Why Visionbody™ is changing the way people train for life

ReBuilding to Last: Strength, Longevity, and the Technology That Multiplies Human Potential

An exclusive interivew with ELLEN TYSON

Written by: Lennard M. Goetze, Ed.D

ELLEN TYSON does not frame fitness as vanity. She frames it as survival, agency, and long-term independence. A strength training coach and Visionbody brand evangelist, Tyson speaks with the authority of lived experience: the arc of her life reshaped by movement after decades of chemical depression, and later refined by a clear-eyed understanding of what aging demands of the body. Her message is simple but uncompromising: muscle is the infrastructure of longevity. “Muscle is your biggest organ of longevity,” Tyson says. “Before supplements, before vitamins—build your muscles.”

For Ellen, strength training is not a trend. It is preventive medicine. 

 

FROM SURVIVAL TO STRENGTH: A PERSONAL TURNING POINT

Tyson’s path into strength training was not born of aesthetics or athletic ambition. For much of her adult life, she managed recurring chemical depression. In her forties, she discovered that consistent exercise did something medication never fully achieved: it stabilized her mental health. “Since I was 44… I have not had a depressive episode,” she explains. “I’ve been sad, but not the chemical depression that sent me over the edge every couple of years.”

What began as a social activity became a physiological reset. Over time, she recognized a deeper pattern: movement changed not only her mood, but her metabolism, bone density, and resilience. This realization reframed fitness from self-improvement to self-preservation. “Resistance training is preventative medicine,” she says.

As her children grew older, Tyson transitioned into professional training. The work resonated because it mirrored her own transformation. She no longer trained clients for appearance. “I care not what I look like in a bikini… I care about being strong and healthy. The byproduct is the lean body.”

The outcome is functional longevity: the ability to walk well, recover faster, and remain metabolically active with age.

 

STRENGTH AS THE SPINE OF LONGEVITY

Tyson’s philosophy rests on a clinical truth increasingly supported by research: skeletal muscle is a metabolic organ that influences glucose control, immune competence, hormonal balance, and bone density. As muscle declines with age (sarcopenia), risk rises for falls, insulin resistance, and frailty. Tyson compresses this science into lived wisdom: “Once your muscles go, your immune system goes down, your bone density goes down—everything goes.”

For postmenopausal women, the stakes are higher. Hormonal shifts favor visceral fat gain, accelerate bone loss, and slow recovery. Tyson frames muscle as the first line of defense. “For postmenopausal women… the first line of defense always is muscle.”

Her guidance is not punitive. It is practical: build the engine that supports every other system. She also confronts the most common barrier—time. “If you don’t take time for your wellness, you will be forced to take time for your illness.”

In this framing, exercise is not an added burden; it is a protective investment against the future cost of disease.

 

VISIONBODY: WHEN TECHNOLOGY MULTIPLIES EFFORT

Tyson’s role as a Visionbody brand evangelist grew out of years of experience with electro-muscle stimulation (EMS). Visionbody’s wireless suit delivers
low to mid frequency electrical stimulation to contract muscles deeply during movement, amplifying conventional training. The suit engages most major muscle groups in short sessions, turning 20 minutes into a comprehensive workout.

What differentiates Visionbody in Tyson’s account is depth and comfort. She contrasts higher-frequency stimulation with older EMS systems that sting and work superficially. The Visionbody platform, she explains, reaches deeper muscle layers, increasing oxygen demand and circulation. “It engages, activates your muscles deep and hard—more than you can on your own.”

This physiological load accelerates adaptation while preserving joint safety. For busy professionals and older adults, efficiency matters. “It’s a 20-minute workout. It maximizes your time.” Tyson notes.

In her practice, the suit does not replace training—it sharpens it. She still coaches form, balance, and progressive loading. Technology becomes a multiplier, not a shortcut. The platform’s clinical applications extend beyond fitness. Tyson describes medical protocols for individuals with limited mobility—patients in wheelchairs, neurological conditions, or prolonged bed rest—where stimulation can help maintain circulation and reduce muscle atrophy.

This dual-use design—performance and rehabilitation—reflects her broader belief that wellness tools should scale across health states, not only serve the already fit.

 

STRENGTH AS REHABILITATION, NOT JUST PERFORMANCE

In conversations with clinicians, Tyson emphasizes how muscle preservation intersects with recovery from illness and cancer treatment. She references Visionbody’s origins in survivorship and rebuilding after severe muscle loss. Increased circulation and oxygenation, she notes, support cellular recovery.

While not a medical cure, strength training—augmented by EMS—becomes a rehabilitative bridge back to autonomy. Her coaching style remains cautious with vulnerable populations. Stimulation intensity is titrated; progression is gradual. “Too much of a good thing… you can actually deteriorate muscles if you go too strong.”  The principle mirrors her longevity ethic: sustainable gains beat dramatic but brittle progress.

 

THE EDUCATOR’S ETHIC: TEACHING AGENCY

Tyson’s influence is not confined to training sessions. She identifies as an educator, translating physiology into habits people can sustain. Her most repeated lesson is behavioral: the hardest part is showing up. “The hardest part about working out is actually getting to the gym. Once you’re there, you’re motivated.”

 This framing lowers the psychological barrier to action and builds consistency—the real driver of results. Her messaging to midlife women is resolute and hopeful. “It’s never too late to build muscles.”  She positions strength as a reclaiming of agency during hormonal transitions often framed as decline. In doing so, she reframes longevity as something practiced daily, not postponed to later interventions.

WHY ELLEN TYSON RESONATES

Tyson’s authority is not performative. It emerges from congruence: she practices what she teaches. Her body becomes evidence, but her story carries the proof. She connects mental health, metabolic health, and musculoskeletal resilience into a single narrative of self-stewardship. Technology fits into this arc not as spectacle, but as a pragmatic amplifier of effort. “I don’t understand people who wait until they’re sick to take care of their health,” she says.

