WHAT IS PHASE ANGLE? Advacement in Bioenergy Metrics in Regenerative Medicine

Authored by: Dr. Leslie Valle-Montoya

PHASE ANGLE is a measurement used in bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)—a technology that sends a small, safe electrical signal through the body to learn about your health. The phase angle tells us how well your cells are functioning.  Your cells are like tiny batteries. A higher phase angle usually means your cells are healthy, strong, and holding their shape well—like fresh grapes. A lower phase angle may suggest weaker or damaged cells—like dried-up raisins. This number can help doctors or wellness professionals understand your body’s overall condition, hydration, and cellular health in our health span.  It’s often used in wellness, sports, and medical settings to track changes, especially during aging, illness, or nutritional programs.

Through the clinical work and mentorship of Dr. Robert Bard (BardDiagnostics NYC) and his recent presentation at the AIUM World Converence, advanced ultrasound systems can reveal the health of tissues in the present moment by measuring health and longevity through carotid artery ultrasound. This test looks at the major arteries in your neck that supply blood to your brain. It can measure how thick or stiff the artery walls are, which tells us how healthy your blood vessels are and how much plaque might be building up. Thinner, more flexible arteries mean better circulation and a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

Together, phase angle and carotid ultrasound give a deeper picture of your internal health—from your cells to your circulation—and help guide wellness plans that support long-term vitality and longevity.

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Phase Angle: The Impact of Regenerative Therapies on Cellular Health

Key Takeaways

● Phase angle has emerged as a useful marker for assessing health risks, including morbidity and mortality, across a range of clinical scenarios. In this study, 22 participants—some healthy and others managing chronic conditions—were included.

● The findings provide average phase angle values for both men and women, offering insight into how these values vary by sex.

● Phase angle tends to increase steadily from early childhood through adolescence, to stabilize between ages 19 and 48, and then gradually to decline with age.

● These reference values can be a valuable tool for evaluating an individual's health status in a clinical setting.

Abstract
This study investigates the effects of regenerative therapies on cellular health and function using BioImpedance and Phase Angle Analysis. A pre-post intervention design was implemented, assessing phase angle as a marker of cellular integrity before and after treatment. Our findings demonstrate a statistically significant increase in phase angle, suggesting improved cell membrane function and overall vitality.

Introduction
Phase angle, derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), is gaining recognition as a meaningful indicator of overall health. It reflects the relationship between resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) in body tissues. Lower phase angle values have been linked to cellular stress, membrane dysfunction, and impaired tissue integrity. Factors such as chronic illness, inflammation, malnutrition, and poor lifestyle habits can negatively impact the body’s electrical properties, which are captured in the phase angle. 

Recent studies show that individuals with chronic or acute illness often have reduced phase angle values, potentially indicating accelerated aging and diminished cellular regeneration. Because the phase angle is influenced by cell membrane integrity, cell size, and overall tissue health, having baseline reference values is essential for identifying deviations that might signal underlying health issues.

This study highlights the importance of understanding phase angle across different life stages. As anti-aging and wellness trends continue to grow, phase angle offers a promising, non-invasive window into cellular vitality and the aging process. Methods Study Design This was a single-group, pre-post intervention study conducted at the Santa Barbara Longevity Center. The goal was to assess the effects of a comprehensive cellular regeneration program on physiological markers of health and vitality. Participants underwent testing before and after the  Intervention to measure changes in autonomic function and cellular health.

Assessments
Two primary assessments were used to evaluate outcomes:

● Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Non-invasive HRV testing was used to assess autonomic nervous system balance and stress resilience.

● Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA): Phase angle was calculated as a marker of cellular integrity and vitality, based on resistance and reactance values. Both HRV and bioimpedance assessments were performed prior to the first session and again after completion of the full program.

Intervention Protocol
Each participant received a series of eight sessions over the course of four weeks. The program included the following therapies at each session:

● Ondamed Frequency Therapy: A bioenergetic treatment using pulsed electromagnetic fields to modulate cellular communication and support tissue regeneration.

