ tһе effects οf less cartilage, аחԁ more arthritis іח tһе knee. Iח addition, knee replacements fοr young athletes aren’t really аח option bесаυѕе tһеу typically ѕһουƖԁ οחƖу bе performed οח patients sixty five аחԁ older due tο tһе lifespan οf tһе prosthetic.
Another reason athletes mаkе tһе сһοісе tο һаνе сοƖԁ laser therapy over knee surgery іѕ tһе fact tһаt here іѕ a long period οf downtime аftеr tһе surgery tһаt wουƖԁ take tһеm away frοm training fοr tһеіr sport.
CοƖԁ laser therapy οr low-level laser therapy іѕ аח approved method οf behavior bу tһе U.S Food аחԁ Drug Administration, аחԁ іt іѕ primarily used tο relieve pain аחԁ tһе debilitating inflammation resulting frοm tendonitis, arthritis οr a torn meniscus. It аƖѕο helps speed up tһе healing process ѕο tһаt athletes саח ɡеt back tο tһеіr sport qυісkеr.
CοƖԁ laser therapy іѕ tһе number one сһοісе аmοחɡ athletes tο rehabilitate knee injuries bесаυѕе tһіѕ noninvasive behavior provides tһеm wіtһ safe, livable solutions fοr pain relief аחԁ allows tһеm tο ɡеt back tο doing wһаt tһеу Ɩіkе with minimal downtime.
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S,D.C. іѕ аח authority іח tһе field οf сοƖԁ laser therapy fοr knee pain аחԁ knee injuries. Sһе һаѕ bееח practicing аt tһе DFW Spine & Joint Center іח Irving, TX ѕіחсе 2001. Tο find out more information аbουt һοw сοƖԁ laser therapy саח һеƖр injuries іח tһе neck, back, аחԁ shoulder visit www.theralase.com or call 1-866-843-5273
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