OCE and Theralase: Healing at the speed of light   |  October 15, 2008  

Ontario laser therapy products treat ailments ranging from arthritis to diabetic foot ulcers

Once considered nothing more than a fancy light show, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has gained acceptance in recent years as an alternative or compliment to conventional medical treatments.

And with the support of the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), a Toronto-based company is quickly becoming a recognized leader in laser therapy, showing the province as well as North America the extent to which light can be harnessed to heal tissue.

Theralase Inc. has collaborated with OCE and the University Health Network (UHN) for over a decade to develop its line of LLLT products that are used in hospitals and medical clinics across Canada and the US.

Designed to treat wounds, anti-inflammation and pain relief, Theralase is the creator of one of only three FDA NHN (non heating) approved therapeutic medical lasers licensed in the US and the only therapeutic laser system approved for chronic knee pain.

Initially providing research funding, business model planning and strategic guidance, OCE was instrumental in helping Theralase develop its technology, which firmly established the company as an industry pioneer that is now poised to have tremendous international market impact.

Theralase’s lasers penetrate the skin’s surface and accelerate cell growth and reproduction, stimulate tissue repair for faster healing, reduce the formation of scar tissue, reduce swelling caused by bruising or inflammation and increase blood flow to damaged areas. This is accomplished with no heating effect, no damage to the skin and no known side effects.

Currently, the company’s lasers ease the pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, knee and shoulder injuries, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and even diabetic foot ulcers. Back pain sufferers with conditions such as bursitis and sciatica are also finding relief.

Its rapid healing properties are certainly no secret to professional athletes and sports teams such as the Toronto Blue Jays who already take full advantage of Theralase’s technology. Pitcher Roy Halladay is quick to credit this laser treatment for keeping his throwing arm healthy.

Backing Theralase’s work is a steady stream of compelling medical studies proving its effectiveness, which has led President Roger Dumoulin-White to estimate that it will be become a $100M company by 2012. To accommodate this growth, the company also predicts its staff of 15 will expand to 150 employees by that same year.

“OCE has been helpful to us from the very beginning,” says Dumoulin-White. “Our success is a reflection of OCE’s vision in supporting new and emerging technologies. Ten years ago, LLLT was more imagination than substance to the North American market – but today it’s a proven technology and its applications continue to expand. And thanks to partners like OCE, Theralase will become an international leader in this field.”

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“Our success is a reflection of OCE’s vision in supporting new and emerging technologies. Ten years ago, LLLT was more imagination than substance to the North American market – but today it’s a proven technology and its applications continue to expand. And thanks to partners like OCE, Theralase will become an international leader in this field.”

Roger Dumoulin-White
President
Theralase Inc.

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For more information, please contact: Sean McNeely, Manager, Communications and Media Relations, OCE Inc. (416) 861.1092 x1034