Laser therapy can be used in combination with traditional treatment methods to manage a number of conditions and speed up healing. In this post, our Staten Island vets talk about what veterinary cold laser therapy is and how exactly it helps our furry friends to feel better and get moving quicker.
What is cold laser therapy?
We often get asked, 'What is veterinary cold laser therapy?'. Cold laser therapy (also known as low-level laser therapy or Class IV laser therapy) employs concentrated light to increase blood circulation and stimulate cell regeneration.
Doctors use this therapy to target and treat inflammation in a non-invasive way. Recently, doctors have been using it in conjunction with conventional medical treatments to treat soft tissue or tendon injuries, as well as arthritis. It can also speed up wound healing.
Pet laser therapy is known as a safe treatment option withing the veterinary community. It is an effective treatment for a variety of diseases, injuries, and conditions, including tissue injuries (including strains and sprains) and arthritis.
It can successfully be used to supplement many traditional treatments.
Some of the key benefits of treatment using veterinary laser therapy include:
- Enhance circulation
- Decrease nerve sensitivity
- Reduce pain and swelling
- Speed the healing process
In addition, laser therapy does not have any negative side effects and no sedation is required. We also do not need to clip or shave the area being treated.
What is laser therapy used for when treating animals?
Some of the conditions that cold laser therapy can be used to treat include:
Arthritis & Musculoskeletal Injuries
Cold laser therapy, particularly for arthritis, is a versatile treatment for musculoskeletal injuries and joint inflammation. It alleviates inflammation and bruising while improving joint mobility.
Arthritis causes a loss of cartilage in the joint cavity, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Cold laser therapy regenerates lost cartilage, repairs damaged cells, and gradually improves joint strength over time, showing significant results in the treatment of arthritis.
Wound Healing
Your pet's tissues absorb energy, which causes physiological and biochemical reactions that increase circulation, promote cellular growth, and restore balance for tissue healing. Tissue repair, regeneration, reduced inflammation, and pain relief are the results of this.
Post-Surgical Healing
Laser therapy is good for wound healing, so it can also benefit post-surgical recovery. Post-surgery treatment with laser therapy can reduce scar tissue formation, inflammation, and increase range of motion, resulting in a faster recovery and improved effectiveness of physical therapy (if it is part of your pet's recovery plan).
Dermatological Conditions
Doctors can use laser therapy to treat some skin conditions, such as skin lesions.In this case, laser therapy will increase healthy cells to treat your pet's lesions. Increasing the production of collagen promotes healing and can assist in preventing scarring.
Does veterinary cold laser therapy hurt pets?
There should be no pain for your pet if the veterinarian performing the treatment is well-trained and experienced in administering laser therapy.
In fact, when the vet waves a handheld laser wand back and forth over injured tissue, we've noticed that it produces a pleasant sensation that most pets find soothing or relaxing.
All veterinary staff and patients must wear protective goggles during a session, as laser beams directed at the eye can cause permanent damage to both human and canine retinas.
How long will my pet's laser therapy visit last?
The length of sessions varies depending on the area being treated and how much energy is being delivered through the laser. A typical laser therapy session lasts between 5 and 20 minutes.
Before treatment, we will perform a full physical exam, in addition to X-rays if required, to determine whether cold laser therapy is the right treatment option for your pet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.