Yet another quack "alternative"

It seems that there is a chiropractic clinic in Rock Springs that offers "Cold Laser Therapy." This is also known as Low Level Laser Therapy (3LT)

This amazing treatment apparently provides relief from a great number of problems, including joint inflammation and carpal tunnel syndrome. It also has (supposedly) the ability to accelerate the healing of wounds.

Now, when I see a claim that one process can relieve a whole slew of problems, alarm bells start sounding in my head. So I did some internet research. Here is a quote from one site that is for 3LT,

Photonic energy is absorbed by the photo acceptor sites on the cell membrane, triggering a secondary messenger to initiate a cascade of intracellular signals that initiate, inhibit or accelerate biological processes such as wound healing, inflammation, or reduction of pain, and cell growth.

I do not know the original source for this quote, but it exists verbatim on all pro-3LT sites I visited.

Okay, the above site provides some references (which most others did not), but the obfuscatory language on this site alone was almost more than I could handle, and most of the references are to books or articles about "alternative" procedures like homeopathy and accupuncture, which have already been debunked as serious medical treatment. (I just had a vision of angry comments defending "alternative medicine." I would like to introduce these potential commenters to two concepts: "the placebo effect", and "double-blind testing.")

Here is what Aetna (a major heath insurance company) has to say about 3LT,

Although the results from large, uncontrolled, open trials of low-energy lasers in inducing wound healing have shown benefit, controlled trials have shown little or no benefit. The analgesic effects of low-energy lasers have been most intensely studied in rheumatoid arthritis. Recent welldesigned, controlled studies have found no benefit from low energy lasers in relieving pain in rheumatoid arthritis or other musculoskeletal conditions.

(Emphasis mine)

I have satisfied myself that this is quack therapy. But you shouldn't just take my word for it. Go ahead and do your own research if you want.

Seriously, do a Google (or Yahoo) search on "Cold Laser Therapy."

Later,

Ahhh, that takes me back.

Check this out.

It reminds me of the many hours (and quarters) I spent playing scrolling, beat-em-up games in the arcade (does anyone else remember how cool the flame-punches in Double Dragon were?).

I think the plot here is actually more coherent. If you remember those games, you'll know what I mean.

Later,

It turns out that I need a new computer after all

My computer can't run "Call of Cthulu."

I have had this problem before.

It is because of the crappy on-board video on my motherboard.

I could just get a good video card, but between them, Dad's problem (he got a printer, but can't connect it because his computer doesn't have USB ports) and this make a wonderful excuse.

Later,

I'm still alive

Here is the intended text from my last post:

Time to get a new keyboard and mouse

This is getting ridiculous. I am not this crappy a typist. My keyboard's messing up again. If it's the trainyard or not really doesn't matter. I'm getting new ones tomorrow.

Later,

Anyway, I did get new ones. Problem solved.

I have said before that I am not much for games. I may (or may not) have mentioned that I hate first person shooters (FPS).

I do, however, really like the writings of HP Lovecraft. The same urge that makes me rent cheesy movie adaptations made me buy "Call of Cthulu: Dark Corners of the Earth" today. I will report my probable disappointment later.

I am getting a notebook computer. I do not even need a new computer, let alone a notebook, but I am getting one anyway. I will take this computer to Greybull next weekend and replace the computer in Dad's clinic with it.

There's not much else happening in my life. Just work.

Well, I really need to clean my house.

Later,