Laser Therapy
If your pet has sustained an injury, undergone orthopedic surgery, has an open wound or suffers from arthritis & other painful conditions, low level Laser Therapy may be appropriate.
L.A.S.E.R or light amplification by stimulated emission rays, is the use of light at a concise wavelength to stimulate and accelerate tissue repair and cell growth of structures such as skin, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Here at WAG, we offer Laser Therapy to both dogs and cats.
For over 25 years in human medicine, Lasers have been used for pain management and healing and are now being incorporated into veterinary practices. The most common application of laser therapy in veterinary medicine is for musculoskeletal disease and injury but any disease processes that involve inflammation can benefit. Laser treatments can speed wound & incision healing time, reduce inflammation, provide pain relief and improve function for a variety of conditions including:
Pain Management
Osteoarthritis & Degenerative Disc or Joint Disease
Muscle, ligament and tendon injuries
Muscle spasms
Post-surgical pain such as associated with Cruciate & Patellar Ligament Repair and soft tissue trauma
Hip Dysplasia
Back pain
Post-Traumatic injury
Skin conditions: Hot Spots & Lick Granulomas
Wounds & Ulcerations
Burns
Bursitis
Edema & Congestion
Sprains & strains
Pododermatitis
Neuromuscular disease
No sedation or hair clipping is required and we use a Class IIIB, so there is no risk of burning to the patient. The experience is usually pleasant and comforting to the animal.
Although improvement is often seen after the first visit, chronic conditions require multiple treatments for greatest benefit.
Contact us for more information on how Laser Therapy can benefit your pet.
FAQs
What is a therapeutic Laser and how does it work?
A therapeutic Laser, also known as a low-level Laser, is a newer advance in veterinary rehabilitation. Unlike high-powered surgical Lasers that create a thermal destruction of cells and tissues, the Lasers used in rehabilitation are low-powered and help to modulate cellular activity in many different types of tissues. A low level Laser projects the light it produces into the cells of the body instead of as heat. The light is absorbed by the skin and underlying tissues. Mitochondria in the cells of the tissue convert this light into Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) (an energy source) which increases enzyme production, increases cell replication, increases growth factor formation and essentially provides the building blocks for the cell to heal damaged tissue. Low-level Lasers have the potential to accelerate tissue repair and cell growth of structures such as skin, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Lasers offer therapeutic effects in the management of chronic pain by stimulating release of the body’s own pain killing chemicals such as endorphins and enkephalins.
In terms of your pet’s perception, it will appear as though nothing is happening as all activity is taking place at the cellular level. Therapeutic Laser is noninvasive, and there are no reported adverse side effects when it is used properly.
Benefits of low level Laser therapy include:
Assists in wound healing
Decreases pain
Decreases inflammation
Reduces the formation of scar tissue
Improves neural recovery
Enhances immune response
Antibacterial effects
What conditions can therapeutic Laser treat?
Numerous studies show that Laser Therapy can help treat:
Pain
Osteoarthritis & Degenerative Joint Disease
Ligament Sprains & Muscle Strains
Tendonitis
Post-Surgical Pain such as associated with Cruciate & Patellar Ligament Repair
Hip Dysplasia
Back Pain
Post-Traumatic Injury
Skin conditions: Lick Granuloma & Hot Spots
Chronic Wounds & Ulcerations
Burns
Bursitis
Edema and Congestion
What is a therapeutic Laser treatment experience?
The patient lies quietly and the Laser is applied to treatment areas. A typical treatment time is 3-8 minutes, depending on the size of the area being addressed.
The therapy involves the introduction of light so there is little or no sensation, your pet will not likely perceive anything happening as all activity is taking place at the cellular level. Occasionally the patient feels mild, soothing warmth, or tingling.
How many therapeutic Laser treatments are needed?
The number of sessions varies depending upon the severity and chronicity of the disease process, the nature and characteristics of the specific ailment as well as the age and general health of the patient. Although improvement is often seen after the first visit, for most conditions, we recommend a multi-visit treatment plan [3 to 8] for greatest benefit.
Periodic follow-up treatments can help pets maintain normal function and comfort, allowing them to live with less pain, fewer drugs or invasive procedures.