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INTRODUCTION
The photonic stimulator (PS) is a hand held device which emits
infrared laser light and is held over specific points located
on the body. The infrared light penetrates the skin to help increase
blood flow and circulation. It is non-invasive and gives pain
relief.
For those with RSD, the sympathetic nervous system is dysfunctional
in that it does not properly control the cutaneous blood flow
to the areas of the skin. These altered blood flow patterns look
like hyperthermia (increased heat) or hypothermia (decreased blood
flow). There is a temperature asymmetry in the body. The photonic
stimulator can regulate blood flow and normalize temperature patterns.
(Please see our Case Studies for details.)
Photon therapy has been used to treat myofascial syndrome, diabetic
neuropathy, degenerative osteo-arthritis, many types of pain e.g.
back/neck/hip/knee and CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome).
The TIP (Thermal Imaging Processor) is a digital infrared imaging
system that measure heat emanating from the body and is used to
measure the before and after treatment outcomes. It offers a unique
form of visual feedback.
This year, scientific studies on PS and TIP will be conducted
in United States. Studies will be randomized controlled trials.
The following are recent studies using PS and TIP.
Thermal Imaging
Processor (TIP) Photon Stimulation: A New Form of Therapy for Chronic
Diabetic Medical Painful Neuropathy of the Feet
by Jacob Green, M.D., Ph.D., Earl Horowitz, D.P.M., Deborah Fralicker,
R.N., D.C., William Clewell, Ph.D., George Ossi, B.S., Aerospace
Minnie Briley, C.M.E.T. and Tim Luce, B.S. Pain Digest, September/October
1999, Volume 9, Number 5
ABSTRACT: Diabetic neuropathy is a common, significant,
and painful condition that does not readily lend itself to simplified
Photonic therapy. Patients with painful diabetic neuropathy were
treated with a new entity, i.e., a photon stimulator, and this
device is described. Patients and control subjects were all assessed
by physiological means (high-resolution digital infrared imaging)before
and after all therapy. Patients were all given the opportunity
to express their own opinions as to the efficacy of treatment
outcomes via use of the standard visual analogue scale (VAS).
The results are noted.
Infrared Photon Stimulation:
A New Form of Chronic Pain Therapy
by Jacob Green, M.D., Deborah Fralicker, R.N., D.C., William Clewell,
Ph.D., Earl Horowitz, D.P.M., Tim Luce, B.S., Victor Yannacone,
L.L.B., and Constance Haber, D.C.
ABSTRACT: Three diverse problems were studied,
the first of which was "chronic painful diabetic neuropathy."
This was typified by cold, painful feet. Photon therapy over the
acupuncture sites and over the afflicted area resulted in increased
temperature and amelioration of pain in many patients. In addition,
it was noted that those who became temperature coherent (we noted
a wide dispersion of recorded temperatures in symptomatic patients)
were associated with better assessment of the technique by the
patient.The second group of "chronic myofascial pain"
syndrome patients typically demonstrated an increased are of temperature
in the skin, were also treated by utilization of typical acupuncture
points. For the most part, clinical improvement in pain ratings
were noted associated with decreased skin temperature in affected
areas becoming side-to-side coherent over time. A third patient
with complex regional pain syndrome type II was also treated with
this technology with clinical improvement in his previously dramatically
reduced skin temperature without admission of any basic symptom
change.
It is felt that the infrared energy creates a change in the potentiostatic
electrochemical process which invokes a non-local coupling reaction
in the body's electrical system. This would also indicate a new
anatomical designation of acupuncture treatment points in correspondence
with the older nomenclature which was often misleading.This is
the first overall reporting of a treatment utilizing the body's
own "electrical buttons" as opposed to invoking electrical
change of an internal or external invasive or semi-invasive procedure.
