FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Regarding LILT

1. What is a laser?

The word laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser produces photons of light with specific characteristics. These include:

• Monochromaticity: In laser light, all electromagnetic waves have the same wavelength and therefore, the same colour.
• Coherence: All the photons in laser light oscillate in the same phase.
• Directionality: Due to the coherence factor t light is also highly directional.
• Intensity: The primary advantage of lasers is the high intensity one can produce in a small area.
2. 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 superluminous diodes (providing total optical power in the 10-2000 mW 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 tissue, where it interacts with various intracellular biomolecules resulting in the restoration of normal cell morphology and function. This process also enhances the body's natural healing propensities.

3. 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.

4. 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.


5. How much does one charge for treatment?

Fee for treatment is set by individual clinics and is $50 on average, with the range being anywhere from $35 - $75 per treatment. At Meditech we charge $40 for a half hour treatment.

6. Is the treatment covered by OHIP, Medicare etc?

Insurance coverage varies depending on the qualifications of the therapist and the insurance plan.

7. 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.

8. What about the negative effects of radiation?

Low Intensity Laser Therapy does produce radiation, in the form of photon energy, both 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.

Note: Unlike other forms of radiation, i.e. x-ray, etc., this process is beneficial rather than harmful to tissue.


9. 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 chiropractors, physiotherapists 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.
The Toronto Raptors, The Toronto Maple Leafs as well as 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.

10. 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 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, 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 both positive and often dramatic.


11. Thermal versus Low Intensity Laser Therapy

High power or thermal lasers can produce a substantial amount of heat. This destructive potential makes high power laser a key component in industrial applications such as cutting and welding. Because thermal laser combines power and precision, it also has many beneficial uses in medical applications.

Unlike thermal lasers, the low intensity laser beam is "soft power" and does not produce heat. Red and infra-red lasers with power outputs in the range from 10-250 mW belong in this category.

Low intensity laser energy initiates and stimulates many beneficial physiological processes within the cell. These include cell metabolism, membrane permeability, etc. In essence it promotes the healing of damaged cells which makes it applicable in the therapy of many pathologies. Moreover, it is non-destructive with regard to the target tissue.


12. Defining Diodes

There are two types of diodes used in low intensity laser therapy:
1) Superluminous Diodes (SLD) are designed for the treatment of a large surface area. These are less powerful than laser diodes and can be safely applied in larger numbers over a wide area.
2) Laser Diodes (LD) have higher power output and narrow beams, making them ideally suitable as "laser probes" for deeper penetration and for targeting localized pathologies.


13. What is BioFlex?

BioFlex is a highly sophisticated therapeutic device that combines the potential benefits of low intensity laser with superluminous 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.

14. What does Low Intensity Laser Therapy 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.

15. 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.

16. Why is BioFlex the most advanced system?

Never before has a laser treatment offered such sophisticated levels of accuracy, control and versatility. The flexible, multi-source diode arrays, exclusive to the BioFlex optical heads (Fig. 1), can be contoured to any target tissue for maximum coverage and precise dosage delivery. The BioFlex control unit provides exceptional monitoring and adaptability (Fig. 2), enabling the healthcare professional unlimited range in the adjustment of multiple parameters in order to safely and accurately treat the specific needs of each individual patient. The PC-based operating software is a standard feature of BioFlex, providing the user with recommended scientifically developed and clinically tested protocols (Fig. 3) for each medical application.

Fig. 1 A range of flexible treatment arrays for every application.

Fig. 2 Exceptional control and flexibility of treatment parameters.

Fig. 3 A complete portfolio of proven scientifically and clinically based protocols

17. What regulatory approvals does BioFlex have?

What regulatory approvals does BioFlex have?
BioFlex has been cleared by the FDA, Health Canada. The CE mark of approval has also been obtained and  the manufacturing standards of UL and ISO have been met.

18. How does the BioFlex Professional System differ from other devices on the market?

How does the BioFlex Professional System differ from other devices on the market?
1) Size of Treatment Arrays: BioFlex treatment arrays are flexible and cover a wide area (12.5 sq inches); this enables increased contact between the treatment array and tissues, maximizing therapy to the region being treated. More focused treatment is then carried out using the laser probe directly over the focus of the pathology.

2) Patient Software: The BioFlex Professional is the only system that comes an anatomical and pathological tutor to enhance the therapist's knowledge and improve patient compliance. The Professional System also includes patient management software that can be used to store patient data and customized protocols that can be individualized for each patient. This software also includes total monitoring of the treatment duration for accurate record keeping. The database can also serve as a platform for clinical research. Furthermore, patient protocols can be downloaded into the Main Controller Unit, which allows for portable use of the BioFlex System. The system is completely portable if a laptop computer is incorporated.

3) Technology: BioFlex utilizes a three stage therapeutic approach that accelerates healing at an optimal rate. BioFlex is the only system with adjustable parameters for power, frequency, duty cycle, wave form, duration and energy density. It also has the ability to verify power output with its internal feedback loop, which directly measures the quantity of light being emitted continuously and a feedback loop that measures the current within the device to ensure proper dosage. The BioFlex treatment procedure utilizes a combination of superluminous diode arrays and laser diode treatment probes providing an optical power output up to 2000 mW.

4) Hands-Free: BioFlex treatment arrays operate hands-free. The only hands-on portion of the treatment is the final stage where the patient is treated with the laser probe. This enables one therapist to easily control three to four treatment stations simultaneously.

