www.excel.net/~jaguar/relaxerinfo.html
    InfraRed Muscle & Tendon Relaxer
    This is a totally amazing light therapy device in that it can easily relax 
    tight muscles and tendons with its tissue-penetrating 940nm (light wavelength) 
    infrared light and 660nm near-infrared light. Using this alternative light 
    therapy, one minute on any tight muscle point is usually enough to do the 
    trick. Other light therapy devices like this exist but they are more expensive 
    (up to $6500), harder to use on back muscles & shoulders, often don't 
    even specify the lights wavelength, and require batteries to run which quickly 
    need replacement. The president of this company uses his infrared therapy 
    device to relax his fibromyalgia muscle points.
    
    The results he gets are so incredible he wants everyone with 
fibromyalgia 
    to have the same experience. He was inspired to create it after watching a 
    spot on TV about a pro basketball player getting infrared light treatment 
    on his ailing wrist and as a result being able to continue his career instead 
    of quitting due to increasing wrist pain. This is an indication of beneficial 
    effect for anyone with tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. 
    
    According to one scientific research report (
ISBN: 0-8194-1500-6) blood 
    exposed to infrared light had less blood cell aggregation (clumping together) 
    which would free up more surface area of red blood cells to transfer nutrients 
    and oxygen to tissues.
    
    We sell this device in spite of the cry-babies at DioMedics trying to get 
    us in trouble with the FDA since they sell an approved unit and we don't. 
    We also sell the 
plans to build it yourself. The construction plans 
    are only for people with electronics building experience. Included is a parts 
    list, schematic, and assembly drawing (where to put the parts on the pc board). 
    This unit is not for problems with a large surface area since the light output 
    area of it is only 1.25" diameter. For large areas I recommend a high 
    wattage infrared heat lamp. Just do a search for an "infrared heat lamp".
    
    
Warning: This is a strong source of infrared light which should 
    not be looked at directly with the naked eye and should be kept out of the 
    reach of children. Eye exposure of more than 1 second could possibly cause 
    temporary damage. (I did this and experienced 'green' vision for about 30 
    seconds afterwards but had no permanent damage.)
    
    
Units available from other companies:
    PAIN-X-2000 MODEL 900 $169
    PAIN-X-2000 MODEL 1600 $349
    PAIN-X-2000 MODEL 2500 $845
    PAIN-X-2000 MODEL 5700 $1,350
    ANODYNE MODEL 4000 $4,100
    BIO-SCAN 2 CLUSTER HEAD $1,800
    BIO-SCAN NEW 2 CLUSTER HEAD $1800
    BioScan Light Patch $189
    BioScan Tendon Saver $189
    THERALASER $1,995
    Respond 2400 $4,099
    Alphalaser $3,586
    Equilaser 100mW $3,375
    THOR DD 150mW Laser $4,100
    40mW DD + 69 Diode 583mW Cluster $6,500
    
    Just so you'll know how nice my competition is, heres an email to me on 
    Oct 18 2000 from the maker of PAIN-X-2000 (Randall Everett everett@lw.net: 
    
    "Your website has been forwarded to the Food and Drug Administration 
    for legal action for advertising a medical device that is not FDA approved. 
    You are advertising a device for medical problems for human use. Also you 
    need to remove any reference on your website or advertising material pertaining 
    to the PAIN-X-2000. Since you are refering to the PAIN-X-2000 as being like 
    your device, which it is not."
    
    
I replied letting them know in no incertain terms that they were scum-sucking 
    pigs that were part of the medical problem (over-regulation and just existing 
    for the almighty dollar) and not the solution. 
    
    Red Light Therapy
    Light therapy has been shown in over 40 years of independent research worldwide 
    to deliver powerful therapeutic benefits to living tissues and organisms. 
    Both visible red (400-700nm) and invisible infrared light (700-2000nm) have 
    been shown to effect at least 24 different positive changes at a cellular 
    level. Visible red light, at a wavelength of 660nm (nanometers), penetrates 
    human tissue to a depth of about 8-10mm. It is very beneficial in treating 
    problems close to the surface such as wounds, cuts, scars, trigger points, 
    and acupuncture points and is particularly effective in treating infections. 
    Infrared light penetrates to a depth of about 30-40mm which makes it more 
    effective for bones, joints, deep muscles, etc. Although both red and infrared 
    wavelengths penetrate to different depths and affect tissues differently, 
    their therapeutic effects are similar.
    