In her framework, the body is not a machine to fix when broken; it is an ecosystem to support while it’s working.

THE TAKEAWAY

Ellen Tyson’s message to the longevity movement is blunt and humane: build muscle to protect your future self. Pair disciplined training with smart tools like Visionbody when appropriate. Treat strength as infrastructure—for balance, immunity, bone density, recovery, and mental health. And begin now, not later. Her ethic closes the loop between effort and technology, prevention and performance, body and agency. Strength training, in her view, is not about aesthetics, but actually being powerful from the inside an out. It is about staying capable—long enough to keep living well, longer.

 

 

SCIENCE & HEALTH

A Diagnostic Perspective on Movement, Strength, and Restorative Technology

by Robert L. Bard, MD, DABR, FAIUM, FASLMS

Ellen’s story and a review on the Visionbody system through a diagnostic lens reinforces a truth I’ve seen across decades of imaging patients in oncology, metabolic disease, neuroinflammation, and post-treatment recovery: movement and strength are not accessories to wellness—they are foundational biology. When we image the body over time, we see patterns. The patients who retain function, circulation, nerve integrity, and metabolic stability are not simply those who “follow protocols,” but those who preserve muscle engagement, joint mobility, and physiologic loading as part of daily life.

In cancer care and post-treatment surveillance, I repeatedly observe the downstream effects of immobility: sarcopenia, lymphatic stagnation, vascular compromise, neuropathy, and delayed tissue recovery. In diabetes and weight dysregulation, we see microvascular injury, impaired oxygen delivery, and inflammatory burden. In aging populations, we see the quiet erosion of strength precede falls, frailty, and cognitive decline. Imaging does not lie—deconditioning leaves signatures in circulation, tissue quality, and neural signaling. Movement changes the picture.

From a diagnostic standpoint, rehabilitation is not merely physical therapy—it is physiologic restoration. Strength training, when safely prescribed, improves insulin sensitivity, vascular tone, lymphatic flow, and neuromuscular signaling. It supports immune resilience and recovery capacity, particularly in patients navigating chemotherapy, radiation aftercare, endocrine disruption, or chronic inflammatory states. The body repairs itself more efficiently when mechanical loading and movement signal tissues to adapt, rebuild, and revascularize.

Technologies like Visionbody enter this landscape as supportive enablers. As a clinician who integrates non-invasive modalities—such as PEMF and targeted stimulation—I see value in tools that lower barriers to engagement, improve neuromuscular activation, and help patients re-enter movement safely when pain, weakness, or fear of injury limits participation. These technologies are not replacements for movement; they are bridges back to it. When paired with intelligent diagnostics and individualized rehab planning, they can accelerate reconditioning, improve compliance, and restore confidence in patients who have been sidelined by disease or treatment.

Ellen’s work highlights an essential shift: wellness is not passive. From a diagnostic perspective, strength and movement are measurable interventions that change tissue behavior, circulation, and recovery trajectories. The future of rehabilitation—across cancer recovery, metabolic disease, and aging—belongs to integrative models that unite imaging intelligence, non-invasive technologies, and purposeful movement as primary medicine.

 

 

 

 

Copyright Notice © 2025 Overture Publications. All rights reserved. This work and all materials contained herein are the intellectual property of Overture Publications under the Institute for Global Health Innovations and its authorized contributors. No part of this manuscript may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission from the publisher. All names, images, and materials are protected under applicable copyright and intellectual-property laws in the United States and internationally. Any reference to individuals, institutions, or proprietary entities is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation unless expressly stated. All trademarks and service marks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

Modern Neurofeedback

Engineering Brain Self-Regulation Through Precision Diagnostics

By: Lennard M. Goetze, Ed.D / © Copyright 2026- HealthTech Reporter. All rights reserved.

Neurofeedback occupies a rare position in modern neuroscience—part diagnostic instrument, part therapeutic training system. Yet its clinical value depends entirely on how rigorously it is applied, interpreted, and individualized. Mark Smith’s work in neurofeedback distinguishes itself through technical precision, data-driven personalization, and a disciplined clinical framework that treats neurofeedback not as a generalized wellness tool, but as a targeted neuroregulation technology.

Smith’s practice has become a referral destination within trauma-focused and neurological care communities, particularly for individuals with post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injury, autism-related regulation challenges, eating disorders, and post-viral neurological sequelae. Rather than approaching symptoms in isolation, Smith frames each case as a functional brain-network problem—an issue of disrupted communication, abnormal activation patterns, and maladaptive neural rhythms that can be trained toward stability.

Neurofeedback as a Closed-Loop Neuroregulation Technology

At a technical level, neurofeedback is best understood as a closed-loop learning system for the brain. Real-time electroencephalographic (EEG) data is captured from the scalp and processed to quantify patterns of neural activity across multiple frequency bands. These frequency bands—commonly categorized as delta, theta, alpha, beta, and high beta—correspond to different cognitive, emotional, and regulatory states. Smith emphasizes that neurofeedback does not “stimulate” the brain in the traditional sense. Instead, it trains the brain to recognize and shift away from dysregulated patterns. Visual or auditory feedback is provided in real time when neural activity moves toward targeted regulatory ranges. Over repeated sessions, the brain learns to stabilize its own functioning, reinforcing healthier activation and connectivity patterns. This learning process persists beyond the training environment, gradually altering baseline neurophysiological behavior.

This closed-loop framework makes neurofeedback fundamentally different from passive interventions. The patient’s nervous system is not acted upon; it is coached into reorganizing itself. Smith views this as a form of applied neuroplasticity—using the brain’s adaptive capacity to retrain networks that have become entrenched in maladaptive rhythms.

