Laser Therapy
The (Non)Cutting-Edge of Veterinary Science
Laser therapy is an innovative new technology used to treat acute and chronic injuries. The non-invasive treatment stimulates cell regeneration by increasing blood flow to the targeted area. This is used to accelerate the healing process following surgery, alleviate joint pain and treat degenerative diseases.
How It Works
Low-level, also known as cold, laser therapy focuses red and infrared light on tissue at and below the surface of the skin. The light energizes the cellular mass, producing a structural protein called collagen used to repair tissue. Lasers continue the healing process by supporting vascular dilation and synthesis, increasing blood circulation to the affected region. The stimulation releases the bodies own pain-relieving hormones, generating mild pain management properties.
The process generally takes between 5–10 minutes, with the majority of patients seeing positive effects after 3–5 uses. The treatment continues to relieve pain and fight inflammation for up to 24 hours following the session.
Conditions benefited by laser therapy:
- Hip dysplasia
- Post-surgical incisions and soft-tissue trauma
- Arthritis and degenerative joint disease
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Neuromuscular disease
Low-level laser therapy is normally combined with other types of veterinary medicine including pharmaceutical regimens and alternative therapies. The broad biochemical benefits and lack of adverse side effects have made laser therapy the preferred post-operative rehab method in veterinary medicine.
