Laser Therapy

What Is It and How Can It Help My Pet?

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. This therapy is becoming increasingly popular in veterinary medicine for a variety of conditions affecting pets.

How It Works

Laser therapy works by delivering light energy to the targeted area, which is absorbed by cells and enhances their function. This process stimulates cellular repair and regeneration, increases circulation, and activates the body's natural healing processes. The lasers used in veterinary practices are carefully calibrated to provide the right amount of power and wavelength to achieve therapeutic effects without causing any discomfort to the pet. intensity light to stimulate healing and reduce pain.  The absorbed light triggers a number of cellular processes including but not limited to:

  • Increased blood flow

  • Reduced Inflammation

  • Nerve Cell Damage Repair

  • Stimulation of tissue regeneration

  • Increased collagen synthesis

  • Release of endorphins (natural pain relievers)

  • Prevention or reversal of cell death

The cellular changes above contribute to pain relief and accelerated healing of damaged tissues.

Common Conditions Treated

Laser Therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free and painless way to help the body help itself.  It is useful for a variety of inflammatory conditions including but not limited to:

  •     Arthritis

  •     Edema

  • Muscle Strains and Sprains and other soft tissue injuries

  • Tendinitis

  • Back Pain

  • Hematomas

  • Muscle Inflammation

  • Ear Infections

  • Joint Injuries

  • Wound Healing

  • Post-Surgical Incision Healing

  • Infected wounds or injuries

  • Infected skin and Hot Spots

  • Lick Granulomas

  • Skin Conditions including Allergic Skin Disease (decreases the formation of histamine among other substances in the body)

  • Intervertebral Disk Disease

  • Some neurological conditions including those with chronic pain

  • Non-union and small bone fractures

  • And more

    Benefits of Laser Therapy

Some of the main advantages of laser therapy include:

  • Non-invasive: No need for anesthesia or surgical intervention.

  • Pain Reduction: Offers relief for animals suffering from chronic pain.

  • Accelerated Healing: Speeds up recovery from injuries and surgical procedures.

  • Minimal Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated with few adverse reactions.

  • Quick Treatment Sessions: Typical sessions can last anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.

What to Expect

When you take your pet for laser therapy, a veterinarian will assess the specific condition and tailor the treatment accordingly. The sessions are typically painless, and many pets relax during the procedure or fall asleep. Depending on the severity of the issue, a series of treatments may be recommended for optimal results. Laser therapy can safely be used a few times per day but more commonly your veterinarian will likely recommend a number of sessions with days in between when you get started. This will likely be with a decreasing frequency. Some pets may come one to a few times per week to maintain their pain control and the effect if it is a chronic condition that is being managed. Laser therapy is one of the few therapies that actually works to heal arthritic joints and is often used in combination with other therapies for

Conclusion

Laser therapy is a promising option for managing pain and promoting healing in pets suffering from various ailments. If you believe your pet may benefit from this treatment, consult your veterinarian to determine if laser therapy is right for your pet.