Quantitative Brain Mapping as the Clinical Foundation

A defining element of Smith’s practice is his insistence on objective measurement prior to intervention. Before neurofeedback training begins, patients undergo quantitative EEG (QEEG) brain mapping. This process generates a functional profile of brain activity across multiple cortical regions and frequency bands, creating a data-driven roadmap for treatment design.

During mapping, multiple sensors placed on the scalp capture electrical activity patterns, which are then processed and statistically compared against age-matched normative databases. This comparison reveals areas of under-activation, over-activation, network disconnection, or timing delays in neural communication. Smith uses these quantitative deviations as clinical targets, aligning training protocols with regions and networks most relevant to the patient’s functional complaints.

NEUROFEEDBACK SERVICES OF NY

Importantly, QEEG mapping also allows for longitudinal tracking. Changes in neural patterns can be monitored over time, providing an objective method for evaluating whether neurofeedback is altering underlying brain function rather than merely improving subjective symptoms. Smith views this feedback loop as essential to clinical credibility, particularly when neurofeedback is applied to complex neurological presentations.

 

Trauma and the Neurophysiology of Dysregulation

Trauma occupies a central place in Smith’s clinical focus. From a neurophysiological perspective, trauma represents a persistent disruption of regulatory circuits governing threat detection, emotional modulation, and autonomic stability. Many trauma-affected individuals operate in chronic hyperarousal or dissociative patterns, with neural networks locked into defensive states long after external danger has passed.

Neurofeedback provides Smith with a method to intervene directly at this regulatory level. Instead of relying solely on cognitive or narrative processing of traumatic experiences, neurofeedback targets the underlying neural rhythms associated with survival-mode activation. By training the brain to exit hypervigilant patterns and stabilize network communication, Smith addresses trauma as a functional brain disorder—not simply a psychological narrative. This neurophysiological framing expands trauma care beyond symptom management. It positions neurofeedback as a method for restoring baseline regulatory capacity, potentially improving sleep quality, emotional resilience, attentional stability, and autonomic balance.

Expanding Applications: Migraines, Autism, Pain, and Post-Viral Syndromes

While trauma remains a core area of Smith’s work, his clinical scope extends into migraine disorders, autism spectrum regulation challenges, generalized pain syndromes, and post-viral neurological complications, including long COVID. Each of these conditions reflects distinct patterns of network dysregulation rather than uniform pathology.

Migraines often involve abnormal cortical excitability and sensory processing patterns. Autism-related challenges can reflect atypical connectivity and sensory modulation networks. Chronic pain syndromes may involve altered central processing of nociceptive signals. Post-viral syndromes introduce emerging patterns of neuroinflammation and autonomic instability. Neurofeedback, in Smith’s model, becomes a way to recalibrate these disrupted networks through targeted training rather than symptom suppression alone.

Smith does not present neurofeedback as a universal remedy. Instead, he frames it as a precision intervention suited to specific neuroregulatory patterns identified through quantitative assessment. This restrained clinical positioning is central to his leadership in the field.

Integrating Neurofeedback with Broader Diagnostic Ecosystems

A distinguishing feature of Smith’s methodology is his emphasis on alignment with diagnostic technologies. He views neurofeedback as most powerful when integrated into broader frameworks of neurological assessment—imaging, quantitative analytics, and functional measurement.

By grounding neurofeedback in measurable neurophysiology, Smith helps elevate the technology from alternative modality to legitimate clinical instrument. This diagnostic compatibility enables collaboration with imaging-based disciplines and research-driven clinical environments, where objective validation is a prerequisite for adoption.

Leadership Through Methodological Discipline

Smith’s leadership in neurofeedback is defined not by scale or marketing reach, but by methodological discipline. In a field sometimes diluted by generalized claims, he insists on individualized mapping, targeted protocols, outcome tracking, and ethical clinical boundaries. Neurofeedback, in his framework, is neither a miracle cure nor a passive wellness device—it is a specialized neuroregulation technology that requires technical fluency and clinical restraint.

By positioning neurofeedback as a precision tool for retraining dysfunctional brain networks, Smith contributes to a more credible, research-aligned future for the field. His work reflects an evolving model of brain-based care—one that integrates diagnostics, neuroplastic training, and functional outcome measurement into a coherent clinical discipline.

 

AFTERMATH / PART II

A Diagnostic Perspective on Neurofeedback

By: Dr. Robert L. Bard, MD

My visit to Mark Smith’s office on January 29 was driven by a long-standing curiosity about how emerging non-invasive brain technologies can complement diagnostic imaging and expand the way we understand neurological regulation. As a diagnostic radiologist, my work has always centered on reading pathology through patterns—vascular behavior, tissue response, perfusion dynamics, and structural change. Neurofeedback offered a different lens: not imaging anatomy, but observing function in motion.

What struck me immediately was the emphasis on measurement and individualization. Neurofeedback, as practiced by Mark Smith, is not a generic wellness intervention. It is a data-informed training system that works with real-time brain activity to guide the nervous system toward healthier regulatory patterns. From a diagnostic perspective, this matters. If we expect therapeutic technologies to be credible, they must demonstrate a relationship to measurable physiology. Neurofeedback does exactly that—using objective signals as both guide and outcome reference.

My interest in this field is deeply connected to my work with non-invasive brain scanning and neurological surveillance. Over the years, I have worked with neurologists on ALS, traumatic brain injury, and concussion, where we often see that structural imaging alone does not fully explain functional impairment. Through retinal ultrasound scanning and transcranial Doppler, we are able to observe vascular behavior, microcirculatory dynamics, and perfusion patterns that correlate with cognitive performance, neurological stress, and recovery capacity. Neurofeedback adds a complementary dimension by addressing how neural networks regulate themselves over time.

