Anodyne therapy, or the Monochromatic infrared energy therapy is a therapy that utilizes infrared light therapy through contact with the skin. This therapy may also be referred to as infrared therapy, near-infrared light therapy, and infrared light treatment. It is also known as monochromatic, near-infrared photo energy (MIRE™) (Anodyne Therapy LLC, Tampa, FL). The Anodyne Therapy System (ATS) (Anodyne Therapy LLC, Tampa, FL) is one type of devices that utilizes MIRE. With Anodyne devices, light is emitted by an array of 60 superluminous gallium aluminum diodes located on a flexible pad.

The mechanism of action underlying pain relief associated with Anodyne® Therapy/MIRE™ may be due, in part, to a combination of topical heat and an increased local release of nitric oxide that has been reported using this wavelength (890nm) of near infrared light energy. The source of released nitric oxide may be endothelial cells or red blood cells, or both. Nitric oxide has been studied for many years; however, interest has peaked in the last 10-15 years as a result of the discovery of the role of nitric oxide as a signaling mechanism in the human body. The researchers of this discovery were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology in 1998.

Clinical Research has linked nitric oxide with:

• Increases in local circulation - vasodilation

• Reduction of pain

• Reduction in inflammation

• Angiogenesis

• Collagen synthesis

Light mediated vasodilation was first described by R. F. Furchgott, in his nitric oxide research that led to his receipt of a Nobel Prize in 1998. Later studies conducted by other researchers confirm and extend Furchgott’s early work and demonstrate the ability of infrared light or photo energy to influence the localized production or release of NO and stimulate vasodilation through NO’s effect on cGMP.

Over the years, some wavelengths of infrared light have been proven to be more effective than other wavelengths in terms of increasing circulation. The wavelength of 890 nm that is used with Anodyne® Therapy Infrared Products has been validated through published clinical data, and also through independent testing.

1. Journal: Diabetes Care, Volume 27(1), January 2004

Study Site(s): Joslin Center for Diabetes at Morton Plant Hospital

Number of Subjects: 27 (All Diabetic)

Study Design: Prospective, Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled

Protocol Used: All subjects in the study had chronic pain in the lower extremities. Subjects initially received treatment with active therapy pads on one limb and sham pads on the other limb 3 times per week for 40 minutes each vist for 2 weeks (6 treatments). This was followed by six active treatments of the same duration administered to both limbs duing the following 2 weeks.

Pain Endpoint: Numeric Visual Analog Scale from 0 – 10 (10 being the worst pain)

Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrate that treatments with near-infrared photo energy, MIRE™ delivered in the manner specified in the study protocol resulted in a significant reduction in lower extremity pain.

2. Journal: Diabetes and Its Complications, Volume 20(2),2006

Study Site(s): Multiple Site

Number of Subjects: 2239 (1395 Diabetic; 844 Non-Diabetic)

Study Design: Multiple Site Retrospective Chart Review based on Prospective, Repeated Measures Analysis

Protocol Used: All subjects in the study had chronic pain in the lower extermities. The average treatment protocol was 3 x per week for 30-45 minutes for 5 weeks and included physical therapy interventions such as therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education and/or gait training.

Pain Endpoint: Numeric Visual Analog scale from 0 – 10 (10 being the worst pain)

Conclusion: MIRE™ treatments are associated with a reduction in pain, even in patients with lower extremity pain levels between 8-10 on a 0-10 point scale.

Sourced from: http://www.anodynetherapy.com/clinical/study_summaries.html ,

A Baker's cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a benign swelling of the semimembranous or more rarely some other synovial bursa found behind the knee joint. It is named after the surgeon who first described it, William Morrant Baker (1838–1896). This is not a "true" cyst, as an open communication with the synovial sac is often maintained.

Baker's cysts usually arise from almost any form of knee arthritis or cartilage (particularly a meniscus) tear. Baker's cysts can rarely be associated with Lyme disease. Baker's cysts in children do not point to underlying joint disease. Baker's cysts arise between the tendons of the medial head of the gastrocnemius and the semimembranosus muscles. They are posterior to the medial femoral condyle.

The synovial sac of the knee joint can, under certain circumstances, produce a posterior bulge, into the popliteal space, the space behind the knee. When this bulge becomes large enough, it becomes palpable and cystic. Most Baker's cysts maintain this direct communication with the synovial cavity of the knee, but sometimes, the new cyst pinches off. A Baker's cyst can rupture and produce acute pain behind the knee and in the calf and swelling of the calf muscles.

Diagnosis is by examination. A baker's cyst is easier to see from behind with the patient standing with knees fully extended. It is most easily palpated (felt) with the knee partially flexed. Diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasonography, although if needed and there is no suspicion of a popliteal artery aneurysm then aspiration of synovial fluid from the cyst may be undertaken with care. An MRI image can reveal presence of a Baker's cyst.

A burst cyst can cause calf pain, swelling and redness that may mimic thrombophlebitis or a potentially life-threatening deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which may need to be excluded by urgent blood tests and ultrasonography. Although an infrequent occurrence, a Baker's cyst can compress vascular structures and cause leg edema and a true DVT.

A physical therapist will work to reduce pain and swelling. Treatment may include ice and compression therapy to reduce inflammation. Range of motion exercises should be initiated for joint flexibility. As condition improves, the physical therapist will have to strengthen the muscles around the knee.

A vigorous resistance training program not only makes patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) stronger but also reduces signs of their disease over the long term, a new study has found. The study showed that such a weight-training regimen reduces scores on the motor section of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III) by 7.3 points.

This represents "meaningful and clinically important" changes in the lives of patients with PD, said lead investigator Daniel Corcos, PhD, professor, Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago.

The study was presented here during the American Academy of Neurology 64th Annual Meeting.

Read more: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/763195?sssdmh=dm1.781270&src=nldne