Using Bioflex Photobiomodulation
For Recovery
By Mathieu Gagnon
What is Photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) describes the therapeutic use of red and near-infrared wavelengths of light energy from laser OR light emitting diodes (LEDs) that interact with photoreceptors to produce photochemical reactions that have a positive effect on cellular metabolism and recovery from damage and inflammation.
What is the Bioflex Laser Therapy?
Bioflex is the laser therapy equipment used at the Surrey Neuroplasticity Clinic. The Bioflex laser uses LED arrays and class 3b lasers that have the capability to emit red light and near-infrared light, which have been found to be the most clinically effective wavelength ranges in the literature.
You can read about the important difference between class 3b lasers and class 4 lasers here, and why only class 3b lasers are utilized at the Surrey Neuroplasticity clinic.
What can the Bioflex help treat?
PBMT or Low-Level Laser Therapy helps treat several conditions. However, it is most commonly used in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries such as sprained ligaments, muscle strains, cartilage tears bursitis and other injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Whether it’s a sports injury, overuse condition, or an accident, the goal of treatment is to accelerate the healing process and decrease symptoms which allows the clinician to initiate manual and exercise therapies much sooner. In addition, photobiomodulation can be used to assist in recovery from hard training sessions as a means to maximize performance.
Is it covered by insurance?
PBMT is typically administered by a Physiotherapist, Kinesiologist or a Rehabilitation Assistant trained in administering photobiomodulation treatment. If your extended health program covers any of the allied health professionals above, then you may be eligible for reimbursement. Should you have a claim through ICBC or other funder, these sessions can be used dependent on what treatment you are approved for.
What does treatment look like?
Our treatment sessions range from 30 to 60 minutes and involve the use of both LED arrays and laser probes facilitated by a staff member trained in delivering Bioflex laser therapy. Sessions involve the client sitting in a comfortable chair or lying down depending on the area that is being treated. The Surrey Neuroplasticity Clinic generally sees clients for 5-24 treatment sessions, depending on the issue being treated. Chronic conditions, such as tendinosis typically require more treatment sessions than acute conditions (e.g., sprains/strains). These are general timelines, and ultimately the timeline for treatment will depend on each individual’s response to treatment.
Learn more about our Bioflex laser therapy service here.