Another driver of my visit was my ongoing research into neurotoxins and their effects on cognitive decline, neurological stress, and long-term functional deterioration. Environmental and metabolic neurotoxins create subtle yet persistent disturbances in neural regulation long before structural damage becomes visible. Trauma and chronic stress compound this burden by locking the nervous system into survival-mode patterns that accelerate cognitive fatigue and dysregulation. Neurofeedback offers a non-invasive way to intervene earlier in that process—training the brain out of maladaptive loops before degeneration becomes entrenched.

From my perspective, neurofeedback belongs within a broader diagnostic ecosystem. It does not replace imaging; it complements it. Imaging shows us where pathology exists. Functional training shows us how the brain behaves in real time—and how it can be retrained. This visit reinforced my belief that the future of brain care lies in integrated, non-invasive solutions that connect diagnostics, physiology, and functional recovery. Neurofeedback, when practiced with technical discipline, represents a meaningful step in that direction.

© Copyrght 2026- AngioInstitute – Institute for Global Health Innovations. All rights reserved. This work and all materials contained herein are the intellectual property of AngioInstitute (Institute for Global Health Innovations) and its authorized contributors. No part of this manuscript may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, distributed, or shared in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission from the publisher. All content is protected under applicable United States and international copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or company names referenced herein are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.

Visionbody by VB TECH: Engineering Strength for Longevity

A Technology Report Based on the Founders’ Vision of Wireless EMS/EMA Wellness Systems

By: Lennard M. Goetze, Ed.D (HealthTech Reporter)

Visionbody by VB TECH was not conceived as a fitness shortcut. It emerged from a long-standing frustration with how electrostimulation had been commercialized—bulky wired systems, awkward studio setups, and a narrative that reduced EMS to a novelty for people who “don’t want to go to the gym.” Krisztina Schmidt, co-founder of VB TECH, describes their original motivation plainly: “We just simply believed in EMS on a higher level than the others using it… it shouldn’t be like this.”

That belief pushed Krisztina and her husband, Henri Schmidt, to pursue a wireless, intelligent, full-body system that could deliver serious neuromuscular stimulation without the friction of wires, bulky hardware, or narrow use cases. Their goal was not to invent electrotherapy from scratch, but to elevate it through engineering. As Krisztina notes, “We didn’t invent low- and middle-frequency modulated electrotherapy… this is used in rehab for a long time, especially in Europe.”

The innovation, in their view, was building a platform that could translate clinical-grade principles into a consumer-accessible, safety-validated system.

 

From Clinical Roots to Consumer Engineering

Krisztina’s background working alongside rehabilitation specialists—and even veterinary clinicians using frequency protocols for horses and dogs—shaped Visionbody’s early design logic. The founders learned that outcomes depend less on the presence of electricity and more on how intelligently frequencies are modulated and applied. Over a decade of development culminated in Visionbody’s first commercial release in 2014. Regulatory milestones followed, including FDA clearance and TÜV safety certification. Krisztina underscores the rigor of their quality standards: “They really take the product into tiny pieces and check every component… it’s protecting the consumers.”

From the outset, VB TECH chose to position Visionbody as a fitness-cleared platform rather than a prescription-only medical device, to avoid limiting access while still operating within regulatory guardrails. The founders’ strategy reflects a pragmatic balance: build with clinical seriousness, deploy with consumer usability.

The Technology: Intelligent Muscle Activation at Scale

Visionbody is a multi-channel EMS/EMA wearable designed to stimulate most major muscle groups simultaneously through an integrated suit. The system uses programmable “frequency cocktails”—software-defined modulation patterns that target different neuromuscular responses. As Krisztina explains, protocols can be saved in the app so users don’t have to guess: “People don’t have to search for the right frequency. They just simply hit the right program and play the matching program.”

This approach reframes electrostimulation as engineered stimulus delivery rather than a one-size-fits-all shock. The founders emphasize whole-body coordination: strength, posture, and movement are not isolated muscle events, but networked neuromuscular outputs. The latest full-body suit is designed to activate up to 98% of major muscle groups, with coverage that supports both upper and lower body engagement in a single session. The company’s earlier iterations included modular options (e.g., lower-body-focused configurations), but engineering advances consolidated these into a unified platform.

Strength Training as Longevity Infrastructure

A core thesis of Visionbody is that muscle is the currency of longevity. Krisztina frames strength not as aesthetic fitness but as functional biology: “Muscle is the key to longevity. Without muscle… you’re not able to speak, breathe, eat, because these are all muscles.” The founders argue that muscle integrity supports balance, metabolic health, bone density, and recovery capacity—factors that determine whether longer life is lived with independence or decline.

This philosophy is embedded in Visionbody’s design goals: compress meaningful strength stimulus into shorter, repeatable sessions to improve adherence over time. For users constrained by schedules, joint discomfort, or motivation, the system aims to reduce friction while maintaining intensity. The founders are careful to position Visionbody as a complement to movement and lifestyle habits, not a replacement for all exercise, but they contend that neuromuscular activation is foundational—especially as people age.

Rehabilitation, Recovery, and Non-Invasive Wellness

Beyond performance and wellness, VB TECH has invested in rehabilitation-oriented configurations and protocols in collaboration with clinicians. Krisztina points to partnerships with physicians developing programs for pain management and neuropathy, noting that these protocols are stored within the app for ease of use.

The company is also developing adaptations for limited-mobility users, including wraparound suit designs for individuals unable to wear compression garments. Krisztina’s philosophy reflects a broader non-invasive care ethic: “Don’t run immediately to surgery—you can fix so many issues with non-invasive solutions.”