● H-Wave Therapy: A form of electrotherapy designed to enhance blood flow, reduce inflammation, and stimulate lymphatic drainage and muscle recovery.

● Red Light Therapy: Low-level light therapy aimed at stimulating mitochondrial function, promoting cellular repair, and enhancing skin and tissue health.

● Infrared Sauna & Cold Plunge: A contrast therapy combining heat and cold exposure to support detoxification, reduce systemic inflammation, and improve circulation and recovery.

All sessions were conducted in a controlled wellness setting and overseen by trained practitioners. Participants were advised to maintain their usual diet and activity levels throughout the study period.

Measurements
Primary outcome measure: Phase Angle (PA) assessed before and after intervention using BioImpedance Analysis. Statistical analysis: Paired t-tests were used to determine significant changes, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) computed for phase angle pre- and post-intervention.

Results
Pre-Post Analysis

● Mean Phase Angle Before Treatment: 6.28 (95% CI: 5.71 – 6.84)

● Mean Phase Angle After Treatment: 6.86 (95% CI: 6.32 – 7.40)

● T-Statistic: -3.39

● P-Value: 0.0037

A statistically significant increase in phase angle was observed, indicating enhanced cellular membrane integrity and metabolic efficiency.

Discussion
The results of this study indicate that the combined use of frequency-based, circulatory, and metabolic-enhancing therapies can lead to measurable improvements in cellular health, as evidenced by a consistent increase in phase angle values among participants. Phase angle is recognized as a reliable marker of cell membrane integrity and intracellular hydration—both of which are essential indicators of biological vitality and resilience. An upward shift in this value suggests enhanced membrane stability, improved cellular function, and better overall physiological status.

Notably, several participants experienced remarkable improvements over the four-week intervention period:

● Subject 1: Phase angle increased from 5.4 to 6.6

● Subject 2: Phase angle increased from 6.0 to 6.9

● Subject 3: Phase angle increased from 6.5 to 8.0

● Subject 4: Phase angle increased from 4.4 to 5.2

These changes are particularly significant given how challenging it is to raise phase angle in such a short timeframe. In clinical settings, even small increases in phase angle are considered meaningful, making these improvements—some exceeding 1.0 or even 1.5 units—especially noteworthy. These outcomes suggest a strong regenerative effect from the combination of therapies delivered during the study.

The interventions likely worked synergistically to support cellular function from multiple angles. Ondamed Frequency Therapy may have restored bioenergetic balance and enhanced intercellular communication. H-Wave Therapy likely promoted microcirculation and lymphatic flow, accelerating nutrient delivery and metabolic waste removal. Red Light Therapy's activation of mitochondrial pathways likely played a role in boosting ATP production and cellular repair. Meanwhile, infrared sauna and cold plunge contrast therapy supported detoxification, reduced inflammation, and enhanced vascular tone. Taken together, the multimodal approach appears to foster a biological environment conducive to regeneration and resilience. These findings are consistent with a growing body of evidence positioning bioimpedance-derived phase angle as a valuable biomarker for health status, aging, and response to therapeutic interventions.

Conclusion
This study provides compelling preliminary evidence that integrative regenerative therapies can significantly enhance cellular function, as demonstrated by substantial increases in bioimpedance phase angle across multiple participants. These results are particularly remarkable given the short duration of the intervention—just four weeks—which typically is not long enough to yield such dramatic improvements in cellular health markers.

The data support the clinical relevance of using phase angle as a biomarker in wellness-focused and longevity-based care. These therapies—ranging from frequency-based modulation to mitochondrial stimulation and detoxification—may play a vital role in improving healthspan and supporting the body's intrinsic repair mechanisms. Future research should aim to expand the sample size, evaluate long-term effects, and incorporate additional objective biomarkers such as inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, mitochondrial function assays, and epigenetic age testing. A broader dataset could further validate the impact of these therapies and refine protocols for individualized health optimization and age-related decline prevention.

