Laser Therapy

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Laser Therapy, or “photobiomodulation,” is the use of specific wavelengths of light to create therapeutic effects. These effects include improved healing time, pain reduction, increase circulation, and decreased swelling.

Reintroduction to Activity:

Laser Therapy can relieve pain, reduce swelling and increase range of motion. Because of this your pet may exhibit renewed energy and freedom of movement. Consult our Veterinarians before your pet returns to full activity. A gradual introduction of activity may be suggested to ensure that your pet does not aggravate their condition.

The Effects of Pet Laser Therapy:

During each painless treatment, laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen, and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

Cellular Effects of Laser Therapy:

During laser therapy the infrared laser light interacts with tissue at the cellular level, and metabolic activity increases within the cell, improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the increased production of cellular energy (ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health.

What to Expect

There is no patient sedation or restraint required and the experience is usually pleasant and comforting to your pet.

Although improvement is often seen after the first visit, most patients require several treatments (3 to 8) for greatest benefit.

For most conditions, we recommend a multi-visit treatment plan. Treatments vary in length, but most sites require 2 to 8 minutes. A majority of patients exhibit greater comfort and mobility within 12 to 24 hours after pet laser therapy.

Class IV Laser Therapy treatments are cumulative in nature. Ultimately, the length and frequency of treatments varies with your pet’s condition.

A sample treatment schedule is as follows:
• Every other day for one week (3 total)
• Twice the second week (2 total)
• Once the third week (1 total)
• Boosters as needed

Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt? What does the treatment feel like?

There is little or no sensation during treatment. Occasionally the patient feels mild, soothing warmth, or tingling. Areas of pain or inflammation may be sensitive briefly before pain reduction.

Are there any side effects or associated risks?

During more than 20 years of use by healthcare providers all over the world, very few side effects have ever been reported. Occasionally, some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days. Accordingly, the healing response is more active after treatment.

How often should a patient receive laser therapy?

Acute conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they are accompanied by significant pain. More chronic problems respond better when treatments are received 2 to 3 times a week. Consequently, tapering to once every week as improvements are seen.

How many laser therapy treatments does it take?

This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions 1 – 2 treatments may be sufficient. Those of a more chronic nature may require 5 to 8 (or more) treatments. Some conditions may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.

How long before results are felt from laser therapy?

Your pet may feel improvements in their condition (usually pain reduction) after the first treatment. Sometimes they will not feel improvements for a number of treatments. To be sure, this does not mean that nothing is happening. Each pet laser therapy treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after 3 to 4 sessions.

Has effectiveness been demonstrated scientifically?

Yes. There are thousands of published studies demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of Laser Therapy. Among these, there are more than one hundred rigorous controlled scientific studies that document the effectiveness of laser for many clinical conditions.

What conditions can laser therapy help with?

• Osteoarthritis
• Joint Pain
• Tendinopathies
• Edema and Congestion
• Ligament Sprains
• Muscle Strains
• Puncture Wounds
• Post-Traumatic Injury
• Post-Surgical Pain
• Neck and Back Pain
• Hip Dysplasia
• Burns
• Chronic Wounds
• Rehabilitation
• Post-Orthopedic Surgical Recovery