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FAQ's What is Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT)? Laser is an acronym for? What are the two major differences between laser light and conventional light? What is meant by "radiation", when referring to Lasers? What is the wavelength and power level of the BioFlex Sytem used at the Laser Therapy Centre? What are the key biological effects of laser light emitted from LILT devices such as the BioFlex System? What conditions/injuries can be treated by LILT? Are there any side effects? How many treatments will I need to receive? What is the cost of LILT treatments? Are LILT treatments covered by insurance? Why are the BioFlex® Systems the preferred choice of the Laser Therapy Centre? Laser Regulatory Approvals Laser Safety Can Laser Therapy cause cancer? What are the contraindications? What is Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT)? Laser therapy is the use of monochromatic light emission from a low intensity laser diode (250 milliwatts or less) or any array of high intensity Super Luminous Diodes (providing total optical power in the 1000-2000 milliwatt range) to treat musculoskeletal injuries, chronic and degenerative conditions and to heal wounds. The light source is placed in contact with the skin allowing the photon energy to penetrate the tissue, where it interacts with various intracellular biomolecules resulting in the restoration of normal cell function and enhancement of the body's healing processes. » Back to top Laser is an acronym for? Light Amplification by Simulated Emission of Radiation » Back to top What are the two major differences between laser light and conventional light? Laser light is monochromatic (narrow spectrum, specific wavelength) and coherent. » Back to top What is meant by "radiation", when referring to Lasers? "Radiation" is often misinterpreted since it is also used to describe radioactive materials and ionized radiation. The use of the word "radiation" in terms of laser light is merely an expression of energy transmission. » Back to top What is the wavelength and power level of the BioFlex Sytem used at the Laser Therapy Centre? 830 nanometers and 75 milliwatts. » Back to top What are the key biological effects of laser light emitted from LILT devices such as the BioFlex System? Anti-inflammatory Edema reduction Increased tissue activity Increased cell metabolism Increased lymphatic drainage Stimulated nerve function Stimulated cell growth Cell regeneration Reduced fibrous tissue formation Collagen deposition » Back to top What conditions/injuries can be treated by LILT? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Rotator Cuff Tears TMJ Plantar Faciitis Frozen Shoulder Achilles Tendonitis Iliotibial Band Syndrome Neck Pain Hamstring Injuries Shin Splints Diabetic Ulcers Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Lower Back Pain Golfer/Tennis Elbow Fibromyalgia Burns Post Surgical Healing Torn Ligaments Bursitis Scars Shingles Knee Injuries Herniated Disc » Back to top Are there any side effects? None. » Back to top How many treatments will I need to receive? This depends on the condition and each individual's response to LILT. This will vary from patient to patient. Just as every medical condition is individual, so are the responses to therapy. The onset of initial pain relief as a result of treatment varies due to each patient's particular rate of release of endorphins and cortisol. In a recent clinical report on 151 consecutive cases using Low Intensity Laser Therapy, 11 treatments was the average number required for maximum improvement. Whether two or twenty treatments are required, most patients need not restrict normal activity during the therapy period, as healing will continue between sessions. Two distinct reactions occur during therapy; the immediate due to the release of the body’s own endorphins and cortisone production and the more important or cumulative effect, resulting from progressive therapy. » Back to top What is the cost of LILT treatments? $40 per half hour. » Back to top Are LILT treatments covered by insurance? Some extended health care policies may offer coverage. Contact your insurance provider for more information. » Back to top Why are the BioFlex® Systems the preferred choice of the Laser Therapy Centre? The patented flexible treatment heads are designed to conform to different body parts, whether it's a back, knee, neck, elbow, etc. This allows the highest possible concentration of light to be absorbed by cells in the area to be treated. The patented software package provides treatment protocols which are the result of over a decade of clinical research. The protocols can also be customized to offer an extremely individualized treatment program for each patient. The BIOFLEX® SYSTEMS are FDA, Health Canada, CSA, UL, and CE approved. » Back to top Laser Regulatory Approvals As a measure to provide the highest level of assurance that design and manufacture of devices consistently meets the required specifications and to minimize the occurance of problems and/or defects, regulatory approvals are required by Health Canada, CE and in the USA the FDA. The Low Intensity Laser Therapy -- The Bioflex System has demonstrated clinical efficacy and compliance with all required safety standards and is UL and CSA approved. » Back to top Laser Safety The BioFlex System uses class 3B lasers. Safety measures are as follows: Never point laser at eyes Wearing safety glasses Only certified personnel may operate laser Displaying laser sign outside treatment rooms » Back to top Can Laser Therapy cause cancer? Low Intensity Laser Therapy is very safe because it generally utilizes wavelengths above 632 nm. Therefore the laser beam is not producing ionizing radiation (which can cause cancer) like X-rays, Gamma rays etc. It is even safer then ordinary sunlight. Sunlight contains cancer causing wavelengths (below 320 nm) such as ultra violet light. » Back to top What are the contraindications? Direct Irradiation of the Eyes Class 3B lasers are potentially harmful if viewed directly. When using 3B lasers the patient and practitioner must wear approved safety eyewear. This is not a requirement for the LED treatment heads. Pregnancy Do not treat over the pregnant uterus. It may be used on the pregnant woman as an adjunct to the other modalities being used for the treatment of back pain or other complaints. Carcinoma Do not treat directly over any known primary or secondary lesions. Treatments may be given for pain relief during the terminal stages of the illness - this must be done only with the full consent of both patient and consultant involved. Thyroid Treatment should not be used directly over the thyroid gland. Haemorrhage It is conceivable that laser/LED mediated vasodilatation may worsen the haemorrhage. Immune Suppressant Drugs Laser/LED treatment is contra-indicated for patients on these drugs as treatments can affect the immune system. Treatment over Sympathetic ganglia, vagus, and cardiac region in patients with heart disease Laser/LED treatment may significantly alter neural function, and therefore is contra-indicated over these regions of patients with heart disease. Note: Pins, metal plates, plastics, and pacemakers ARE NOT contra-indicated. » Back to top

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