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MEASUREMENT OF CELLULAR VITALITY AND SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION

By: Matthew Einsohn, RSG

Phase Angle measurements are giving us a way to watch the body rebuild itself — from the inside out. A 9.2% increase in phase angle—from 6.28 to 6.86—in just 4 weeks? That's not just a statistical uptick; it's a substantial leap in cellular health. In the realm of phase angle analysis, even a 0.2 shift is noteworthy. Dr. Leslie Valle-Montoya's preliminary findings underscore the potential of targeted regenerative therapies to effect meaningful biological change in a relatively short time. [1][2]

But here's where it gets even more compelling: phase angle isn't solely a marker of cellular vitality; it's emerging as a non-invasive indicator of systemic inflammation. A study published in Nutrients found that lower phase angle values were significantly associated with higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a well-established marker of inflammation . This association remained significant even after adjusting for factors like age, BMI, and physical activity. [1][2]

Imagine the implications: a simple, non-invasive measurement that provides insights into both cellular integrity and inflammatory status. Now, envision a home-based wellness program—just two sessions a week, totaling eight per month—designed to consistently enhance your cellular health and reduce systemic inflammation.

Why the Medical Trend Is About GOING INDEPENDENT

By: Lennard Goetze, Ed.D

I would never fault any practitioner for the path they choose. For some, working within a hospital system offers structure, consistency, and a sense of security. For others, the pursuit of independence through private practice represents autonomy, innovation, and a deeper connection to purpose. A review of our current practitioners show significant achievements beyond clinical care; some have evolved to publishing and mentoring, others become part of research and technical innovations and yet more push the dial to become award-winning pioneers in the expansion of their specialized study.

Having experienced both models — and having observed countless colleagues navigate both lanes — one can only speak from the vantage point of personal experience. And what anyone can learn from this: "if you’re aiming to make a real difference in the lives of your patients, independence offers a unique kind of freedom".

THE POWER OF PERSONALIZED CARE

I recently finalized a biography of Dr. Robert Bard called "The Cancer Detective's Journal".  He is a board-certified radiologist with licenses in multiple states; he developed and directed over 22 diagnostic health programs focused on cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, wound healing, perimenopausal symptoms, and musculoskeletal injuries — conditions that one could only find medically fascinating but  also deeply meaningful to address. This diversity in services didn’t emerge from a corporate playbook. It came from listening to his patients, staying on top of emerging research, and designing care pathways that respond directly to unmet needs. His ability to constantly evolve is driven by a curiosity and a commitment to his patients — and that kind of flexibility simply isn’t possible within a rigid hospital framework. Systems tend to favor protocols and uniformity. Independent practice rewards innovation and patient-centric thinking.

CLINICAL FREEDOM AND EXPANSION
In his biopic, Dr. Bard stated, "Running a successful private practice does require effort — and more than a little entrepreneurial spirit. It demands that you build a following, manage operations, and sustain a patient workflow that allows room for growth. But in return, it offers something priceless: the ability to expand your expertise on your own terms."

Another role model in this independent thinking is one of his colleagues, Dr. Leslie Valle-Montoya  who retorts, "You’re free to pursue continuing education, add new services, experiment with integrative models, and tailor your offerings to what your community actually needs — not just what your employer permits. That agility translates to a more meaningful clinical life and, in many cases, better outcomes for patients who otherwise fall through the cracks of conventional care."

THE SHIFT TOWARD INDEPENDENT MEDICINE

We're seeing a growing number of physicians opt out of institutional employment and carve out their own space in the medical landscape — whether through solo practice, specialty clinics, direct primary care, or telehealth ventures. And it's not hard to see why. Burnout, bureaucracy, and disillusionment are widespread in corporate health care settings. Independent practitioners are reclaiming the essence of medicine: relationships, responsibility, and results.

Of course, independence isn’t easy. You take on more risk, more responsibility, and often more paperwork. But you also gain the satisfaction of practicing medicine the way it was meant to be practiced — with your judgment intact, your creativity engaged, and your patients at the center of everything.

