What is Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy is the use of monochromatic light emission from a low intensity laser diode to effectively treat the source of pain. Conditions treated include musculoskeletal injuries, chronic and degenerative conditions and wounds. The light source is placed in contact with the skin allowing the photon energy to penetrate tissue, where it interacts with various intracellular biomolecules resulting in the restoration of normal cell morphology and enhancement of the body's natural healing processes.

Low Intensity Laser Therapy

The Technology

This dynamic, emerging technology utilizes superluminous and laser diodes to irradiate abnormal tissue with photons. These photons are particles of energy that are absorbed by a variety of micro-molecules within the cell, a process which initiates a number of positive physiological responses. In essence, light energy is converted into biochemical energy, resulting in normal cell morphology and restoration of function. The process is curative, and, as logic dictates, symptoms disappear.

Light in its various forms has been used for healing from the time of the ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations. With recent advances in the engineering of devices and the development of appropriate protocols for effective therapeutic application, dramatic benefits and treatment of many complex medical conditions are now achievable.

The BioFlex Laser Therapy System combines sophisticated engineering advances with the capacity to control parameters such as frequency, duty cycle, energy density, duration, etc. An infinitive range of protocols can then be delivered to tissue in standard fashion or on a repeatable, customized basis. The monochromatic, coherent and polarized characteristics of the therapeutic light beam permit penetration of deep tissues without negatively affecting normal cells. Again, it should be noted that the end result is curative with regard to the pathology, rather than symptom modulation, the conventional approach for the management of pain.

Advantages of Low Intensity Laser Therapy

• Painless
• Non-invasive
• Non-toxic
• Easily applied
• Highly effective
• No known negative side effects

The Physiological Effects of Low Intensity Laser Therapy

Short Term Effects

• Production and release of beta-endorphins (morphine like substances produced by various cells in the body that inhibit the sensation of pain.)
• Cortisol production is increased (cortisol is the precursor of cortisone). This enables the body to combat the stress associated with trauma or the disease process.
• The short-term effect is significant in 5-10% of cases during or after the conclusion of the initial treatment, but is not as important as the long-term or cumulative effect.

Long Term or Cumulative Effect

• ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production is increased, resulting in improved cellular metabolism
• DNA (deoxyribonucleicacid) production; protein building block of tissue is substantially increased
• Neurotransmission is facilitated due to elevated levels of serotonin and aceytylecholine
• Mitochondrial activity is stimulated resulting in cell replication etc. (i.e. replacement, regeneration and repair of abnormal cells)
• Modulation of macrophages, fibroblasts and other cells
• Angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels)
• Regulates cell membrane potential, essential in Na, Cl and K ion transfer (electrolyte balance)
• Cytokines and other chemicals enhancing cellular communications are released

Other Effects

• The immune response is stimulated
• Lymphatic drainage is improved
• The histamine response is positively altered
• Production of growth hormone is increased
• The body's natural healing processes are enhanced

The beneficial physiological changes noted above are the result of tissue regeneration and cellular stimulation. Many other positive activities are modulated including the humoral and cerebral spinal fluid effects which are highly significant and are currently under investigation in research laboratories to accurately delineate the scientific aspects of this process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Laser Therapy Painful?
NO! Laser Therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment and totally painless. One may feel a low degree of warmth from the light source and, in certain instances, a light tingling effect down the extremities that may occur as circulation is improved.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments one may need to resolve his/her pain is dependent upon a number of factors, but most patients will be pain-free within ten treatments. However, just as every medical condition is different for each individual, so are the responses to laser therapy. A study of over 1000 patients using the BioFlex Laser Therapy System found that between 5 and 20 treatments were required for total pain resolution. In a recent study of 576 patients, an average of 9.68 treatments was required for pain resolution over a wide array of treated conditions.

Is it safe?
Yes! The BioFlex Laser Therapy System is FDA / Health Canada cleared and is proven to be both safe and effective.

What Side Effects are Associated with the BioFlex System?
None! Unlike many pharmaceutical options, BioFlex is non toxic; unlike surgical procedures, it is non-traumatic; and most importantly, it is non-invasive and painless.

What About the Negative Effects of Radiation?
Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) does produce radiation, as photon energy, in the visible and near infra-red regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Worldwide research conducted over the past thirty years indicates that normally functioning cells are not adversely affected by this type of irradiation. Unlike other forms of radiation, the LILT process is beneficial rather than harmful to tissue.

Where has Clinical Research on BioFlex been Conducted?
Several controlled studies have been conducted since 1996 using the BioFlex Professional System. Two of these involved experimental models of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and Rheumatoid Arthritis. The results of both studies showed BioFlex Laser Therapy producing significant, positive effects on these disorders. Meditech has embarked on an extensive program of beta testing of the BioFlex user protocols. Results from these centers of research have indicated that the benefits derived were positive and dramatic. Click here to review other Research articles and case studies.