Aspen Laser
Photobiomodulation Innovations by Aspen Laser Driving New Drug Free Solution for Pain

The use of photobiomodulation as a non-invasive treatment is emerging as a viable solution for drug free pain relief and faster health recovery. Aspen Laser Systems, LLC has recently been recognized for its innovation in bringing advanced photobiomodulation technology to the medical world. As the healthcare industry continues to look for solutions to the problem of chronic pain and more importantly the opioid crisis, Aspen Laser is committed to driving innovation in this sector.

Man on a Mission

Charles E. Vorwaller, current president and CEO of Aspen Laser Systems, LLC once considered pursuing a career in medicine and becoming a medical doctor. After taking a marketing course in college, he decided instead to sell medical devices to doctors, that in turn would help their patients. Consequently, Charles could help a greater number of people throughout the world. After graduation, he worked for a medical company that manufactured phototherapy products for infants. This opened his eyes to the world of photomedicine and the unique benefits of using light to clinically help the human body in a natural way. Over the last 32 years, Charles has been directly involved in several light and laser technologies and companies with an unwavering mission to bring newer and more advanced photomedicine technology to the medical market. Nearly six years ago, Charles founded the Aspen Laser company, which has grown to become one of the leaders in Class IV Laser Therapy, continually developing and marketing the best and most innovative lasers and advanced technology products each year.

The ‘Light’ Way of Reducing Pain and Inflammation

In a recent interview with Vorwaller, he stated, “the foundation and focus of our company is on photobiomodulation, a new term for cold laser therapy using lasers and light emitting diodes (LED) devices for pain relief and recovery. We are different from commonly used medical devices, therapeutic products, and even pharmaceutical drugs, that treat symptoms resulting in only short-term benefits. In contrast, our products treat the cause, by providing light which contains photons of energy to the body stimulating a photochemical response to cells, assisting the body to heal itself. Our products are a new way to manage and reduce or eliminate pain. Additional benefits include reduced inflammation and improved range of motion.”

Pain has become a growing epidemic in the United States. It has been estimated that healthcare costs for low back pain alone are nearly 100 billion dollars. There are two broad categories of pain: acute pain, or pain that is time-limited and generally requires treatment for no more than a few months; and chronic pain, or pain that lasts beyond the healing of an injury or that persists longer than three to six months. Between 50-100 million adults in the U.S. are affected by chronic pain each year, and as many as 20 million of those adults experience high-impact chronic pain that interferes with daily life or work activities.

we are different than other commonly used medical devices, therapeutic products, and even pharmaceutical drugs, that treat symptoms resulting in only short-term benefits. In contrast, our products treat the cause

Prescription opioids are often prescribed as the primary treatment of acute and chronic pain. However, the misuse, abuse and diversion of prescription opioids have contributed to today’s opioid crisis.

Recent research and cutting-edge development with photobiomodulation are indicating a promising future for use in pain management programs. Compared with many other non-pharmacological treatments for opioid use disorder; photobiomodulation assisted treatment can be more effective in reducing opioid use, retaining patients in treatment, and reducing the risk of the patient going back to using opioids.

According to Vorwaller, “therapy lasers historically have been sold primarily to chiropractors and not MD’s. Many physicians do not know about photobiomodulation therapy or are skeptical from competitor lasers and LED products that are being promoted, especially on the internet, that do not produce positive clinical outcomes. Because of these inferior products and the lack of proper insurance reimbursement, they do not prescribe it or use it in their practice.”

For Aspen Laser, these shortcomings have opened channels of innovation; wherein, the company has and continues to develop products and technologies that are different and better. Research by the company has demonstrated that individuals respond differently to the various parameters of laser therapy that include: wavelengths, power levels, dosage levels and treatment techniques. The majority of competitor laser and light devices are limited in their range of technologies and rely on the placebo effect that may occur with some individuals.

The Apex of Photobiomodulation

On July 7, 2020, Aspen Laser announced the launch of their Apex Laser Series. The Apex Laser Series is the newest addition to the premium Aspen Laser family, positioning it ahead of the market as a flagship solution in photobiomodulation. The Apex Tri-Wave Laser model is the world’s first and only therapy laser that features high power with three therapeutic wavelengths: 810nm, 980nm and 1064nm, each with the capability of operating at 15 watts and a combined total output of 45 watts. The Apex Laser Series features custom mobility and built-in safety features. Healthcare professionals can see enhanced and consistent clinical results not seen in other laser systems.

With this new product launch, Aspen Laser introduces the 1064nm wavelength with high power to the US market.

The 1064nm wavelength is a longer wavelength that can penetrate deeper into tissue. Clinical studies indicate that it has the least dispersion within biological tissues due to its decreased melanin absorption. The result is deep activation of metabolic processes vital for all cellular activities.

The Apex Laser Series allows healthcare practitioners a new and effective clinical tool to deliver optimal outcomes. This new model combines exclusive high average power PowerDose Diodes and advanced Wavelength MultiPlexer Technology to provide the broadest range and selections of therapeutic wavelengths. In addition to the Apex Tri-Wave 45-watt model, the Apex Laser Series includes a Dual- Wave Laser model option featuring 60 watts of total output with 30 watts each of 810nm and 1064nm (or 980nm) wavelengths. The Apex Dual-Wave Laser model is also the only one of its kind in the world.

“The Apex Laser Series is surpassing the results that we originally planned for,” said Vorwaller, “This product has been in research and development for a number of years, and because of the broad range of power, wavelengths and operating mode choices, it is a wonderful support for our Patient Response Driven Clinical Protocols. This means a healthcare professional will have significantly better outcomes and physiological effects that include increased circulation, reduced inflammation, pain reduction and enhanced tissue healing. The Apex Laser Series is a great addition for any healthcare professional, whether experienced or just starting out with photobiomodulation.”

Opportunities That Remind

One of the benefits that Vorwaller enjoys as CEO of the company are the times when he can speak with a patient that had their life changed and improved from the company’s technology. “These positive opportunities to speak with patients remind me why I am in this business”, stated Vorwaller, “and despite the challenges we often face as a company, each patient contact and testimonial, keeps us focused on our mission to help doctors help their patients”.

In September 2019, Vorwaller underwent full knee replacement surgery and was personally reminded again of the benefits of photobiomodulation. He stated that he began using the Aspen Laser post-surgery and was able to dramatically reduce the amount of medication he was on. “Because of the laser treatments, I could control my usage of pain medication and associated side effects”, said Vorwaller. “I also combined it with my weekly physical therapy sessions. Because the laser reduced my inflammation and overall stiffness and pain, I was able perform my therapeutic movements and exercises much better, with a result that I was able to recover significantly faster.”

Recent developments of the Aspen Laser Team include an educational website: Aspen Laser University (www. aspenlaseru.com); and the spin-off of successful LED company TheraLight (www.theralight.com).