UPFRONT | News SYMPOSIUM REPORT Innovations in Laser Therapy Symposium 2013 the leading researchers Bedford, N.S., gave an en-and clinicians in the field of gaging and very practical talk laser therapy met for the on how to speak with patients regarding compliance issues second annual Innovations in and managing expectations. Laser Therapy Symposium Educating the patient with hosted by BioFlex Laser on regard to how laser therapy Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, works, what it will do for June 9. Over 160 physicians, their condition and the time chiropractors, physiothera-pists, massage therapists, frame for symptom resolu-tion engages and involves the nurses and acupuncturists patient in their treatment gathered at the beautiful program. Dr. Yuen’s humor-Waterside Inn in Port Credit, Ont., for two days of engaging (Left) Keynote speaker, Dr. Norman Doidge, speaks on brain plasticity; ous anecdotes and valuable approach left the audience lectures and hands-on train-Ben Yuen, DC, runs a successful laser therapy practice in Halifax. ing that left the group excited with an improved under-to apply the knowledge they learned back into their practice. standing of how to obtain better clinical outcomes through Dr. Fred Kahn, founder and CEO of BioFlex Laser Ther-patient compliance. D’Arcy Bain, a sports physiotherapist from Manitoba who apy, welcomed the group and provided an in-depth appraisal of the limitations of conventional medicine and the role that oversees four clinics and manages 20 physiotherapists, dis-laser therapy could fill under the umbrella of mainstream cussed the benefits of laser therapy as an “all-in-one” mo-medicine. His thought-provoking words and ardent message dality that provides a clinician with a much wider range of were a perfect start to the stimulating and inspiring lectures therapeutic effects and improved clinical outcomes com-pared to conventional modalities. He also emphasized the that followed. A large variety of health-care practitioners presented, advantages of combining laser therapy with the traditional including a family physician from Virginia who focused on R.I.C.E. model of recovery through the inflammatory phase applications for fibromyalgia. Chiropractors from across following an acute injury. Coining the term L.I.C.E.R.S. Canada spoke on patient compliance and how they inte-(Laser Therapy, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Rest and grated laser therapy into their practice. As well, a researcher Support), Bain highlighted the importance of starting the from Harvard University explained the science and research rehabilitation process within a matter of hours following an behind this technology. The consensus of the day was that injury as opposed to starting it after several days, which will the applications of laser therapy were extensive and contin-delay and prolong the recovery process. ually expanding. Many participants who chose to attend the Symposium During the breaks, clinicians inspired one another with stayed on to attend the Master Class the following day. This discussions of how quickly they doubled their patient vol-in-depth and hands-on event featured lectures on customi-ume as a result of the consistent clinical outcomes. With the zation of protocols for improved clinical efficacy highlighting growing aging population, chronic pain conditions, includ-a number of interesting clinical case profiles. It also included ing degenerative arthritis of the neck, back and knees, and sessions focused on laser acupuncture, how to educate the nerve dysfunction are increasingly common and there is a patient and a range of practice management tools. This lack of safe and effective treatment options for patients. The educational event ended with an intensive hands-on session presenters at the Symposium emphasized that laser therapy in which attendees further developed their clinical skills in provides a highly effective and pain-free alternative to sur-applying laser therapy for particular pathologies. Practition-gery, pharmaceuticals and other therapeutic modalities. ers left the Master Class excited to return to their clinic and Patients who experience the benefits of laser therapy first-apply their newly learned techniques on their patients. These highly informative Symposium lectures will be hand often become passionate and convincing promoters of available as online webinars in the near future. Webinars the technology to friends and family. Dr. Norman Doidge, psychiatrist, researcher, psychoana-from previous Symposia and International Laser Conferences lyst, New York Times writer and international bestselling author, are currently available for viewing at www.bioflexlaser.com. provided an inspirational talk on brain plasticity spanning Please visit often – as new dates for Master Class topics, from the laboratory to real-world experiences of patients. certification, training and other educational events are Dr. Michael Hamblin, a researcher from Harvard University, posted – or call 1-888-557-4004 for more information. focused on the two key concepts that laser therapy can accom-Dr. FernanDa Saraga, PhD plish: anti-inflammatory effects and tissue regeneration. For the latest chiropractic news, events and continuing education Dr. Ben Yuen, a successful chiropractor who operates the information, visit www.canadianchiropractor.ca. largest laser therapy clinic in Eastern Canada out of 16 Canadian Chiropractor July/August 2013 www.canadianchiropractor.ca Photos: Fernanda Saraga
Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor July/August 2013: Page 16
