Clinic Hours

Massage Therapy - Appointment recommended

Clinicians

Resumé - James Donovan, B.Kin. (Honours), D.C.

Dr. Donovan graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Sarnia and was an Ontario scholar. He received an Honours Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 2008, he graduated from C.M.C.C. in Toronto, cum laude. We feel that Dr. Donovan will be a great asset to the Meditech team.

Darwin Rampersad, R.P.T. (Registered Physiotherapist), joined our staff in August and is available to perform assessments and prescribe individualized exercise programmes by appointment.

Resumé - Darwin S. Rampersad, P.T.

Darwin received his Master of Physical Therapy degree, M.P.T. from the D'Youville College in Buffalo, New York. Prior to that, he received an Honours Bachelor's Degree from York University, Toronto. He is fluently bilingual and has considerable experience structuring individualized exercise programmes for patients undergoing rehabilitation.

These additions to our staff provide more comprehensive services to assist patients in their rehabilitation programmes.

CHANGES TO FEE SCHEDULE

At Meditech, the cost for Laser Therapy has remained static over the past 8 years at - $40 per 30 minutes of treatment. Due to rising operational costs, we find it necessary to increase the price of this service to $45 per 30 minutes, beginning October 15, 2008.

As a result of the failure of a number of patients to provide notice of cancellation prior to appointments, at this time we are forced to apply a $50 service charge for cancellations when notice is provided less than 24 hours before the time of scheduled treatment.

Low powered, inexpensive, light emitting or laser diodes are generally seated in some sort of a simple base. Power output however is often minimal with concomitant therapeutic value. As always in medicine the placebo effect is at work. In addition to the positive effort of nature, light invariably contributes a healing component no matter how minute, therefore a number of patients will improve with the psychological boost of laser therapy even though it may be of minimal value per se. Indeed, this is inevitable in simple easy to treat cases which would return to normal function without any treatment. As we all know many types of pathology are relieved by rest and nature alone. One must therefore be aware of devices that are marketed based on their cosmetic appearance and not necessarily in keeping with the lack of sophistication and quality of the unit. As always, we interject the axiom, “caveat empor”.

For a laser device to be effective it must have laser probes with diodes emitting between 100 to 200mW of power. Super luminous diodes should deliver somewhere between 6 - 10mW. Treatment must be applied in a therapeutically effective manner through control of frequency, duty cycle, wavelength, waveform, energy density, duration, etc. These settings need to be available over an infinite range with customization for each individual cellular genetic make-up in order to achieve a suitable response. As one can see, myriad factors are involved in engineering an optimally functioning device and considerable scientific and clinical knowledge must be incorporated in the process of evolving effective clinical approaches.

Frequently companies in their advertising claim that they have the “most powerful lasers” available therefore “they are the best.” Nothing could be more misleading. If a laser diode that is highly powerful is applied to the tissue, burning is a significant risk, or at best denaturing of the cellular proteins, processes counterproductive to the healing process.

Other manufacturers advertise the “highest powered laser”. If the full power of these systems were placed close to the tissue being treated, cells would be destroyed similar to surgical lasers used to ablate tissue. With healing lasers the output power must be carefully controlled in order to stimulate the cell but not damage the micro-molecules or membrane in any way. One can readily see that the minefield of lasers selection and utilization is problematic and all advertising slogans must be carefully studied and assessed. Always question what you read!

Premium type devices are engineered to achieve maximum healing, without causing cellular damage. This is a relatively narrow spectrum and the margins must not be violated. The best indicator of the capacity to heal can be measured by the functionality achieved, obviating the need for pharmaceuticals and the absence of pain. You must always remember that the hype propagated by many sales personnel is simply designed to confuse you, the therapist, in order to sell the product they represent. Always choose the device that consistently produces the best results from the clinical perspective.