While the company avoids medical claims beyond regulatory scope, their design intent centers on supporting tissue reactivation, neuromuscular engagement, and functional recovery pathways that can complement clinical care.

 

Resilience Through Mission: Personal Stories Inform the Platform

The founders’ commitment to neuromuscular resilience is not abstract. Krisztina recounts how Visionbody-based rehabilitation supported recovery after injury in her own family, reinforcing their belief that structured muscle activation can accelerate functional return. She also shares the emotional weight of building the company through personal health crises, including her husband’s cancer journey and their determination to rebuild strength after aggressive treatments. Visionbody’s rehabilitation edition, she notes, played a role in restoring functional capacity during recovery.

These experiences shape the company’s roadmap toward broader rehab versions and protocols for limited-mobility patients. The founders view neuromuscular stimulation not merely as performance tech, but as infrastructure for resilience when voluntary movement is compromised.

The Future of Wellness: Engineered Adherence, Not Willpower

Looking forward, VB TECH frames the next era of wellness as engineered adherence—systems that make beneficial behaviors easier to sustain. Visionbody’s software-defined protocols, short high-density sessions, and whole-body coverage are designed to lower the activation energy of strength training. In this future, strength becomes a scheduled physiological input rather than a sporadic lifestyle aspiration.

Krisztina is also vocal about the risks of low-quality copycat devices entering the market, warning that poorly engineered electrostimulation can harm users. Her stance is unequivocal: “I would never put a cheap product with electrostimulation on my body because I know how it can hurt.”

This emphasis on certification and protocol integrity is central to VB TECH’s brand positioning: wellness technology should be treated with the seriousness of medical engineering, even when deployed for fitness.

 

Conclusion: Strength as Preventive Medicine

Visionbody’s long-term trajectory is not framed as gadget evolution, but as a shift in how strength is delivered across the lifespan. The founders situate neuromuscular activation within preventive health infrastructure—supporting mobility, metabolic stability, bone density maintenance, and recovery capacity over decades. Their vision is pragmatic and human-centered: longevity without strength is fragile longevity.

As Krisztina summarizes the ethos behind their work, “It’s not just a fancy suit… muscle is the key to longevity.” Visionbody is their attempt to engineer that principle into a scalable, non-invasive platform—bringing strength training closer to where modern wellness is headed: measurable, accessible, and designed for long-range resilience.

 

Presenting Thermidas™

Why the Foot Is the Front Line of Early Detection

A HealthTech Reporter educational report featuring Thermidas Oy and Jouni Kyllönen

In collaboration with imaging research specialist Dr. Robert Bard

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When HealthTech Reporter and imaging research specialist Dr. Robert Bard met with Jouni Kyllönen, the conversation quickly moved beyond devices and specifications into a deeper discussion about prevention, workflow efficiency, and one deceptively simple question: why the feet?  As CEO of Thermidas Oy, Kyllönen brings more than two decades of experience in industrial automation, software integration, and data-driven systems design. That background is evident in Thermidas’ flagship thermal imaging solution—an all-in-one, AI-assisted platform purpose-built for medical professionals to identify early physiological changes in the foot before irreversible damage occurs. This report presents Thermidas not as a single product, but as a new category of clinical insight—one that reframes the foot as an informative organ for early detection, prevention, and longitudinal monitoring across diabetes, vascular disease, neuropathy, pressure injury risk, and beyond.

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Why the Foot Matters: The “Informative Foot” Concept

The foot is one of the most metabolically and neurologically demanding structures in the body. It is rich in microvasculature, dense with nerve endings, and continuously exposed to mechanical stress. For clinicians, this makes it an early warning system—particularly for systemic disorders that compromise circulation, nerve signaling, or tissue oxygenation.

According to international diabetic foot guidelines referenced by Thermidas, regular thermal imaging can help prevent up to 75% of diabetic foot ulcers by identifying abnormal temperature asymmetries between contralateral regions of the feet. A temperature difference of approximately 4°F (≈2°C)—either hotter or colder—often precedes visible tissue breakdown. Elevated temperature may indicate inflammation or ulcer formation; reduc

In older adults and immobile patients, similar thermal signatures precede pressure ulcers—injuries that remain among the most costly and preventable complications in long-term care. Nearly all pressure ulcers, Kyllönen notes, are preventable when early physiological changes are detected and acted upon.

 

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From Industrial Automation to Medical Insight

Kyllönen’s career has been defined by one recurring challenge: optimizing data flow. Whether synchronizing architectural drawings with automated manufacturing systems or integrating software into logistics networks, his work focused on eliminating inefficiencies between data capture and decision-making.

When he joined Thermidas, there was already a working prototype. What followed was a multi-year process of refinement—placing the device into real clinical environments, gathering user feedback, and identifying friction points in adoption. Clinicians, he learned, were not asking for more data; they were asking for clarity, standardization, and confidence.  Thermidas was redesigned accordingly.

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The Thermidas System: Guided, Standardized, and Clinically Practical

Thermidas is a portable, medical-grade thermal imaging device with embedded AI designed to assist—not replace—clinical judgment. The system guides the user step-by-step through a standardized imaging protocol, beginning with plantar (sole) views and followed by dorsal (top-of-foot) imaging.

A visual interface confirms when AI assistance is active, evaluates image quality in real time, and ensures consistent positioning and capture. Once images are acquired, the system instantly analyzes temperature differentials across predefined regions of interest. Clinician-defined thresholds trigger visual flags:

• Yellow for moderate asymmetry
• Red for clinically significant temperature differences

With a single click, practitioners can isolate and visualize areas exceeding those thresholds, dramatically reducing interpretation time and cognitive load.

