Veterinary Laser Light Therapy
Laser therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of therapeutic light to stimulate cellular activity and support the body's natural healing processes. Unlike surgical lasers, therapeutic lasers do not cut or generate heat that damages tissue. Instead, they deliver targeted light energy that penetrates tissue and enhances cellular metabolism.
We have an FDA approved, infrared K-laser. In contrast to surgical lasers that produce heat as thermo-destructive laser energy for cutting through tissues, our machine is for healing and produces no harm to cells and tissues. Laser light therapy has been used in medicine for over 40 years with clinical studies demonstrating medical efficacy and safety.
Therapeutic laser treatments are painless. The only sensation felt is light pressure as the laser handpiece is moved over the fur and skin. There are no known side effects from administration of K- laser light therapy, though it is contraindicated to use on the eyes, a cancerous tumor, over the thyroid gland or in photosensitive patients (those taking certain antibiotics or other drugs that makes them sensitive to light).
The laser light machine focuses red and infrared light into a coherent, highly organized pattern that penetrates into cells, producing an increase in the individual cell metabolic rate. This increased metabolic rate leads to improved cellular repair. In addition, the light therapy stimulates the immune, lymphatic and vascular systems for a net result of reduction in pain, inflammation and swelling. An overall improvement in healing is seen.
Many conditions may be improved or eliminated with laser light therapy:
- Arthritis, joint pain, elbow and hip dysplasia
- Degenerative joint disease
- Herniated and bulging discs causing pain or paresis/paralysis
- Muscle pain and spasms
- Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, ligament injuries)
- Traumatic injuries to skin, nerves, muscles and joints
- Wound healing (postoperative incisions, hot spots, and lick granulomas)
- Localized skin and ear infections
- Inflammatory bowel syndrome and cystitis
Additionally, we offer laser acupuncture, which allows us to stimulate acupuncture points without needles. This is an excellent option for pets who are sensitive to or uncomfortable with traditional needle acupuncture.
The number of treatments depends upon the severity of the condition. A protocol for chronic pain due to arthritis would be weekly to monthly depending on the degree of pain. Acupuncture can be performed during the same appointment for improved overall health.