Toronto, ON, Canada--A therapeutic laser system (low-level light therapy--LLLT--or phototherapy) fromTheralase Technologies has been proven clinically effective in the relief of chronic knee pain and for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), according to an independent "gold standard" clinical study (blinded, randomized, controlled clinical study) that clinically evaluated the effectivity of the Theralase laser system for these maladies. The efficacy of the study was evaluated by the assessment of subject pain levels via the visual analog scale (VAS) measurement, a validated assessment tool widely accepted by the medical community, especially, neurology and orthopedic specialists.
The Theralase clinical study was peer-reviewed and has now been accepted for publication in Photonics & Lasers in Medicine (PLM), a medical specialist and practitioner journal. "Theralase is delighted that our independent clinical study has passed muster to be accepted for publication in a journal renowned for the communication of high-quality peer-reviewed research. This validation is indicative of the exceptional design and execution of this clinical study, as well as a testament to the important contribution this clinical data makes in supporting the clinical use of Theralase's therapeutic laser system in the first line treatment of patients suffering from OA," said Roger Dumoulin-White, president and CEO of Theralase.
Arkady Mandel, chief scientific officer of Theralase said, "A key finding from the Theralase clinical study was that a significant reduction in the VAS pain score was obtained 30 days after discontinuing treatment proving that for patients who suffer from severe chronic knee pain, the Theralase technology is an effective solution. Because of the excellent safety and efficacy profile of the technology proven during the clinical study, it can be stated that Theralase's non-invasive, superpulsed laser therapy represents a promising therapeutic alternative to pharmaceuticals for patients suffering from chronic knee pain and OA due to degenerative and inflammatory conditions. This clinical study has now paved the way for widespread acceptance of this technology by the medical community and thus provides a cost effective treatment option for anyone involved in treating pain on a regular basis, including: medical doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists."
Chronic pain is a complex process that profoundly affects a person's life, forcing alterations in professional, social and other aspects of everyday activities. Knee pain is the third most common pain reported to healthcare practitioners behind low back pain and headaches. Osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common type of arthritis and the major cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain and mobility disability in the elderly, which places a significant burden on the healthcare system. OA affects approximately 10% of the population over 60 years of age and an astounding 85% of the population over 75 years of age, leading to estimated socioeconomic costs of over $185.5 billion per year in the US alone. The prevalence of osteoarthritis is rapidly increasing; due to the aging population and an increase in the prevalence of obesity, with an estimated 44% of the US population to be classified as obese by the year 2030. Current treatments for chronic knee pain and OA include pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories, painkillers and corticosteroids, which offer only temporary pain relief at best, with minimal mid to long-term benefits and unfortunately severe negative side effects.
SOURCE: Theralase; www.theralase.com