FAQ
What is Low Intensity Laser Therapy?
Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) is the use of monochromatic light emission from a low intensity laser diode (250 mW or less) or an array of high intensity super-luminous diodes (providing total optical power in the 10 to 2000 mW range) to treat musculoskeletal injuries, chronic and degenerative conditions and to heal wounds. The light source is placed in direct contact with the damaged tissue allowing the photon energy to penetrate to various levels. Interaction with the cells occurs resulting in the restoration of normal cell function and the enhancement of your body’s natural healing process.
What does low intensity laser therapy do?
By affecting and reversing your condition at the cellular level, the laser boosts the restoration of normal cell function, causing your symptoms to disappear. The beneficial effects of laser therapy are cumulative over the course of a series of treatments, determined by your healthcare professional.
How long does a laser therapy treatment take?
Treatments are typically 15 minutes to one hour in duration for any particular condition or patient.
How long after a treatment until a patient feels the positive affects of low intensity laser therapy?
Depending on your specific condition, you may respond to laser therapy very quickly or your healing may require more time. Everyone’s body and medical condition is different but on average people should begin to see results after two to four visits and full results after approximately nine visits.
How many laser therapy treatments are needed?
The number of treatments will vary depending on your specific condition. Just as every medical condition varies, so will an individual’s response to therapy. In a recent clinical report summarizing over 1000 patients treated with the BioFlex Professional LILT system at time of discharge, patients had averaged slightly less than ten treatments to resolve their condition completely.
How much does each laser therapy treatment cost?
At Village Wellness we charge $45 for a half hour treatment. This falls within the average rates charged by clinics using the Bioflex laser.
Is laser therapy treatment covered by insurance?
If your insurance coverage includes chiropractic, then low intensity laser treatments will be included under that designation also. Currently the government of Nova Scotia does not cover any portion of chiropractic or laser therapy.
What are the side effects associated with low intensity laser therapy?
There are no known negative side effects with laser therapy. Unlike many pharmaceutical options, laser therapy is non-toxic. Unlike surgical procedures, it is non-traumatic and most important, it is non-invasive.
Can children receive laser therapy?
Yes, anyone can receive laser unless they experience the conditions listed in the question below.
Who is not a good candidate to receive laser therapy?
You cannot receive low intensity laser therapy if you fall into any of these categories:
- Patients on photoactive medication.
- Women in their first trimester of pregnancy
- Patients with cancer or any form of benign or malignant cell growth
- Experience any hemorrhaging or any uncontrolled bleeding
- Anyone with photosensitivity either inherently or as a result of photosensitive drugs
Please advise us if you have any of the following conditions and we will decide if you are still a good candidate for low intensity laser therapy:
- You experience a loss of sensation or reflex in the area the laser is to be administered
- You have heart disease or a pacemaker,
- You have a previous diagnosis of cancer which is currently in remission or non-active state
- You have a bacterial skin infection.
What about the negative effects of radiation?
Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) produces 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, i.e. x-ray, etc., this process is beneficial rather than harmful to tissue.
What is BioFlex?
BioFlex is a highly sophisticated therapeutic device that combines the potential benefits of low intensity laser with super-luminous diodes for the effective treatment of many medical disorders. Developed and engineered by Meditech International Incorporated, BioFlex represents the decade’s most significant technological advancement in low intensity laser therapy. Indeed, it is felt to be an important ‘new therapeutic dimension’ and it is why we have chosen BioFlex for the patients of Village Wellness.
How does BioFlex compare with other conventional treatments?
For many years, rehabilitation therapies including ultrasound, interferential current and TENS 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 appear to modulate symptoms only. In contrast, BioFlex is able to influence the pathology directly at the cellular level, resulting in therapeutic benefits that are more profound and indeed curative. Frequently alternative therapies act as counter-irritants, creating a transient increase in arterial circulation and the release of endorphins, providing temporary symptomatic relief only.
Where is BioFlex in use today?
Across Canada, the United States, Europe, South America and Asia, BioFlex is being used by an increasing number of physicians, chiropractors and physiotherapists. In the twelve years that the therapy has been available, more than 100,000 patients have received successful treatment with the BioFlex and its predecessor systems.
The technology is currently being utilized in thirty countries.
The Toronto Raptors and The Miami Heat of the NBA, The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays, have also used BioFlex for their injured players with excellent results. In addition, many athletes from the world of golf, hockey, tennis and increasingly ballerinas, figure skaters, gymnasts and other performers in artistic sports are experiencing the positive effects of this therapy.
For Further information, please visit the BioFlex website.