CONCLUSION: THE ROAD TO IMPACT

Choosing private practice isn’t just a career move. For many of us, it’s a mission. It’s about restoring the doctor-patient relationship, building something that reflects your values, and being accountable to outcomes that truly matter. It’s not the right path for everyone, but for those of us drawn to it, independence isn’t just a trend — it’s a calling.

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"I could not echo the same sentiment more.  Independent practice, although it may seem scary and stressful, it is a "good stress."  Yes, institutional medicine may be right for some providers, but it does not allow the growth and progress that is necessary for optimal patient care or medical innovation, not to mention career satisfaction for many (myself included)". -  ANGELA MAZZA, DO  - Integrative Functional Endocrinology

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"I am a pharmacist by training (I own my own clinic), but patients seek me out because I develop a personal relationship with them. I think the art of listening to the patient is gone. Being independent allows the time to listen and that's where the best outcomes are found. I was taught that the new medical paradigm of specialization would allow more time for patients but that hasn't happened and in fact, it is worse as now doctors don't have time to speak to each other. It's tough running a business and seeing patients, but I think it's the only way to meet our patients expectations without being pressured to see more and more patients."  -  SCOTT BERLINER R.Ph. - Life Science Pharmacy

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"Being in private practice has given me the opportunity to explore emerging areas in medicine and to incorporate innovative approaches into my care. Unlike in a hospital system, private practice allows me to prioritize what is truly best for my patients in every interaction with total autonomy. That freedom has not only shaped my clinical approach but also fueled my passion for medicine. After 29 years, I can confidently say that private practice has allowed me to stay true to the values that first led me to medicine. The autonomy, flexibility, and ability to deliver deeply personalized care offer clear and lasting advantages."   -   STEPHEN CHAGARES, MD, FACS  - Breast/General/Minimally Invasive/Robotic Surgery 

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This article beautifully champions the movement toward independence in medicine, but what truly elevates it is the deeper, unspoken truth humming beneath the surface: independent practitioners aren’t just leaving institutions, they’re responding to a collective cry for something new.  This isn’t about faulting systems, it's about birthing a future that still honors the dream many doctors began with.  They don’t just seek freedom from bureaucracy, they pursue freedom to evolve.  The future of medicine is not “independent or institutional” — it’s integration led by inspiration. This piece plants a flag for a needed cultural shift, and I’d love to see it end with that shared vision: medicine as a living artform, evolving through us all.   - MATTHEW EINSOHN, TN

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"Working as an independent physician has advantages and disadvantages. No one is looking over your shoulder, ready to criticize you if you deviate from corporate policy. Patients are individuals, and their needs do not always match protocol. Most integrative/functional medicine doctors choose to practice independently. They employ primarily evidence-based practices outside the standard of care, which are treatments accepted by medical experts as proper for a particular disease.  As an integrative physician, I prefer the freedom of practicing independently. I enjoy my work, helping my patients, and benefitting from a large community of like-minded experts and dedicated independent practitioners." - Barbara Bartlik, MD (psychiatrist)

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LEGENDS IN ACTION

THE LEGACY OF A SCIENTIFIC TRAILBLAZER: Dr. Robert Langer’s impact on biotechnology and medicine is immeasurable. His work has saved countless lives, improved the quality of healthcare, and inspired generations of scientists. As research continues to evolve, his contributions serve as a foundation for future breakthroughs, ensuring that innovation in medical science remains vibrant and transformative. (see full spotlight)

Long Island cancer support advocate, GERI BARISH shares her uncompromising passion for her life’s work.  As co-founder of Hewlett House, Ms. Barish established a well-loved community learning resource center for cancer patients and their families. She and her staff have been serving the local community for over 28 years and have served tens of thousands of cancer patients and their families. (see full spotlight)

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DR. BARD'S FINDINGS THROUGHOUT TIME