Meditech International Inc. carries on a significant research program exploring the potential of laser in the treatment of challenging medical conditions where conventional therapies are inadequate. These include:

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Regarding LILT

1. What is a laser?
2. What is Low Intensity Laser Therapy?
3. How long does a treatment take?
4. How many treatments are needed?
5. How much does one charge for treatment?
6. Is the treatment covered by OHIP, Medicare etc?
7. What are the side effects associated with BioFlex?
8. What about the negative effects of radiation?
9. Where is BioFlex in use today?
10. Where has clinical research on BioFlex been conducted?
11. Thermal versus Low Intensity Laser Therapy
12. Defining Diodes
13. What is BioFlex?
14. What does Low Intensity Laser Therapy do?
15. How does BioFlex compare with other conventional treatments?
16. Are there any contraindications?
17. Are there any clinics using the BioFlex in my area?

What is a laser?
The word laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser emits electron particles known as photons, which exhibit the characteristics described below:

• Monochromaticity: In laser light, all electromagnetic waves have the same wavelength and therefore, the same color.
• Coherence: All the photons in laser light oscillate in the same phase.
• Directionality: Laser emission is highly directional and can be collimated.
• Intensity: The primary advantage of lasers is the high intensity directed at a small area (i.e. the focus of the pathology).

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 to 2000 mW range) to treat musculoskeletal injuries, chronic and degenerative conditions and to heal wounds. The light source is placed in contact with the damaged tissue allowing the photon energy to penetrate to various levels. Interaction with certain intracellular micromolecules occurs resulting in the restoration of normal cell morphology, function and the enhancement of the body’s natural healing processes.

How long does a treatment take?
Treatments are typically 15 minutes to one hour in duration for any particular condition or patient.

How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments will vary with regard to the individual presenting problem. Just as every medical condition varies, so will the individual 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 one charge for treatment?
Fee for treatment is established by individual clinics and varies from $35 to $60 for 30 minutes of treatment, depending on the clinic. At Meditech we charge $40 for a half hour treatment.

Is the treatment covered by OHIP, Medicare etc?
Insurance coverage varies depending on the professional designation and/ or qualifications of the therapist and the insurance plan.

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 important, it is non-invasive.

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.

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 at Meditech, 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.

Where has clinical research on BioFlex been conducted?
Ongoing clinical research of various disease entities is conducted onsite at Meditech’s two rehabilitation centres. Several controlled studies have been performed since 1996 using the BioFlex Professional System; two of these involved experimental models of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and Rheumatoid Arthritis. The outcomes of both studies showed BioFlex producing significant and positive results. A synopsis of these studies is available on our website.

Meditech has also 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. Additional research is being conducted in private clinics. Results from all centres have indicated that the benefits derived from the BioFlex Systems are both positive and dramatic.

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. Thermal laser combines power and precision and therefore has many beneficial uses in surgical and ablative procedures.

Unlike thermal lasers, the low intensity laser beam is ‘soft power’, athermal and can stimulate cellular regeneration and natural healing. Red and infra-red lasers with power outputs in the range of 10 to 250 mW belong in this category, in addition to superluminous diodes up to the 2000mW level.

Low intensity laser energy stimulates cellular function at many levels including metabolism; in essence it promotes the initiation of multiple physiological and beneficial effects in the repair and function of human cells. LILT is widely used in the medical and cosmetic fields, principally because it is non-destructive to the target tissue­, while positively affecting many functions such as collagen formation, cellular metabolism, angiogenesis, lymphatic flow, etc.

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. Less powerful than laser diodes, these diodes are however applied safely in larger numbers over a wide area. These include red and near infrared diodes.
2) Laser Diodes (LD) have higher power output and narrow beams, making them ideal ‘laser probes’ for deeper penetration and for targeting localized, focal pathologies. Again, this includes both red and near infrared diodes.

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. Indeed, it is felt to be an important ‘new therapeutic dimension’.

What does Low Intensity Laser Therapy do?
By affecting and reversing the offending pathology at the cellular level, laser optimizes the restoration of normal cellular morphology and function; therefore, as logic dictates symptoms disappear. The beneficial effects of laser therapy are cumulative over the course of a series of treatments.