Photon Stimulation Therapy
for Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome: A New Technique
by Jacob Green, M.D., Ph.D., Deborah Fralicker, R.N., William Clewell,
Ph.D., Earl Horowitz, D.P.M., and Tim Lucey, B.S. Disability, August
1999, Volume 8, Number 3
ABSTRACT: Complex regional pain syndrome type
I, previously known as reflex asymmetry dystrophy, is notoriously
difficult to treat. We report on the significant temperature reduction
and the side-to-side symmetry noted in one patient treated with
infrared photon therapy. We review recently published experience
with the photon stimulator in chronic diabetic painful neuropathy
and chronic myofascial pain syndrome. Significant temperature
symmetries which were the hallmark of these other disorders were
likewise similarly affected. Considerations for the acupuncture
type of electrochemical process change in nonlocal coupling functions
are thought to be responsible. Neuromodulation and neuroaugmentation
created by this technology seem to be helpful in the amelioration
of this chronic painful condition.
Chronic Myofascial Pain
Treated with a New Device: The Photon Stimulator - Physiological
and Clinical Assessment
by Deborah Fralicker, D.C., Jacob Green, M.D., Ph.D., William Clewell,
Ph.D., George Ossi, B.S., and Minnie Briley, C.M.E.T. JMPT, Submitted
April 1999
ABSTRACT: Classical spinal and peripheral acupuncture
treatment points were stimulated by an FDA approved infrared photon
device in the treatment of chronic myofascial pain. Favorable
assessments by the patients of this new mode of photon therapy
were reported for both groups. A significant reduction in the
patient's level of pain using the standard visual analog scale
for pain measurement were found. A reduction of the classic hotter
(spot) skin surface temperatures in the area of the myofascial
complaints that the surrounding body in both groups of patients.
This infrared photon therapy device appears quite acceptable for
the outpatient treatments in chiropractic physicians offices,
especially those with an interest in myofascial pain and knowledge
of acupuncture technique.
Improvement of Pain and
Disability in Elderly Patients with Degenerative Osteoarthritis
of the Knee Treated with Narrow-Band Light Therapy
by Jean Stelian, M.D., Israel Gil, M.D., Beni Habot, M.D., Michal
Rosenthal, M.D., Julian Abramovici, M.D., Nathalia Kutok, M.D.,
and Auni Khahil, M.D. Journal of the American Geriatric Society,
January 1992, Volume 40, Number 1
ABSTRACT: Objective: To evaluate the effects
of low-power light therapy on pain and disability in elderly patients
with degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee. Design: Partially
double-blinded, full randomized trial comparing red, infrared,
and placebo light emitters. Patients: 50 patients with degenerative
osteoarthritis of both knees were randomly assigned to three treatment
groups: red (15 patients), infrared (18 patients), and placebo
(17 patients). Infrared and placebo emitters were double-blinded.
Interventions: Self-applied treatment to both sides of the knee
for 15 minutes twice a day for 10 days.
Main Outcomes: Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, Present Pain
Intensity, and Visual Analog Scale for pain and Disability Index
Questionnaire for disability were used. We evaluated pain and
disability before and on the tenth day of therapy. The period
from the end of the treatment until the patients request to be
retreated was summed up 1 year after the trial.
Results: Pain and disability before treatment did not show statistically
significant differences between the three groups. Pain reduction
in the red and infrared groups after the treatment was more than
50% in all scoring methods. There was no significant pain improvement
in the placebo groups. We observed significant functional improvement
in the red- and infrared-treated groups, but not in the placebo
group. The period from the end of treatment until the patients
required retreatment was longer for the red and infrared groups
than for the placebo group.
Results: Pain and disability before treatment did not show statistically
significant differences between the three groups.Pain reduction
in the red and infrared groups after the treatment was more than
50% in all scoring methods (P less than 0.05). There was no significant
pain improvement in the placebo group. We observed significant
functional improvement in red- and infrared-treated groups (p
less than 0.05), but not in the placebo group. The period from
the end of treatment until the patients required treatment was
longer for red and infrared groups than for the placebo group
(4.2 +/- 3.0, 6.1 +/- 3.2, and 0.53 +/- 0.62 months, for red,
infrared, and placebo, respectively).
Conclusions: Low-power light therapy is effective in relieving
pain and disability in degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee.
