Laser therapy is a painless and noninvasive technology used to treat acute and chronic injuries, accelerate healing after surgery, and alleviate joint pain. It employs deep-penetrating light to initiate a chain of chemical reactions known as photobiostimulation. This process promotes pain relief through the release of endorphins and stimulates injured cells to heal more rapidly. By enhancing cell regeneration, increasing blood flow to the targeted area, and releasing the body’s natural pain-relieving hormones, laser therapy effectively supports the body’s healing mechanisms.
What Can I Expect At My Pet’s Laser Therapy Appointment?
A technician will hold the laser wand directly over the affected area for 3 to 10 minutes. There is no pain associated with the treatment, and most pets will relax during this time. As the laser is administered, your pet may feel a gentle and soothing warmth, tingling, or no sensation at all. The almost immediate relief of pain will allow your pet to be comfortable, and any anxiety they initially experience will quickly dissipate. Occasionally, some pets actually fall asleep during their therapy sessions.
Although improvement is often seen after the first visit, your pet’s condition will influence how often and long laser therapy is necessary. Treatments vary in length, but most sites require 3 to 8 minutes. Laser treatments are cumulative, so each additional treatment facilitates a greater improvement in your pet’s condition. The length and frequency of treatments vary by condition, and your veterinarian will help devise an appropriate laser treatment schedule for your pet.
Conditions improved with laser therapy:
- Muscle, ligament and tendon injuries
- Post-surgical and soft tissue trauma
- Back pain
- Ear infections
- Gingivitis
- Hot Spots and open wounds
- Arthritis/hip dysplasia
- Degenerative disc disease
- Anal gland infections
Laser therapy is normally combined with other types of veterinary medicine, including pharmaceutical regimens and alternative treatments. Its broad biochemical benefits and lack of adverse side effects have made it a preferred post-operative rehab method in veterinary medicine.
If you would like to know more about laser therapy and if it could benefit your pet, contact us at (303) 683-1675.