Many clinicians ask us: What is the difference between Class 3 and Class 4 Lasers? There is a slew of false information in the public domain, perpetuated mainly by the manufacturers of these devices, regarding the effectiveness and cellular mechanisms activated during class 4 laser light irradiation. Many class 4 laser manufacturers are intentionally or unintentionally misleading healthcare practitioners into believing that higher power and longer NIR wavelengths equate to deeper tissue penetration and better clinical efficacy. Nothing could be further from the truth. The truth is… Unfortunately, all of these claims turn out to be fancy sales gimmicks, as they have not the standing in the clinical or scientific journals to support their claims. The clinical and scientific facts are clear that because of the very high absorption of NIR laser light by water at wavelengths greater than 950 nm, 99% of the energy produced at this wavelength or … Read More
Treating Sports-Related Ankle Sprains
How many times has a patient come hobbling into your office stating that they have twisted their ankle playing basketball or hockey?
Are Soccer Moms Now the Candidates Most Likely to Succumb to Drug Addiction?
One of the latest is that of Daniel Smith – son of iconic model Anna Nicole Smith – who, according to some reports, died from an accidental overdose on a cocktail of drugs that he took prior to a flight, ironically, to calm his nerves due to a fear of flying.
Dealing with a Pain in the Neck
Neck pain is a very common complaint and with good reason. Our necks contain many pain-sensitive structures which are delicate and constantly exposed to abnormal stress.
FDA Findings Reinforce Need for Drug-Free Pain Management
Recent warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have many patients and practitioners alike rethinking their approach to chronic pain management.
Back Pain: Ending the Viscous Cycle
Back pain is among the most common of chronic conditions, with as many as 1 in 8 Canadians reporting that they have a chronic back problem.1 The condition’s influence reaches beyond simple pain, affecting patient mobility with 31% of Canadians reporting activity limitations due to back pain.2 The economy is also unduly affected; 15% of low back pain sufferers are absent for work for over a month.3 No matter what type of pain causes the discomfort, over time chronic back pain can cause patients to limit their interactions with others to avoid discomfort or embarrassment. This can bring on depressed emotional states, as anxiety, fear, anger, fatigue and stress all combine in the body to work against the body’s natural painkillers, creating a vicious cycle of pain. Today we have no shortage of pharmaceutical options for dealing with chronic pain. However, pain medication can bring a number of unpleasant side … Read More