Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What does Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) do?
By affecting and reversing the offending pathology at the cellular level, laser therapy optimizes the restoration of injured tissues to function normally, thereby alleviating the symptom of pain. The beneficial effects of laser therapy are cumulative over the course of a series of treatments.
How long does a treatment take?
Treatments are typically 15 minutes to one hour in length and a treatment program statistically requires an average of 10 treatments.
How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments will vary with regard to the individual problem. Just as every medical condition varies, so will the individual response to therapy. The onset of pain relief as a result of treatment varies depending on each patient's response to Low Intensity Laser Therapy. In a recent clinical report on over 1,000 patients treated with the BioFlex Professional Laser Therapy System, patients averaged slightly less than 10 treatments to resolve their condition. In some patients one treatment is sufficient, in others up to 50 may be required.
What are the side effects associated with Bioflex?
Unlike many pharmaceutical options, BioFlex is non-toxic; unlike surgical procedures, it is non-traumatic and most importantly, it is non-invasive.
Where is the Bioflex in use today?
Across Canada, the United States, Europe, South America and Asia, BioFlex is being used by an increasing number of Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists and Physicians. In the 12 years that the therapy has been available, more than 100,000 patients have received successful treatment with the BioFlex and its predecessor units.
Are there any athletes using Bioflex?
The Toronto Raptors, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Blue Jays, the Miami Heat, the Canadian National Ballet Company along with many other high performance organizations utilize the technology as the basic treatment platform for their athletic injuries. In addition, many athletes from the world of golf, hockey and tennis benefit from the effects of the therapy.
Why is Laser Therapy so beneficial for athletes?
When an athletic injury occurs, millions of cells are damaged. Cellular death continues after the initial injury because of the lack of oxygen which is caused by the disruption of circulation to the affected area. Laser Therapy quickly and greatly increases circulation back to the injured area, thereby stopping the cellular death and regenerating healthy new cell growth.
What type of conditions/injuries benefit from Laser Therapy?
Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) is used to treat numerous acute injuries and relieve a wide variety of chronic conditions which are common in sports activities. Tendonitis, bursitis, stress fractures, complete fractures, muscle and tendon strains and ligament sprains, rotator cuff injuries, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, disc herniations and degenerative disc disease are all treatable with LILT. Laser Therapy treatments speed up the recovery process following surgery as it reduces pain, swelling and prevents scar tissue formation.
Where has clinical research on Bioflex been conducted?
Several controlled studies have been conducted since 1996 using the BioFlex Professional System. Two of these studies involved experimental models of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and Rheumatoid Arthritis. The results of both studies showed that BioFlex produced significant, positive effects on these disorders. A synopsis of these studies is available. Meditech International has embarked on an extensive program of beta testing of the BioFlex user protocols. In January of 1997, two BioFlex Professional Systems were placed in beta sites, one at the University of Toronto in a teaching hospital and one at the University of Ulster. Several additional research units were utilized in private clinics. Results from these centres have indicated that the benefits derived were positive and often dramatic.
What regulatory approvals does BioFlex have?
BioFlex has been cleared by the FDA and Health Canada.
How does Bioflex compare with other conventional treatments?
For many years, rehabilitation therapies - including ultrasound, interferential current, TENS, etc. - have been used extensively throughout the world to treat pain and stimulate the healing process. Unlike the BioFlex, however, the healing effects of these treatments have been disappointing as they only modulate symptoms. In contrast, BioFlex is able to influence the pathology directly at the cellular level, resulting in therapeutic benefits that are more profound and generally curative. At best, alternative therapies act as counter-irritants, creating a transient increase in circulation and the release of endorphins, providing only temporary symptomatic relief.