    Wavelength dependent photobiochemical reactions occur throughout nature and 
    are involved in such things as vision, photosynthesis, tanning and Vitamin 
    D metabolism. In this view, infrared therapy is really a form of light therapy, 
    and infrared light emitting diodes (LED's) and lasers are important in that 
    they are convenient sources of intense light at wavelengths that stimulate 
    specific physiological functions (Lasers Surgery Med 9,1-5, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 
    Minnesota 1989). At this time, research has shown no side effects from this 
    form of therapy other than an occassional increase in discomfort for a short 
    period of time after treating chronic conditions. This occurs as the body 
    reestablishes new equilibrium points following treatment. It is a phenomenon 
    that may occur as part of the normal process of recovery.
    
    LED's and Lasers are no more than convenient devices for producing light at 
    specific wavelengths, and in addition to the one already cited, several other 
    studies establish that it is the light itself at specific wavelengths that 
    is therapeutic in nature and not the machine which produced it. All biological 
    systems have a unique absorption spectrum which determines what wavelengths 
    of radiation will be absorbed to produce a given therapeutic effect. The visible 
    red and invisible infrared portions of the spectrum have been shown to have 
    highly absorbent and unique therapeutic effects in living tissues. 
    
What is the Difference between near-infrared LED's and LASERS?
    Light Emitting Diodes (LED's) are another form of light therapy that is a 
    relatively recent development of the laser industry. LEDs are similar to lasers 
    in as much as they can emit the same light but differ in the way that the 
    light energy is delivered. Lasers are focused beam single-wavelength light 
    emitters that can be intense enough (a 'hot' laser) to burn/cut tissue or 
    'cold' enough to only have light therapy effects. LEDs do not deliver enough 
    power to damage the tissue, but they do deliver enough energy to stimulate 
    a response from the body to heal itself. With a low peak power output but 
    high duty cycle (50%), the LEDs provide a much gentler delivery of the same 
    healing wavelengths of light as does the laser but without the same risk of 
    accidental eye damage that lasers do.
    
    A significant difference between lasers and LEDs is the power output. The 
    peak power output of LEDs is measured in thousandths of a watt, while that 
    of lasers is measured in watts. However, this difference when considered alone 
    is misleading, since the most critical factor that determines the average 
    amount of energy delivered is the duty cycle of the device. LED devices usually 
    have a 50% duty cycle. That is, the LED 
pulse is 
    ON for .5 seconds and OFF for .5 seconds, versus the .2 millionths of a second 
    burst from a laser at 1 hertz, which is ON .0000002 seconds and OFF for .9999998 
    seconds. This is a .00002% duty cycle. In short, the LED diodes emit more 
    than 33% more 'average' energy than a comparable laser diode because of the 
    substantially longer duty cycle, even though the peak output is much less.
    
    Moreover, LED's allow the light beam to spread out instead of being a pinpoint 
    light beam and they generate a broader band of wavelengths than does the single-wavelength 
    laser. The wide-angle diffusion of the LED confers upon it a greater ease 
    of application, since light emissions are thereby able to penetrate a broader 
    surface area. Moreover, the multiplicity of wavelengths in the LED, contrary 
    to the single-wavelength laser, may enable it to affect a broader range of 
    tissue types and produce a wider range of photochemical reactions in the tissue.
    
    If LED light disperses over a greater surface area, this results in a faster 
    treatment time for a given area than laser. The primary reason that Jaguar 
    chose the LEDs over lasers is that LEDs are safer, more cost effective, provide 
    a gentle but effective delivery of light and a greater energy output per unit 
    of surface area in a given time duration. Our units produce visible near-infrared 
    red light with a center frequency of 660nm (nano-meters). 
    
What does Light Therapy actually do?
      