Importantly, Thermidas’ AI is not trained to diagnose disease. Instead, it is trained to recognize feet—across shapes, positions, and capture conditions—and to reliably detect thermal variation. This design choice preserves clinical autonomy while removing technical barriers to consistent use.

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Workflow Integration: Built for Real-World Care

One of Thermidas’ strongest advantages is its compatibility with existing clinical ecosystems. The platform includes a web-based thermal viewer for formal reporting, allowing images to be exported as PDFs, PNGs, or JPEGs and uploaded into PACS systems or shared securely with patients and care teams.

From capture to review, the process takes approximately 10 minutes, making it feasible for outpatient clinics, podiatry practices, endocrinology offices, home-care providers, and screening programs.  This portability and speed support a broader shift in healthcare: moving meaningful diagnostics closer to the point of care.

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Diabetes, Neuropathy, and Beyond

In diabetic patients, neuropathy disrupts the feedback loop between the feet and the brain. Without pain signaling or vascular regulation, blood flow becomes erratic. Thermally, this appears not as the balanced “butterfly” pattern of a healthy foot, but as a mottled “leopard skin” distribution—hot spots scattered without normal cooling zones.

These patterns are not limited to diabetes. Similar thermal disruptions may appear in:

• Peripheral vascular disease
• Chronic inflammation
• Pressure injury risk
• Post-surgical monitoring
• Prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation

Thermidas devices are currently used in military and humanitarian settings, including limb-loss rehabilitation, where thermal imaging helps guide skin graft selection, monitor healing, and optimize prosthetic fitting—reducing painful trial-and-error cycles from eight or more fittings to just one or two.

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An All-in-One Solution for Modern Healthcare

For healthcare professionals, Thermidas represents a convergence of needs:

• Non-invasive screening without radiation
• Standardized protocols that reduce user variability
• AI-assisted interpretation that saves time
• Portable deployment across clinical and community settings
• Longitudinal tracking for prevention and follow-up

At a systems level, this translates into earlier intervention, reduced complications, lower long-term costs, and improved patient outcomes—particularly in populations at risk for silent progression.

Prevention as a Strategy, Not a Slogan

In discussions with HealthTech Reporter and Dr. Bard, Kyllönen emphasized that prevention only works when tools are practical enough to be used consistently. Thermidas was engineered around that philosophy: make early detection fast, repeatable, and clinically meaningful.

By focusing on the foot—a structure that quietly reflects systemic stress long before crisis—Thermidas reframes screening as an everyday practice rather than a last-resort response.

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Looking Ahead

As healthcare systems worldwide shift toward value-based care, remote monitoring, and early intervention, technologies like Thermidas illustrate how thoughtful design can bridge innovation and usability. The “informative foot” is no longer a metaphor; it is a measurable, visual dataset that can guide care decisions before damage becomes disease.

For the diabetes community, long-term care providers, and clinicians seeking smarter prevention tools, Thermidas offers a compelling example of how advanced imaging can be simplified—without being oversimplified.  ¢

*All images in this segment are courtesy of THERMIDAS OY

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This article is part of HealthTech Reporter’s ongoing coverage of emerging diagnostic technologies and preventive care innovations, developed in collaboration with clinical imaging experts and global technology leaders. For additional information or our complete e-magazine, visit: www.HEALTHTECHREPORTER.com

 

 

PART 2 —

Pre-Test Review and Clinical Perspective

A correspondence and industry analysis by imaging specialist Dr. Robert Bard

In advance of any hands-on testing, imaging specialist Dr. Robert Bard conducted a comprehensive pre-test review of Thermidas’ published materials, technical documentation, and workflow demonstrations. His assessment, grounded in decades of experience evaluating non-invasive imaging platforms, frames Thermidas as a thoughtfully engineered system that reflects both technological maturity and clinical foresight.

From a design and usability standpoint, Dr. Bard notes that Thermidas distinguishes itself by addressing one of the most persistent challenges in imaging innovation: consistency. Many promising technologies fail not because of poor science, but because they are difficult to standardize in real-world clinical environments. The Thermidas platform, as presented thus far, appears intentionally built to solve that problem—integrating guided capture, automated quality checks, and AI-assisted visualization to reduce operator variability while preserving physician authority. “The emphasis on workflow intelligence is telling,” Bard observes. “This is not a device that overwhelms clinicians with raw data. It filters complexity in a way that respects time, training, and clinical judgment.”

From an industry perspective, Bard views Thermidas as a logical evolution within thermology rather than a reinvention. Thermal imaging has long demonstrated value in detecting physiological change, yet its adoption has been limited by inconsistent protocols, interpretive subjectivity, and legacy misconceptions. Thermidas’ approach—focusing on temperature differentials rather than disease labeling—represents a pragmatic recalibration that aligns with modern evidence-based imaging standards.

The data presented to date, including referenced diabetic foot and pressure-injury research, supports the platform’s preventive orientation. Bard highlights the importance of contralateral comparison and threshold-based flagging as a clinically sound method for identifying early pathological stress—particularly in tissues vulnerable to ischemia, neuropathy, and microvascular compromise. By embedding these principles directly into the device logic, Thermidas reduces dependence on post-hoc interpretation and reinforces reproducibility.

Central to Bard’s interest is the decision to target the foot as a primary screening site. From a pathological standpoint, he describes this as “strategically elegant.” The foot is often where systemic disease declares itself first—especially in diabetes, vascular disorders, inflammatory states, and mobility-limited populations. Long before symptoms escalate, thermal asymmetries can reveal disrupted perfusion, inflammatory burden, or loss of neurovascular regulation. “In imaging, the smartest solutions are often anatomical,” Bard explains. “The foot is distal, vascularly complex, neurologically sensitive, and mechanically stressed. If something is going wrong systemically, it frequently shows up there.”

