The team at All Pets Veterinary Medical Center is proud of our state of the art veterinary clinic and many of its special services–one such unique service is laser therapy for pets.
What is Laser Therapy?
The scientific terms for laser’s effect on tissue are Photobiomodulation and Photobiostimulation. Deep-penetrating photons from the laser influence cell chemistry in various beneficial ways. Additionally, the infrared wavelengths create a warm sensation in your pet’s body at the precise location requiring treatment. The amount of time for treatment, power and laser pulse frequency are based on your pet’s individual condition and body size.
We use our therapy laser on pets recovering from surgery to ease their discomfort, as well as on various patients from dogs with uncomfortable ear infections, senior pets with arthritic joints or pets suffering from allergies.
What Can I Expect from Laser Therapy?
There is no sedation required with laser therapy. The experience is generally pleasant and comforting to the animal and pets do not need to have their hair clipped either.
While improvement is frequently seen after the first visit, most patients require several treatment (3 to 8) for the greatest benefit. For the majority of conditions, All Pets recommends a multi-visit treatment plan. Treatments vary in length, but most sites require as little as 2 minutes and no more to 8 minutes. Most patients exhibit greater comfort and mobility within 12 to 24 hours after a laser treatment.
What are the Benefits of Laser Therapy?
Numerous clinical studies and trials of laser therapy technology indicate a variety of beneficial effects of laser light therapy on tissues and cells.
Accelerated Tissue Repair and Cell Growth
Photons of light from lasers penetrate deeply into tissue and accelerate cellular reproduction and growth. The energy available to the cell is increased by the laser light so that the cell can take on nutrients faster and get rid of waste products. Therefore, exposure to laser light allows the cells of tendons, ligaments and muscles to repair faster.
Faster Wound Healing
Laser light stimulates fibroblast development (fibroblasts are the building blocks of collagen, which is critical in wound healing) in damaged tissue. Collagen is the essential protein required to replace old tissue or to repair tissue injuries. Therefore, laser therapy is effective on open woulds and burns.
Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation
Laser therapy allows for the reduction of scar tissue formation following tissue damage from cuts, scratches, burns or surgery.
Anti-Inflammation
Laser light therapy has an anti-endemic effect as it causes vasodilation, but also because it activates the lymphatic drainage system (drains swollen areas). Therefore, the swelling caused by bruising or inflammation is reduced.
Anti-Pain (Analgesic)
Laser therapy is highly beneficial on nerve cells which block pain transmitted by these cells to the brain and which decreases nerve sensitive. In addition, 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 from the brain.
Trigger Points and Acupuncture Points
Laser therapy also stimulates muscle trigger points and acupuncture points on a non-invasive basis providing musculoskeletal pain relief.
If your pet has an ailment and you’re interested in finding out if laser therapy would be beneficial for them, contact us to set up your laser therapy consultation today!