      Light Therapy Can:
    1. Increase circulation by increasing the formation of new capillaries, which 
    are additional blood vessels that replace damaged ones. New capillaries speed 
    up the healing process by carrying more oxygen as well as more nutrients needed 
    for healing and they can also carry more waste products away.
    
    2. Stimulate the production of collagen. Collagen is the most common protein 
    found in the body. Collagen is the essential protein used to repair damaged 
    tissue and to replace old tissue. It is the substance that holds cells together 
    and has a high degree of elasticity. By increasing collagen production less 
    scar tissue is formed at the damaged site.
    
    3. Increase RNA and 
DNA synthesis. This helps damaged cells to be replaced 
    more promptly.
    
    4. Stimulate fibroblastic activity which aids in the repair process. Fibroblasts 
    are present in connective tissue and are capable of forming collagen fibers.
    
    5. Stimulate tissue granulation and connective tissue projections, which are 
    part of the healing process of wounds, ulcers or inflamed tissue.
    
    6. Stimulate the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the major 
    carrier of energy to all cells. Increases in ATP allow cells to accept nutrients 
    faster and get rid of waste products faster by increasing the energy level 
    in the cell. All food turns into ATP before it is utilized by the cells. ATP 
    provides the chemical energy that drives the chemical reaction of the cell.
    
    7. Increase lymphatic system activity. Edema, which is the swelling or natural 
    splinting process of the body, has two basic components. The first is a liquid 
    part which can be evacuated by the blood system and the second is comprised 
    of the proteins which have to be evacuated by the lymphatic system. Research 
    has shown that the lymph vessel diameter and the flow of the lymph system 
    can be doubled with the use of light therapy. The venous diameter and the 
    arterial diameters can also be increased. This means that both parts of edema 
    (liquid and protein) can be evacuated at a much faster rate to relieve swelling.
    
    8. Relieve pain. The photons of light energy enter the body as negative ions. 
    This calls upon the body to send positive ions like calcium among others to 
    go to the area being treated. These ions assist in firing the nerves thereby 
    relieving pain. Light therapy is successfully used in pain therapy, dermatology 
    and rheumatology with excellent therapeutic effects in the treatment of shoulder 
    humerus periarthritis, tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
    
    9. Stimulate acetylcholine release and other parasympathetic effects.
    
    10. Increase phagocytosis, which is the process of scavenging for and ingesting 
    dead or degenerated cells by phagocyte cells for the purpose of clean up. 
    This is an important part of the infection fighting process. Destruction of 
    the infection and clean up must occur before the healing process can take 
    place.
    
    11. Induce a thermal like effect in the tissue. The light raises the temperature 
    of the tissue treated which can kill or disable temperature sensitive bacteria 
    and viruses. 
    
REFERENCES
    Young, Bolton, Dyson, Harvey, Diamantopoulos: "Macrophage responsiveness 
    to light therapy" Lasers Surg Med 9 497-505 1989
    
    Smith: "The photobiological basis of low level laser radiation therapy" 
    Laser Therapy 3,1 1991 Stanford University School of Medicine
    
    Basford: "Low-energy laser therapy: controversies & research findings" 
    Lasers Surg Med 9,1-5 1989 Mayo Clinic
    
    Belkin, Schwartz: "New biological phenomena associated with laser radiation" 
    Health Physics 56,5 687-690 5.1989 Tel-Aviv University
    
    Karu: "Photobiology of low-power laser effects" Health Physics 56,5 
    691-704 5.1989 Laser Technology Centre of Russia
    
    Kitchen, Partridge: "A review of low level laser therapy" Physiotherapy 
    77,3 3.1991 Centre for Physiotherapy Research, King's College London
    
    Rochkind, Rousso, Nissan, Villarreal, Barr-Nea, Rees: "Systemic effects 
    of low-power laser irradiation on the peripherial & central nervous system, 
    cutaneous wounds & burns" Lasers Surg Med 9 174-182 1989
    
    McKibbin, Paraschak: "Use of laser light to treat certain lesions in 
    standardbreds" Mod Veterinary Practice Sec. 3 13 3.1984
    