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.

Are there any contraindications?
Yes. There are two basic contraindications. ­Patients on photoactive medication and women in their first trimester of pregnancy. Appropriate clinical factors vary and must always be considered.

Are there any clinics using the BioFlex in my area?
Many of the clinics that are using the BioFlex are listed on our website. You are encouraged to review the website to view clinics in your area.

You will be interested to know that after 2.5 years of attempting to find relief from my sciatic pain problem, today I have NO pain. As you know, I had extensive chiropractic and physiotherapy treatment over the past 2 years.

What you may not be aware of is that I also had, deep needle (4” into intrinsic muscle) therapy with a chiropractor, acupuncture, nuclear scans, massage therapy, cortisone injections, CT scans, MRIs, stretching exercise programs and relaxation therapy. Nothing worked. I still suffered significantly from marked pain, particularly in the right gluteal area whenever I played golf or attempted to be physically active.

It was disrupting on the golf course and while I was performing my usual activities during the day. It even disrupted my sleep.

In August 2005, I was playing golf at Credit Valley Golf Club. Al Balding, longtime golf professional and a good friend of mine noticed a significant “lurch” during my swing. He asked why my swing looked so funny. I told him that I had shooting pains down the right leg. He went to his golf cart and gave me a business card for Dr. Fred Kahn.

Dr. Fred Kahn, M.D., runs a company called Meditech BioFlex. He is the pioneer in Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT). Al told me to go and see Fred the next morning at 8 a.m.

I met with Fred who asked me a few questions. He then said, “from what I can see, you have spinal stenosis. We’ll get an MRI next Friday morning at 6 a.m. --- it should confirm my diagnosis”.

Notwithstanding the short wait for the MRI, I started on (LILT) immediately. Fred told me that my condition could be fixed with about 15 treatments. Naturally I was sceptical but went ahead anyway.

What follows is truly amazing! After three treatments, I could sleep through the night without pain. After 18 treatments, I had no evidence of pain whatsoever and was able to carry on with all activities. As I am a “being from Missouri type”, I remained cautious and continued to have one treatment every two weeks. My 18th treatment was in January 2006.

I played the entire 2006 golf season without pain. As a side note, I sent Stu Hamilton, Ontario’s best senior golfer, to see Dr. Kahn. Stu had taken a self-imposed sabbatical from competitive golf for a period of three years. After 10 treatments, Stu was free of pain, returned to competitive golf and won both provincial championships and came second in the Canadian Seniors.

Dr. Jim, my reason for sending this e-mail is to let you know of my success. Dr. Kahn has written several articles on the advantages of LILT and his thought process regarding pain. Dr. Kahn talks not of treating the pain but of treating the pathology. I recommend that you go to their website http://www.bioflexlasertherapy.com/ and see for yourself. You may find that their technology will help you enhance your practise.

I trust that all is well with you and your family.

Cheers,

Gordon W. LeRiche

Dear Dr. Kahn,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the friendly staff at Meditech for treating my back pain. I am a 21 year old university student and was diagnosed with acutely herniated disc, which was seen as “incurable” by many doctors before visiting your clinic. I was told that if the pain gets worse as I get older, no guarantee surgery was the one and only option.

Prior to initiating the BioFlex Low Intensity Laser Therapy treatment, I was overwhelmed by various pain killers for 3 years. They never got to the source of the problem and only gave me temporary relief. As my body got use to the drugs, they failed to have any effect. However, within two weeks (3 short one hour treatments per week) of the laser therapy, I was able to bend down a couple of inches. By 2 months I was able to actually bend down and touch my shoes. It’s almost been a year since my last treatment and no pain has returned.

Not only did Dr. Kahn cure my back pain, but he has improved my quality of life as a university student. My marks have improved and I am now able to lie on my back, sit and walk without any discomfort. I recommend the BioFlex Laser Therapy without hesitation. It has no side affects and goes right to the source of the problem.

Dr. Kahn keep up the great work!

Sincerely,

Anwar Ahmed