Laser Light Therapy For Dogs

If you are not familiar with Laser Light Therapy, a non-evasive therapy that does not require drugs but heals and reduces inflammation. 

Clinical studies and research using laser therapy technology indicate the following beneficial effects of laser therapy on tissues and cells:

• Anti-Inflammation
• Anti-Pain (Analgesic)
• Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation
• Improved Nerve Function
• Accelerated Tissue Repair and Cell Growth
• Improved Vascular Activity
• Faster Wound Healing
• Increased Metabolic Activity

Here are some commonly asked questions:

How are treatments administered?

“Treatments are performed by positioning the laser handpiece over a specific area of injury and pain with the laser treatment beam.

How many treatments are needed?

The Class IV Laser Therapy produces results quickly. For most ACUTE conditions 5-6 treatments is all that is needed. CHRONIC conditions take longer and might require a minimum of 6-12 treatments and then may require some maintenance amount depending on the condition and how long they have had it. While these are the averages, each animal is unique and healing time varies by animal and condition. For those with lifelong conditions, your pet may need 1 or 2 follow-up treatments each month. 

Is Class IV Laser Therapy safe and without side effects?

Laser therapy has been in use for over thirty years around the world. There have been almost no side effects reported. Occasionally some old injuries or pain syndromes may be aggravated for a few days, as the healing response becomes more active after a treatment.

How long will the treatment take?

Depending on the condition, treatment times for this drug-free non-invasive procedure will last on average 5-10 minutes but is based on the size of area, depth of penetration needed and condition being treated. 

When can normal activity begin again?

The moment an animal leaves, they may resume normal daily activity. It is important to remember to not overexert for a few days, as the body is still healing. Depending on injury, they may require limited activity until healed.

Will the treatment hurt?

Pets may notice a warm, often soothing feeling. There is no pain associated with a treatment. Many also experience reduced tension and tightness, reduced inflammation and improved motion.

How does the Class IV Laser Therapy work?

When the photons of the laser light penetrate the skin and underlying tissue, they are absorbed by the cells, and converted into energy. The cell membrane permeability is altered, which trigger a cascade of cellular events including:

• Stimulation of ATP
• Stimulation of respiratory chain
• Increased DNA and RNA synthesis
• Increased levels of beta endorphins and serotonin
• Enhanced collagen synthesis

What advantage does Class IV Laser Therapy have over other forms of treatment?

The treatment does not require the use of drugs or surgery, and there are no dangerous side effects or risks. In addition, Laser therapy provides enhanced treatment outcomes faster than any other treatment modality. 

When should you not get Laser Light Therapy?

If your pet has a tumor or cancer, you do not want to perform laser light therapy.

Here are some conditions treated with Laser Light Therapy:

Anti-Inflammation

Laser therapy has an anti-edemic effect as it causes vasodilation, but also because it activates the lymphatic drainage system (drains swollen areas). As a result, there is a reduction in swelling caused by bruising or inflammation

Anti-Pain (Analgesic)

Laser therapy has a high beneficial effect on nerve cells which block pain transmitted by these cells to the brain and which decreases nerve sensitivity. Also, due to less inflammation, there is less edema and less pain. Another pain blocking mechanism involves the production of high levels of pain killing chemicals such as endorphins and enkephlins from the brain and adrenal gland.

Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation

Laser therapy reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from cuts, scratches, bums or surgery.

Improved Nerve Function

Slow recovery of nerve functions in damaged tissue can result in numbness and impaired limbs. Laser light will speed up the process of nerve cell reconnection and increase the amplitude of action potentials to optimize muscle action.

Accelerated Tissue Repair and Cell Growth

Photons of light from lasers penetrate deeply into tissue and accelerate cellular reproduction and growth. The laser light increases the energy available to the cell so that the cell can take on nutrients faster and get rid of waste products. As a result of exposure to laser light, the cells of tendons, ligaments and muscles are repaired faster.

Improved Vascular Activity

Laser light will significantly increase the formation of new capillaries in damaged tissue that speeds up the healing process, closes wounds quickly and reduces scar tissue. Additional benefits include acceleration of angiogenesis, which causes temporary vasodilatation, an increase in the diameter of blood vessels.

Faster Wound Healing

Laser light stimulates fibroblast development (fibroblasts are the building blocks of collagen, which is predominant in wound healing) in damaged tissue. Collagen is the essential protein required to replace old tissue or to repair tissue injuries. As a result, Laser Therapy is effective on open wounds and burns.

Increased Metabolic Activity

Laser therapy creates higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particle loads for blood cells.

For a free consult, please call me at 360-574-6400 and ask for Kristina