Dr. Robert Bard has been recognized for his research and clinical care as well as his achievements that impacted the scientific community.  His reporting comes from a commitment to move the dial in technology to comport with the current standards in healthcare and its needs for upgrades.  As an imaging specialist and the 'cancer detective', his discoveries historically apply as 'game-changers' in the diagnostic community, where his published work memorialized landmarks that clearly helped affect medicine as we know it today. Here are some of those findings:

1) THE ULTRASOUND / DENSE BREAST DEBACLE

1976: Dr. Bard collaborated with pioneer developer Dr. Henry Leis to mitigate the limitations of Mammography- mainly that "mammo" underperformed when scanning past dense breast tissue (deeming early detection scans of dense breasts as false negatives). Remarkably, Dr. Bard's use of ultrasound imaging provided a reliable and supportive imaging for the mammogram, as it was able to see a tumor clearly through the breast density.

2022: Dr. Bard receives the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his research achievements in areas of breast cancer diagnostics. His top achievement was for his use of ultrasound to complement mammograpy for scanning dense breasts.

2024: U.S. Legislation was finally passed to mandate communicating breast density in all mammography centers, and the use of ultrasound is supported as a secondary scanning solution.

2) DECODING BIA-ALCL & THE TEXTURED IMPLANT

1978: After witnessing inflammatory conditions from his patients with textured implants, Dr. Bard wrote the first paper on BIA-ALCL, (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) a rare type of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that can develop around textured breast implants

1996 to 2015: One hundred pathologically confirmed breast implant-associated ALCL cases were identified in the United States. Mean age at diagnosis was 53.2 ± 12.3 years. Mean interval from implant placement to diagnosis was 10.7 ± 4.6 years.

2019: Allergan voluntarily recalled its Biocell textured breast implants in August 2019

2023: In Australia, a "national outcry" arose regarding BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma), a rare type of lymphoma linked to some textured breast implants, leading to regulatory actions and increased awareness. 

3) MOBILIZING ELASTOGRAPHY TO THE WESTERN MARKET

1997: Elastography is a type of imaging test that checks for tissue, organ or tumor stiffness or elasticity- representing this in a dedicated color scale. As a performance upgrade to the Ultrasound, Transient and Shear Eave (SWE) elastography originated in Europe in the late 1990s, with the FibroScan system (Echosens, Paris, France). It was primarily used for liver assessment, a non-invasive technique, emerged as a viable alternative to liver biopsy for staging liver fibrosis.

2008: Thanks to his research and training in France, Dr. Bard was one of the first radiologists to gain access to Elastography, publishing the text on Elastography of the Carotid Artery/MICCAI and Image Guided Therapy 

2013: The FibroScan system, a commercially available elastography device was approved by the FDA in the United States. The FDA approved magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) software for breast lesions in 2014. 

 

[OUTLINE]

Title: The Independent Advantage: Why Private Practice Still Matters in Modern Medicine

Introduction

• Brief overview of the evolving landscape of healthcare

• Growing dominance of hospital systems and health conglomerates

• The value of the independent practitioner — why the conversation matters

Autonomy and Flexibility

• Clinical decision-making without bureaucratic interference

• The ability to set your own schedule, patient load, and treatment philosophy

• More personalized patient care

Deeper Patient Relationships

• Emphasis on continuity of care and long-term relationships

• Freedom to spend more time with patients

• Greater patient loyalty and satisfaction

Financial Transparency and Control

• Direct control over billing and collections

• Opportunity to innovate pricing or adopt models like direct primary care or concierge

• Investment back into your own business instead of a hospital system

Innovation and Agility

• Faster adoption of new technologies, diagnostics, and protocols

• Ability to customize office environment and services

• Less red tape for trying novel care pathways or holistic modalities

Challenges to Acknowledge

• Administrative burden and business overhead

• Lack of institutional support or large-scale infrastructure

• Navigating payer relationships and referral networks

Conclusion

• Private practice is not for everyone, but it's a viable and valuable model

• Reclaiming medical autonomy, rebuilding trust, and re-centering the doctor-patient relationship

• Encouragement for physicians considering independence to explore it with open eyes