    Baxter, Bet, Atien, Ravey: "Low level laser therapy: current clinical 
    practice in northern Ireland" Physiotherapy 77,3 3.1991 Blamed Research 
    Centre University Ulster
    
    McKibbin, Downie: "The effects of low energy laser on soft tissue in 
    veterinary medicine" The Acupuncture Institute, Ontario Canada J Wiley 
    & Sons
    
    Wheatley, McKibbin, Paraschak: "A study of the effects or lasering of 
    chronic bowed tendons" Lasers Surg Med Sec 3 55-59 1983
    
    Nemeth: "Lasers and wound healing" Dermatologic Clinics 11,4 1993 
    Laser and Dermatology Center, Clearwater FL
    
    "Low level laser therapy: A practical introduction" Ohshiro, Caiderhead, 
    Wiley and Sons
    
    "Low reactive-level laser therapy: A practical application" Ohshiro, 
    Wiley and Sons
    
    Enwemeka: "Laser biostimulation of healing wounds: specific effects and 
    mechanisms of action" J Orthopaedic Sports Physical Therapy 9,10 1988 
    University of Texas, Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
    
    Braverman, McCarthy, Lyankovich, Forde, Overfield, Bapna: "Effect of 
    helium-neon and infrared laser irradiation on wound healing in rabbits" 
    Lasers Surg Med 9 50-58 1989 Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center; 
    University of Illinois
    
    Trelles, Mayayo: "Bone fracture consolidates faster with low-power laser" 
    Lasers Surg Med 7 36-45 1987 Barcelona, Spain
    
    Gogia, Hurt, Zim: "Wound management with whirlpool and infrared cold 
    laser treatment" Physical Therapy 68,8 8.1988 AMI-Park Plaza Hospital, 
    Houston TX
    
    Surinchak, Alago, Bellamy, Stuck, Belkin: "Effects of low-level energy 
    lasers on the healing of full-thickness skin defects" Lasers Surg Med 
    2 267-274 1983 Lettennan Army Institute of Research. Presido of San Fransico, 
    CA
    
    Abergel, Lyons, Castel, Dwyer, Uitlo: "Biostimulation of wound healing 
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    J Dennatol Surgery Oncol 13,2 2.1987 Harbor UCLA Medical Center. CA
    
    Hunter, Leonard, Wilsom, Snider, Lxon: "Effects of low energy laser on 
    wound healing in a porcine model" Lasers Surg Med 3 285-290 1984 Department 
    of Surgery, University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City UT
    
    Mester, Spiry, Szende, Tola: "Effect of laser rays on wound healing" 
    Am J Surg 122 10.1971 Semmelweis Medical Univ. Budapest
    
    Moore: "Low level laser therapy in the United Kingdom" The Royal 
    Oldham Hospital, Oldhant, UK 
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    on tendonitis, capsulitis and myofascial pain" 19th Annual Scientific 
    Meeting, American Academy of Neurological & Orthopaedic Surgeons 27-30.8.1995 
    Facial Pain/TMJ Centre, Denver, CO
    
    
    From www.beyond2000.com/news/Dec_00/story_932.html:
    
    In the laboratory, Whelan and his team have shown that skin and muscle cells 
    matured in cultures grow 150 to 200 percent faster when they're exposed to 
    the LED's.
    
    They reported a 40 percent improvement in patients who had musculo-skeletal 
    training injuries treated with the light-emitting diodes.
    
    In the field, a wound-healing device was placed on the attack submarine USS 
    Salt Lake City. Doctors on board described that crewmembers' lacerations doubled 
    their healing rate when exposed to the LED light.
    
    So far, what we've seen in patients and what we've seen in laboratory cell 
    cultures, all point to one conclusion, says Dr. Harry Whelan, professor of 
    pediatric neurology and director of hyperbaric medicine at the Medical College 
    of Wisconsin. The near-infrared light emitted by these LED's seems to be perfect 
    for increasing energy inside cells. This means whether you're on Earth in 
    a hospital, working in a submarine under the sea or on your way to Mars inside 
    a spaceship, the LED's boost energy to the cells and accelerate healing.