Results of Treatment with
the Bales Scientific Photonic Stimulator
by Harry F. L. Pollett, M.D. FRCPC
Cape Breton Healthcare Complex
North Sydney, Canada
Diagnoses Treated
Back Pain - 21 Patients
RSD - 13 Patients
Tension Headaches - 10 Patients
Leg/Hip/Knee Pain - 10 Patients
Myofascial Pain - 5 Patients
Diabetic Neuropathy - 4 Patients
Chest Wall Pain - 3 Patients
Post Herpetic Neuralgia - 3 Patients
TMJ - 3 Patients
Abdominal Wall Pain - 1 Patient
Treatment Results
Diagnoses Treated:
Back Pain - 21 Patients (11 helped by other means before treatment
with Stimulator)
Back Pain - 21 Patients (at end of treatment with Photonic Stimulator)
Back Pain - 21 Patients (at present time - September, 1999)
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
(CRPS) - 13 Patients RSD - 13 Patients (at end of treatment with
Photonic Stimulator)
RSD - 13 Patients (at present time - September, 1999)
Tension Headache - 13 Patients (10 patients helped by other means
before treatment with Stimulator)
Tension Headache - 13 Patients (at end of treatment with Photonic
Stimulator)
Tension Headache - 13 Patients (at present time - September, 1999)
Leg/Hip/Knee Pain (at end of treatment with Photonic Stimulator)
Leg/Hip/Knee Pain (at present time - September, 1999)
Diabetic Neuropathy - 3 Patients (1 patient helped by other treatments)
Diabetic Neuropathy - 3 Patients (at end of treatment with Photonic
Stimulator)
Diabetic Neuropathy - 3 Patients (at present time - September,
1999)
Myofascial Pain - 5 Patients (4 patients were helped by other
treatments before Photonic Stimulator)
Myofascial Pain - 5 Patients (at end of treatment with Photonic
Stimulator)
Myofascial Pain - 5 Patients (at present time - September, 1999)
Recurrences
Change in Work Status
Concerns
Treatment Results
Minimum Number of Treatments - 3
Number of Patients Treated - 105
Number of Patients Surveyed - 81
Back Pain: 21 Patients (11 helped by other means before
treatment with Photonic Stimulator)
Treatments Included:
Trigger Points
I.V. Lidocaine
Epidural Steriods
Chiropractor
Back Pain - 21 Patients (at end of treatment with Photonic Stimulator)
Worse after treatment - 5 Patients
Unchanged after treatment - 7 Patients
Slightly better after treatment - 4 Patients
Significantly better after treatment - 5 Patients
Back Pain - 21 Patients (at present time - September, 1999)
Worse after treatment - 4 Patients
Unchanged after treatment - 5 Patients
Slightly better after treatment - 5 Patients
Significantly better after treatment - 7 Patients
REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY (RSD) or COMPLEX REGIONAL
PAIN SYNDROME (CRPS) - 13 Patients
(4 patients were helped by other treatment before Photonic Stimulator)
Treatments included:
Physiotherapy
Trigger Joint Injections
Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
I.V. Lidocaine
Bier Blocks with Guanethidine or Bretylium
RSD - 13 Patients
(at end of treatment with Photonic Stimulator)
Worse after treatment - 1 Patients
Unchanged after treatment - 1 Patients
Slightly better after treatment - 2 Patients
Significantly better after treatment - 9 Patients
RSD - 13 Patients
(at present time - September, 1999)
Worse after treatment - 2 Patients
Unchanged after treatment - 3 Patients
Slightly better after treatment - 3 Patients
Significantly better after treatment - 4 Patients
All better - 1 Patient
Tension Headache - 13 Patients (10 patients helped by
other means before treatment with Stimulator)
Treatments Included:
Physiotherapy
I.V. Lidocaine
Oral Medication
Trigger Point Injections
Scalp Nerve Blocks
Tension Headache - 13 Patients (at end of treatment
with Photonic Stimulator)
Worse after treatment - 1 Patients
Unchanged after treatment - 4 Patients
Slightly better after treatment - 3 Patients
Significantly better after treatment - 5 Patients
Tension Headache - 13 Patients (at present time - September,
1999)
Worse after treatment - 2 Patients
