LASERS! We are in Star Trek.
 

So, has anyone read Norman Doidge's THe Brain's Way of Healing....I am going through it chapter by chapter. Its all about Neuroplasticity and the brain's internal mechanism for healing. Super Cool Stuff!!!

I would highly recommend it, the chapter that has really caught my eye is about Dr. Khan from Toronto, a surgeon turned laser enthusiast who claims to treat brain injuries with lasers, there is some really good science here....not saying it will work for everyone but for people that are on these forms for years on end, it couldn't hurt...right? If I had money I would ask Mark In Idaho to go try it...;)

http://drkahnblog.bioflexlaser.com/l...rain-injuries/

This sounds similar to the near-infrared LED therapy that was discussed earlier this year. The light spectrums used in the linked article are red to infrared which is both sides of the near-infrared spectrum. I wish the article explained more about the benefit for neurological injuries. The near-infrared LED therapy is believed to stimulated the mitochondria.

Laser therapy has been used for joint injuries for quite some time. Chiros often use it. My PT has used it for a decade or more. It is an inexpensive system with minimal risk if used at proper dosages so it does not require a highly trained therapist. There are LED systems for use at home that sell for $600 to $800.

We have had a few who have been treated by Dr Khan here on NT with varying results.

Sounds futuristic
 

Mark, have you read the brains way of healing?

I've read many excerpts of his book but not the book directly. I disagree with him from a philosophical viewpoint. Some of his anecdotal examples may be true and there may be ways to help the brain heal but he mixes too much non-science with a little bit of real science. His claims about curing MS and Parkinson's and a few others are a bit out there.

Did you realize that Dr Kahn manufactures and sells/distributes the laser systems he so strongly espouses ? Quite a conflict of interest.

hmm..
 

Well I agree that Dr.Kahn is selling the lasers and than using them to treat patiesnts, but the man is 85 years old, hasn't taken a day off sick for the past 50 years. He developed the system because no one else was doing it and obviously he is selling it to other hospitals.

If you read the book, this excerpt on this therapy is pretty fascinating, yes it is anecdotal evidence, but my god if it can work on me I would like to give it a try. Also, its not too expensive to see Dr. Khan $75 for the initial appointment, and then $75 for a treatment, depending on how many you will need. Pretty cheap, considering this doctor is mentioned in Dodge's books, is an ex surgeon who has performed thousands of surgeries and has now for some reason gone into lasers. There has to be something to it.

I suggest you check locally to see if there is a clinic that offers it. As I said, my PT has used it for over 10 years. Some of the local chiros do it and even advertise it on TV. The systems are sold by infomercials on TV for $600.

Using it for upper cervical injuries sounds great. The use for neurological injury is interesting but I don't think it is approved for such use yet. As I mentioned, the study mentioned earlier this year showed great promise for neuro issues using near infrared wave lengths.

Here is one link:

http://www.elixa.com/light/arrays.htm

Maybe someone can post a link to the previous thread about LED light therapy for neuro issues.

the difference
 

From what I read, the modality only works if the right lasers are used for the right amount of time. Doidge's book mentions chiros using lasers and how they use them for a few minutes as an after thought , my neuro chiro was doing this and i called out bs on it.

The idea is to use them for extending periods of time for weeks to months on end. As we all know now, anything for PCS requires lots of time and lots of dedication. I think this can have helpful benefits if prescribed by an expert aka: Dr. Khan the man who started the field then just any old Chiro.

The chiros who use them here set up an extended treatment plan. Dr Kahn and Dr Droige do not have a corner on the technology. I would expect Dr Kahn to publish his guidelines for those who buy his equipment so local clinics who use it or similar equipment likely understand the specifics.

Personally, I was not impressed by his web site because it said he had all the cures with all of his patient testimonials and anecdotal claims but did not explain much about his protocols. He also has adapted others protocols into his practice. Medical science advances by others learning a technique and fine tuning it for better results.

Nobody is suggesting that a single treatment produces a benefit. Most neurotherapies take weeks and months of routine treatments to see a benefit. The brain does not have a mechanism for fast healing. It takes diligence to obtain improvements.

I can very well imagine how lasers COULD hurt. Especially if they're Star Trek lasers. :D

Often LED & LLLT (low level laser, cold laser, soft laser) get confused with each other as the are both light therapy devices. LED is often less costly than Laser.

LLLT should only take 20-30 seconds per spot treatment, where a LED will take 20-30 minutes per area.

I wish Dr. Khan's site had more detailed information, but I guess they don't want to give info away for free. I did read it is mostly the soft tissue and c spine being treated not the actual brain or head. I was wondering about that..

My chiro used a LLLT very successfully on my wrist, elbow, shoulder, foot, low back and c spine. Just a quick 20 seconds per spot and pain was gone.
Of course he did adjustments also.

When prices come down a bit more I plan to buy my own..:D
The brand name LLLT are running about 1-3 thousand still.
http://www.coldlasers.org/home-equipment/