While careful not to overstate conclusions prior to live testing, Bard acknowledges that Thermidas reflects a maturity he has witnessed only after years of iteration in other modalities. Having observed the evolution of ultrasound, Doppler flow analysis, and thermology from experimental tools to clinically indispensable assets, he recognizes familiar markers of readiness: disciplined scope, respect for clinical boundaries, and a clear understanding of where technology should assist rather than dictate.

Bard also underscores the broader implication of positioning thermal imaging as an early-detection and prevention strategy rather than a diagnostic endpoint. In an era increasingly defined by proactive care, technologies that visualize risk before irreversible damage occurs are essential. Thermidas, in his view, aligns with that trajectory by offering a non-invasive, repeatable, and patient-friendly method for monitoring physiological change over time. “Prevention only works when detection is practical,” Bard concludes. “Thermal imaging—applied intelligently—has the potential to shift care upstream. What Thermidas appears to be doing is making that shift clinically usable.”

 

Chasing Neuropathy: Imaging the Silent Breakdown

A particularly compelling aspect of Thermidas, in Dr. Bard’s view, is its potential relevance to one of medicine’s most elusive challenges: neuropathy. Neuropathy is not a single disease but a progressive breakdown of nerve signaling that quietly dismantles protective feedback between tissue and brain. Clinically, it is often diagnosed late—after sensation is lost, injuries go unnoticed, and secondary damage has already begun.

From an imaging standpoint, Bard describes neuropathy as a condition that must be chased upstream. Long before patients report numbness or pain, thermophysiologic disruption begins to surface. Altered blood-flow regulation, asymmetric heat distribution, and the loss of normal thermal gradients reflect a nervous system that is no longer governing microcirculation effectively. “The foot becomes a living map of neurological compromise,” Bard notes. “When neural control fades, thermal chaos replaces symmetry.”

By focusing on temperature differentials rather than subjective symptoms, Thermidas introduces a non-invasive way to visualize this breakdown earlier—offering clinicians a tool to monitor neuropathic progression, stratify risk, and intervene before irreversible consequences take hold.

This pre-test assessment sets the stage for formal evaluation, where real-world performance will ultimately determine impact. For now, Bard’s review positions Thermidas as a promising, well-reasoned entrant in the next chapter of preventive medical imaging. ¢

 

© Copyright 2026 – Intermedia Worx Inc. and the AngioInstitute. All Rights Reserved. This article and its contents are the intellectual property of Intermedia Worx Inc. and the AngioInstitute and are protected under United States and international copyright laws. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, stored, or utilized in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission from the copyright holders, except for brief quotations used for editorial review, educational reference, or non-commercial citation with proper attribution. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Clinical decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances. Any reference to medical technologies, devices, or methodologies is provided  journalistic and educational discussion and does not imply regulatory approval, endorsement, or guaranteed clinical outcomes. All trademarks, service marks, product names, and logos referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Dr. Haas on CyberKnife and the Future of Prostate Cancer Treatment

Unofficial- For internal use only /do not distribute

PRECISION, PREVENTION AND PERSONALIZED CARE

By: Lennard M. Goetze, Ed.D – HealthTechReporter.com

Editor's Note: This interview was originally conducted on June 28, 2024, by HealthTech Reporter as part of our ongoing series highlighting breakthroughs in non-invasive cancer care. As a publication dedicated to medical innovation and diagnostic advancement, we proudly support the pioneers leading safer, smarter, and patient-focused alternatives to traditional treatment. Dr. Jonathan Haas stands at the forefront of this movement, championing the evolution of precision radiation through CyberKnife technology. His work reflects the continued momentum in redefining survivorship, reducing side effects, and tailoring treatment to the individual—hallmarks of the next generation in cancer therapy.

In the ever-evolving world of cancer care, few voices resonate with the clarity and compassion of Dr. Jonathan Haas, a leading radiation oncologist at NYU Langone Health. With thousands of successful patient outcomes under his care, Dr. Haas is a national advocate for innovative, patient-centered therapies—particularly CyberKnife®, a cutting-edge stereotactic radiation system transforming how prostate cancer is treated.

In a recent interview, Dr. Haas offered a detailed, deeply human perspective on cancer survivorship, clinical innovation, and the enduring power of tailored medicine. This article captures Dr. Haas’ insights, drawing from decades of clinical practice and his unwavering belief that the best outcomes arise from treating the whole patient—not just the disease.

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Prostate Cancer in Context: Risk, Reality, and Readiness

“Being a man is the biggest risk factor,” Dr. Haas states plainly, pointing out that prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, with its incidence increasing with age. Yet, not all diagnoses demand action. “Many men die with prostate cancer—not from it.” His approach starts with evaluating whether treatment is necessary at all. For many, active surveillance may be more appropriate than aggressive intervention.

When intervention is required, Dr. Haas emphasizes a data-rich, individualized strategy. “We look at the Gleason score, PSA levels, imaging studies like MRI or PET scans, and now we integrate genomics—studying the RNA profile of the cancer cells themselves.” This molecular profiling allows clinicians to tailor treatment with the precision of an Armani suit, as he puts it, ensuring that no two patients are treated the same.

Genetic predisposition, family history, and ethnicity—particularly among African American men—can increase risk. Diet also plays a role. Dr. Haas recommends the Mediterranean diet for its anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits, highlighting a holistic view of patient health.

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From Nine Weeks to Five Days: The CyberKnife Revolution

Dr. Haas provided a detailed breakdown of the evolution of prostate cancer treatment, tracing it from invasive surgeries to the modern era of intelligent radiation systems like CyberKnife. Originally developed in the 1990s by Stanford neurosurgeon Dr. John Adler, CyberKnife was first used to treat brain tumors. By mounting a miniaturized radiation beam on a robotic arm, the system could deliver ultra-targeted doses without invasive head fixation—a revolutionary advancement at the time.

