Book Review - Dr. Benjamin Yuen

A Review of
Trilogy of Textbooks on Low Intensity Laser Therapy
By Dr. Fred Kahn

The use of Laser Therapy in practice is like playing Bridge. There are many ways to play your hand. How well you do depends on a number of factors aside from the cards you have on hand. As a result, this often leaves the laser practitioners pondering and looking for guidance.

The publication of a three volumes set by Dr. Fred Kahn on the scientific interpretation and clinical applications of Bioflex Laser Therapy is a welcome beacon for clinicians using this most sophisticated laser therapy system in the world.

In the 1st volume, Dr. Kahn points out the need for standardization of treatment approaches, methodology and validated protocols to demonstrate the efficacy of laser therapy while clinical analysis of 1013 patients' outcome clearly shows the relevance of this treatment in musculo-skeletal problems, trauma, strain, inflammatory, dermatological and neurological conditions.

Specific mention was given to Rheumatoid Arthritis, Peripheral-Arterial Occlusive Diseases, Lymphedema, Back Pain and Herpes Zoster. This provides useful clinical understanding of these conditions and the pathology within.

The section on myth busting answers a lot of nagging questions on the mind of many laser practitioners. In the Commentary chapters, Dr. Kahn puts forward some very enlightening discussions on the issues of Canadian Healthcare System, Insurance Companies and its coverage or shall we say 'non-coverage', Managed Healthcare and the short sightedness in modern day Medicine. All of which will surely bring echoes of similar sentiment from readers.

Volume 2 takes an in depth examination of a number of clinical conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Deep and Surface Wounds/Ulcers, Epicondylitis, Diabetes Mellitus, Thromboangitis Obliterans, Gout, various Dermatological conditions, Verruca Vulgaris and Multiple Sclerosis.

The detailed anatomical profiles, pathophysiological implications and differential diagnosis of each disease process allow practitioners to establish an accurate clinical assessment of the symptoms and the formulation of an appropriate and effective protocol.

The discussion of interaction between cells, nitric oxide and laser serves to give further understanding of the functions and efficacy of Low Intensity Laser Therapy.

On the subjects of dealing with challenging medical conditions, managing chronic pain, rationale for exercises and others, Dr. Kahn puts forward a compendium of useful clinical advice and perspectives for the laser clinicians to consider. He also points to the need for creativity in the administration of laser therapy protocols bearing in mind the two-way dialogue between the cellular response and laser light.

Volume 3 talks about the many important aspects of laser treatments and different combinations of the treatment arrays and its effects. A number of helpful hints and dosage suggestions have been included. Particularly helpful are the various clinical approaches dealing with problematic cases.

The introduction of the Red 100mW Laser Probe is of special interest. This is probably the most important and exciting development in Bioflex equipment within the last 4 years. Its application really expands the scope and heightens the effectiveness of laser therapy, taking it to a higher level. It has proven to be an extremely useful tool for wound healing, scar tissue reduction, various skin conditions, TMJ problems, sinus conditions, Trigeminal Neuralgia and the control of pain among many others.

32 different protocol prescriptions for conditions ranging from cervical spine to inflammatory arthritis are mentioned. This forms a good starting point for clinicians to apply or modify the protocols to deal with the needs of their patients.

The book also includes many updated protocols for the laser arrays and probes in dealing with a number of clinical conditions to help make laser therapy more successful both in the hands of seasoned clinicians and new users. Dr. Kahn also promises that more updates will follow the trilogy as the current research continues.

I strongly recommend that all Laser Therapy practitioners keep a set of these books in their clinic for reference and everyday use. It is a gem of an asset for all laser clinicians.

Benjamin Yuen, B.Sc. M.Sc. D.C. M.C.C.