NON-INVASIVE MOVEMENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC STIMULATORS
By: Josh T. Schueller, PT
March 22, 2022 – In a joint effort between clinical advisors of the Integrative Pain Healers Alliance and producers of MedTech Reviews, a unique research project was recently launched to support Athletic Injuries. The program is comprised of a multi-discipline strategy merging the benefits of medical imaging with orthopedic treatment has launched a comprehensive image guided sports care study at Bard Diagnostic Imaging Center (NYC).
Dr. Robert Bard, chief radiologist and tech analyst is a life-long advocate of non-invasive diagnostic and treatment modalities and has amassed some of the most recognized scanning and therapeutic solutions. His "synchronized care" design is part of his brainchild to unite pre-existing compatible technologies to streamline patient care efficiency.
Since then, other non-invasive devices have entered the market for a wide range of symptoms and health issues, including: RF (Radiofrequency) Therapy, TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), Shockwave Therapy and Cold Laser therapy- to name a few.
For Dr. Bard, real-time monitoring efficacy of treatment not new. Since the global expansion of ultrasound imaging technology in the medical community (early 1970's), Dr. Bard predicted the future in diagnostic care and clinical research studies to comport with safe, non-radiation and portable alternatives. The idea of using sound waves to read hemodynamics (blood flow) to quantifiably measure and detect tumors, inflammatory skin diseases, deep organ disorders, musculoskeletal injuries is what he considers "data gathering at its finest".
Dr. Bard aligned with physiatrists from the realm of functional medicine to explore and refine what he aims to propose to be the next stage of evolution for imaging. “Combining the functions of real-time monitoring of ultrasound with these regenerative stimulators, we are able to see their immediate effects on the body. With enough stress testing, we have proven that we have 100% compatibility (and no signal disruption) between the ultrasound probes while scanning the areas under electronic treatment- or vice-versa. This is great news because our tests are of the body’s biometric response on a micro level- and these treatment devices all have some complex magnetic signals and emitters that may conflict with sound waves”, states Dr. Bard.
With the support of Dr. Noelle Cutter (bioclinical researcher & professional triathlete) and program director Lennard Gettz, the most current version of this data-gathering and reporting program was approved in April, 2021 in a 6-month performance study of the effects of wearable neurostimulation technology (called Axiobionics)- see report.
BRING ON THE ATHLETES
Since 1972, Dr. Bard has provided imaging care to countless patients with a wide range of health issues and injuries- and athletes from all sports are a major part of this collective. The concept of an integrative program for athletes was formalized in 2020 thanks to allies in sports medicine, orthopedics, medical device innovators, professional athletic trainers and supportive health organizations.
Noah is one of many athletes that experienced the benefits of Dr. Bard’s diagnostic imaging. “Musculoskeletal injuries are most common in the athletic community”, says Dr. Bard. “The patella tendon is frequently injured, especially in sports training. Access to this is superficial structure is immediate as we place the ultrasound transducer right on top of the painful tendon This area can be imaged simultaneously with energy based treatments while you're scanning to observe any changes in the blood flow of the injured patella tendon. High resolution sonograms like the T3200 have five times the resolution of MRI and often show subtle tears or early degeneration than may result in complete rupture if not treated early.”
PATIENT INTERACTIVITY
The concept of spotting and localizing the area of concern is a true partnership between the ultrasound tech and the patient. More than communicating where the pain may be, Dr. Bard often hands the probe to the patient to help pinpoint the exact area of pain (and injury). This is a unique advantage of ultrasound over any other imaging technology. And with the real-time screen monitoring, seeing what the transducer scans helps navigate the exact target on the body. Combined with real-time tracking of electronic stimulation, scanning the progress on the area of injury becomes a completely interactive care experience.
Creators of the multi-medtech academic study was designed originally by the AngioFoundation with a partnership with FA.C.E.S. (Firefighters Against Cancers and Exposures) to form case studies with first responders and their injuries. Exploration of modern, non-invasive therapeutics has been spearheaded by the NY Cancer Resource Alliance to report on the immediate physiological effects of any medical device under review using ultrasound and other non-invasive scanning methods. Additional projects have been included to collect patient response data on therapeutic devices.
On a separate interview, NFL Alumni Director of Wellness Challenge Mr. Russ Allen applauds Dr. Bard’s research initiative for athletic injuries and the use of non-invasive intervention to get players back on the field. “I have been a major fan of this PEMF technology for over a decade”, said Mr. Allen. “Someday, I hope to see the thought of drugs, shots and surgery in the past tense. So much about conventional medicine (and sports medicine) need an upgrade… especially when we have so many of these innovations that clearly show proven and sustainable results. Dr. Bard is definitely on the right side of science by validating through imaging and encouraging non-invasive care, where seeing is believing.”
By Donna Febres, Ph.DPain is something that I'm learning as a parent, that many athletes will just be living through. Some undergo chronic pain and others deal with acute pain as well. I speak to many professional athletes and their families about living with injuries and I had to come to grips with the fact that my son who loves contact sports was going to somehow, some way will get injured. That’s just the nature of the sports he plays. From the sidelines (in recovery), I can see them reflect on the many kinds of measures available to get back on their feet, or at the very least- get some relief. For my son, I found myself doing deep research on the latest protocols and any new modalities. I was completely amazed by this electromagnetic field science for the opportunity to bring recovery non-invasively. Having further discussed this technology with one of the top orthopedic surgeons was the reassurance I needed that managing my son’s injury was in very safe hands! Thanks to Dr. Bard’s process, I watched my son get back on the field after one treatment, and having the means of monitoring the injury in progress- is absolutely remarkable science.
By: Josh Schueller, PT
FEEDBACK "Dr. Bard continues his crusade as an advocate for validation of different therapeutics that are available. His unbiased, scientifically based assessment of PEMF and other modalities allows health care professionals and consumers to understand what is occurring with these techniques. The technology and accessibility of point of care US imagining, that shows actual movement of blood flow or muscles contraction, is a pivotal development in health care. Dr. Bard does a phenomenal job of demonstrating these findings in a variety of situations. The findings are indisputable and eliminates all doubt as to what is occurring." - JOSH T. SCHUELLER, PT  |
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SPECIAL THANKS: Our producers wish to express our most heartfelt thanks to the Febres family, especially Dr. Donna Febres and Noah Febres for sharing their story for this feature. We also give special thanks to and Dr. Jerry Dreessen of AOPP (Assoc. of PEMF Professionals), Alice Chiang of Terason Ultrasound and Patrick Ziemer of Aura Wellness for the use of their respective technologies under the IPHA/MedTech Reviews at the Bard Diagnostic Imaging Center (NYC) as their generous contributions this feature report could not have been made possible.