Unchanged after treatment - 3 Patients
Slightly better after treatment - 6 Patients
Significantly better after treatment - 2 Patients
Leg/Hip/Knee Pain (at end of treatment with Photonic
Stimulator)
Worse after treatment - 2 Patients
Unchanged after treatment - 2 Patients
Slightly better after treatment - 4 Patients
Significantly better after treatment - 2 Patients
Leg/Hip/Knee Pain (at present time - September, 1999)
Worse after treatment - 2 Patients
Unchanged after treatment - 3 Patients
Slightly better after treatment - 3 Patients
Significantly better after treatment - 2 Patients
Diabetic Neuropathy - 3 Patients (1 patient helped by
other treatments)
Treatments Included:
Oral Medication
Sympathetic Blocks
Diabetic Neuropathy - 3 Patients (at end of treatment
with Photonic Stimulator)
Significantly better after treatment - 2 Patients
All better - 1 Patient
Diabetic Neuropathy - 3 Patients (at present time -
September, 1999)
Worse after treatment - 1 Patients
All better - 2 Patient
Myofascial Pain- 5 Patients
(4 patients were helped by other treatments)
(1 patient was not helped by other treatments)
Treatments Included:
Trigger Point Injections
I.V. Lidocaine
Tricyclic Anti-depressants
Myofascial Pain - 5 Patients (at end of treatment with
Photonic Stimulator)
Unchanged after treatment - 1 Patients
Slightly better after treatment - 1 Patients
Significantly better after treatment - 3 Patients
Myofascial Pain - 5 Patients (at present time - September,
1999)
Unchanged after treatment - 1 Patients
Slightly better after treatment - 3 Patients
Significantly better after treatment - 1 Patients
One patient able to return to work as a result of the treatments.
None of the other patients are working.
Recurrences
Less that one week - 27 patients
Less than one month - 3 patients
Less than three months - 8 patients
More than three months - 8 patients
Total - 46 patients
Improved with no recurrence - 15
Change in Work Status
Not working to working part-time - 1
Not working to working full-time - 5
Part-time to working full-time - 2
Not working to looking for work - 1
Full-time to working part-time - 0
Full-time to not working - 0
Part-time to not working - 0
Total with improved work status - 9
Total with decreased work status - 0
Concerns:
Three of four Diabetic Neuropathy patients appeared to get an
exacerbation of infection after treatments.
One patient died of cancer of the lung three months after treatment.
Diagnosed six weeks before death, but our infrared images may
have shown tumor.
A 38 year old female patient with a family history of heart disease
had a heart attack two weeks after treatment. She had good pain
relief, but now appears to have fulminant progression of her coronary
artery disease.
UPDATE MAY 2001: COMING SOON!
Dr Pollett's follow up survey of treatment of CRPS patients with
the photonic stimulator.
UDPATE July 2003: Dr Pollett has indicated that
in his practice, based on his statistics for treating RSD/CRPS
patients with photon therapy, that the success rate is 60%.
FURTHER READINGS
Beckerman, H. Et al The Efficacy of Laser Therapy
for Musculoskeleal and Skin Disorders: a Criteria-Based Meta-Analysis
of Randomized Clincial Trials Physical Therapy 1992;72: 483-91
Kara, T. Photo biological Fundamentals of Low Power Laser Therapy,
Journal of Quantum Electronics, 1987:23 1707-13
Klaber, Tom.Ending Pain with Light, Alternative
Medicine, November 1999.
Photon Therapy Brightens the Future, Swaha Devi,
Alternative Medicine, September 2000
Young, S. et al. Macrophage Responsiveness to Light
Therapy, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 9, 495, 1989.
RELATED INFORMATION:
For a detailed view of Photonic Stimulator and Thermal Image Processor
equipment please see listings under MODALITIES on our links page
for Bales Scientific Inc. and CTI (Computerized Thermal Imaging
Inc.) and other sites.
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