CyberKnife’s precision has since been expanded to treat tumors throughout the body, including the prostate. “We’ve gone from nine weeks of radiation to five days,” said Dr. Haas. “And we’re testing protocols that could bring it down to just two days.”

What sets CyberKnife apart is its ability to track the prostate’s movement—often less than a millimeter—with real-time adjustments, thereby minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This level of control dramatically reduces side effects and increases the precision of treatment. “We deliver a high dose to the cancer and a very low dose to everything else,” he emphasized.

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WHO’s a Candidate, and WHY Some Patients Say It’s ‘A Walk in the Park’

While every patient experience is unique, Dr. Haas acknowledges that some, like Barrie Kolstein—whose case was previously profiled—describe their treatment as easy or even effortless. “That’s not everyone,” Dr. Haas clarifies, noting that anatomy, gland size, and baseline symptoms can influence outcomes.

Patients with urinary symptoms or gastrointestinal issues may require more nuanced management during treatment. Still, the flexibility of CyberKnife allows for adaptive planning and real-time modifications, ensuring that each patient receives a regimen tailored specifically to their needs. And this is where Dr. Haas’s practice shines—not only in delivering world-class care, but in ensuring patients are never alone in the journey. “We take your hand—and we don’t let go,” he says, echoing his philosophy of long-term, compassionate follow-up. Patients are followed closely for up to five years post-treatment, with PSA monitoring and collaborative care alongside trusted urologists.

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Empowering the Patient: Informed Choices, Not Pressured Decisions

In the age of Google diagnoses and a flood of online cancer cures, Dr. Haas urges patients to pause and breathe. “Almost never is prostate cancer a fatal diagnosis at the start,” he says. “You have time. Get multiple opinions. Go to a National Cancer Institute–designated center. And make your decision with a team.”

He takes pride in offering more than just medical advice—he offers mentorship. His clinic keeps a list of former patients willing to speak to newly diagnosed individuals, helping them navigate the emotional and logistical complexities of treatment. “We don’t tell them what to say. They just share their stories,” he says. “Sometimes, hearing from someone who’s been through it makes all the difference.”

Every patient he sees is also evaluated by a urologist. “We don’t operate in silos. The patient, the radiation oncologist, and the urologist form a three-part team. It’s shared decision-making from start to finish.”

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A Word to Firefighters and First Responders

Dr. Haas has treated hundreds of 9/11 first responders, including many from the firefighting community. “They’re some of my favorite patients,” he said with affection. “If I told a 70-year-old firefighter he could go back to work tomorrow, every single one of them would jump at the chance.” Yet, he warns, that same dedication can sometimes lead to neglect. “They think they’re invincible,” he says. His advice is simple: get a PSA test. “It’s a single blood test. If you don’t have a strong family history, get one at 50. If you do, start earlier—maybe 40 or 45.”

Early detection, he emphasizes, is not just about survival; it’s about options. “Even if the first treatment doesn’t work—which is rare—you get a second swing at it. You can back up surgery with radiation or radiation with freezing. It’s one of the few cancers where there’s a Plan B.”

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CONCLUSION: Precision, Partnership, and a Path Forward

Dr. Haas’ work with CyberKnife is a powerful reflection of where modern oncology is heading—toward precision-based, non-invasive treatments that prioritize both physical and emotional well-being. But beyond the technology lies a philosophy: that no patient should walk alone, and no diagnosis should be a sentence.

From his integration of genomics and imaging to his advocacy for collaborative care, Dr. Haas represents a model of cancer care that is both deeply personal and scientifically advanced. Whether treating lifelong firefighters, newly diagnosed patients, or simply guiding families through difficult choices, his message remains clear: “You are not alone. You have options. And we are here to guide you every step of the way.”

 

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Part 2:

Prostate Scan Now with Host: "Cousin Sal "Banchitta - Ret FDNY FF- presents BARRIE KOLSTEIN, PC Survivor 

 

My name is Sal Banchitta- aka- Cousin Sal. I've had an incredible 30+ year career in the NY Fire Department, what so many of considered to be the best job in the world. There is no other profession that even comes close to the rewards of being a city firefighter. We were the first and last line of defense to protect this great city from any catastrophe and aligned with a special family of the most unique and remarkable men and women is truly the ultimate blessing.  PROSTATE SCAN NOW: I welcome you to view our pilot episode in support of proactive checkups and Prostate Health!  I'm speaking to all my dude-friends in their 50's who need to start taking their health more seriously, while applauding those who have stayed on top of early detection and prevention. One such person is my latest hero in this- Mr. Barrie Kolstein. Check out our feature on this great motivator and role model!

STATS ABOUT PC:

"Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer."  (Source- American Cancer Assoc)

"...leading cause of cancer death among men in the US, with 94 men dying from it every day." (Source: pcf.org)

"More than 3.3 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today". (Source- American Cancer Assoc)

SEE COMPLETE FEATURE ON "THE COUSIN SAL MINUTE"

© Copyright 2026 – Intermedia Worx Inc. and the AngioInstitute. All Rights Reserved. This article and its contents are the intellectual property of Intermedia Worx Inc. and the AngioInstitute and are protected under United States and international copyright laws. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, stored, or utilized in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission from the copyright holders, except for brief quotations used for editorial review, educational reference, or non-commercial citation with proper attribution. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Clinical decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances. Any reference to medical technologies, devices, or methodologies is provided  journalistic and educational discussion and does not imply regulatory approval, endorsement, or guaranteed clinical outcomes. All trademarks, service marks, product names, and logos referenced remain the property of their respective owners.