5) Protocols Built into the System: BioFlex is the only system that contains a library of thirty different pathology specific protocols built into the system. These protocols were developed at Meditech Laser Centres  over the past 17 years and have continuously evolved and expanded based on data obtained from the large volume patients treated each year. Moreover, customization permits an infinite number of additional protocols.

6) Customer Services: Meditech International provides a one year parts and labor warranty, with the option to purchase an extended warranty. Company representatives are available seven days per week for clinical and technical advice on our toll free number at 1-888-557-4004.

7) Training: Meditech International follows the quality control procedure established by the FDA and Health Canada. Additionally Meditech also provides a three day basic Certification Training Seminar on the use of Low Intensity Laser Therapy. This ensures that every therapist using the BioFlex system is familiar with its functions and all aspects of safe and effective clinical application.

19. Why do other devices advertise shorter treatment times?

Why do other devices advertise shorter treatment times?
It is reasonable to apply treatment for the period of time required to stimulate the cells initially for a positive clinical effect. The time factor should not be controlled by economics but rather the optimal benefit to the patient's tissues. Generally it is not appropriate to treat patients with Low Intensity Laser Therapy treatment for 10 minutes or less. To do so is ineffective from a clinical perspective. Clinical research indicates for the majority of conditions 20-60 minutes of treatment is the optimal duration (depending on the intensity of the device). In the treatment of skeletal pathologies where considerable soft tissue involvement occurs, considering the three dimensional perspective, up to an hour or more of time may be required for effective therapy. This is certainly the case with regard to the treatment of low back problems, advanced degenerative osteoarthritis of the hips, etc. In brief, prolonged treatment times may be required in order to initiate the physiological processes essential for positive outcomes. As always, there are instances where five minutes of treatment may be more than sufficient, i.e. localized dermal lesions.

Correlate protocols and duration with clinical observation. Good clinical judgement must always prevail!

20. Is training provided on the use and application of my laser system?

Is training provided on the use and application of my laser system?
A training program is included with each system purchased. It consists of a 2-3 day course with both formal lectures and instruction regarding proper application of therapy to patients as well as hands on clinical exposure. The Laser Certification Training Seminars are held up to three times per month and typically consist of a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If you wish to take the course prior to purchasing a BioFlex System, there is a course fee. The cost of training is completely redeemable against the purchase of a BioFlex system if purchased within 90 days (up to two people per system).

21. Is onsite training at our clinic an option?

Is onsite training at our clinic an option?
Onsite training at your clinic is an option that is open for discussion. All therapists are required to attend one of our certification training seminars prior to using the BioFlex System on patients. It is highly recommended that each therapist come to our clinic in Toronto for training, where we perform in excess of 800 treatments per week. This location provides a suitable environment for an effective training seminar including clinical exposure. These training seminars are conducted up to 3 times per month and are 3 days in length. During this time any topics you wish to discuss can be reviewed in substance. 

22. How much does the system cost?

How much does the system cost?
A personalized quote can readily be formulated with reference to your practice requirements. Variations are based on the options included. Sales representatives are available to discuss these options with you.

23. Is Financing Available?

Is financing available?
Leasing is available to anyone who wishes to utilize this approach. We have contacts that have competitive rates and provide exceptional customer service. We normally forward your request to one of our contacts, however if you have a company/bank that you wish to utilize you may do so. Leasing companies will contact you to discuss your options and fax the papers to sign upon arrival. Once this step is completed your equipment will be shipped to you.

24. Are there any contraindications?

Are there any contraindications?
Yes. The basic contraindications are:
  1. ­Patients on photoactive medication
  2. Women in their first trimester of pregnancy

25. Do you have any information (floor plans) on an operating suite size needed to open a laser centre?

Do you have any information (floor plans) on an operating suite size needed to open a laser centre?
Generally 700 to 1500 sq. ft. for a Laser Therapy Clinic is adequate. It does not need to be a large area. An open roomm in a medical office of these dimensions could be sectioned off with curtains for all patients that wish to have privacy. You could place approximately 6-8 units in a room with these dimensions (2 systems per stand). A small treatment room should be an option for patients that request privacy. These issues are covered in our training program.

26. Does Meditech International offer any exclusive selling rights?

Does Meditech offer any exclusive selling rights?
Meditech International does not offer exclusive rights to any clinic, not even our company clinics. It is an advantage, however, to be first in your market. We will be pleased to assist you with marketing programs, and a listing on our website.

27. Are there any other clinics using the BioFlex in my area?

Are there any other clinics using the BioFlex in my area?
Clinics that are using the BioFlex System are listed on our website. You are welcome to review the clinics in your area, and contact the clinics directly.

28. How long does it take to receive the system upon ordering?

How long does it take to receive the system upon ordering?
Your system will be shipped on the day that we have received and confirmed payment. Your equipment should arrive 2-5 business days after we have shipped it from our corporate offices in Toronto. Currently two weeks notice is preferable for inventory purposes.

29. Is a warranty provided with the system?

Is a warranty provided with the system?
Meditech International provides a full 1 year parts and labour warranty for the BioFlex Systems. Meditech is also open 7 days per week to answer clinical and technical questions. If any component requires repair the faulty item is sent back to Toronto and at the same time we express-ship a fully functional replacement component to you for use while your unit is being repaired. This system is in place in order to permit normal function of your clinic.

30. Can I purchase an extended warranty?

Can I purchase an extended warranty?
Extended warranties are available.

31. Do you have any literature articles I can review?

Do you have any literature articles I can review?
The most popular technical/clinical information requested is available in our Laser Reports. You may consult our research section for detailed abstracts on a variety of topics relating to the use of low intensity laser therapy in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. You may also request specific research on a variety of medical problems or review our website for this information.