Laser Therapy, or “photobiomodulation”,
is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to
create therapeutic effects. These effects include:
Promotes tissue repair
Improves wound healing
Faster recovery from nerve
damage
Reduces pain & inflammation
Reduces scar tissue in muscle
injuries
Increases range of motion
Increases circulation (drawing water, Oxygen & nutrients to the affected tissue)
Laser Therapy has been widely utilized
in Europe by physical therapists, nurses and doctors as far back as the
1970’s. Now, after FDA clearance in 2002, Laser Therapy is being used
extensively in the United States.
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 rigorously controlled, scientific
studies that document the effectiveness of Laser Therapy for many
clinical conditions.
Cellular Effects of Laser Therapy
During Laser Therapy the infrared laser
light interacts with tissues 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
For most patients, there is no patient
sedation or restraint required and the experience is usually pleasant
and comforting to them.
Most pets do not need to have their hair
clipped.
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 a laser
treatment.
Class IV Laser Therapy treatments are
cumulative in nature. 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
Our veterinarian will recommend a treatment
plan specific to your pet’s condition.
Numerous studies show that Laser Therapy
can help with any disease process which is characterized by
inflammation:
If your pet
shows signs of orthopedic or back pain, has difficulty getting up and
down, limps on one or more limbs periodically, he or she may be a
candidate for laser surgery. In addition, laser therapy can help
with any of the problems listed below.
Arthritis & Joint Pain
Tendon
Injuries
Ligament
Sprains
Puncture
Wounds
Post-Surgical
Pain
Hip Dysplasia
Chronic Wound Healing
Post-Orthopedic Surgical Recovery
Neck and Back Pain
Spinal Cord Injuries
Ear Infections
Gum inflammation and gingivitiis
Acral Lick Granulomas
Feather Picking
Bladder Infections/Inflammation
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does it hurt? What does a 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 twenty 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, as the healing response is more active after
treatment.
How long does each treatment take?
The typical treatment time is 3 to 8
minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.
How often should a patient be treated?
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, tapering to once every week or two as improvement is seen.
How many 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 the results are felt?
Your pet may feel improvement in their
condition (usually pain reduction) after the first treatment. Sometimes
they will not feel improvement for a number of treatments. This does
not mean that nothing is happening. Each treatment is cumulative and
results are often felt after 3 or 4 sessions.
Can it be used in conjunction with other
forms of treatment?
Yes! Laser Therapy is often used with
other forms of therapy, including physical therapy, chiropractic
adjustments, massage, soft tissue mobilization, electrotherapy and
following surgery. Other healing modalities are complementary and can be
used with laser to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
If
you are interested in finding out if Laser Therapy can help your pet,
please call us at 909-980-3575 for a consultation.
