FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your Questions, Answered

WHAT IS LASER THERAPY?

Also known as soft laser, laser therapy is a form of phototherapy used to stimulate tissue repair and provide pain management. The laser uses focused red and infrared light to stimulate tissue at and below the surface of the skin.

The biochemical effect of the low-level light increases the production of cellular energy and thus promotes cellular regeneration, production of collagen for tissue repair, and vascular dilation and synthesis for better circulation. Light from the low-level laser also encourages production of the body’s natural pain-relievers.

HOW CAN MY PET OR HORSE BENEFIT FROM COLD LASER THERAPY?

If your pet or horse has sustained an injury, undergone orthopedic surgery, or suffers from arthritis or other painful conditions, they may be a candidate for low-level laser therapy. The low-level laser not only speeds the healing process but affects the overall quality of the repaired tissue. Muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries require increased collagen production for successful healing and the low-level laser stimulates this function. The light also increases vascular growth and dilation for improved circulation in animals that may have limited movement.

Animals experiencing pain from their condition will find relief from laser therapy treatments. The biochemical effect of the low-level laser boosts the body’s production of endorphins. Low-level laser therapy is another great way to treat the source of the pain, thereby making it less likely that your pet will need additional pain-reducing medication.

HOW LONG UNTIL I START SEEING RESULTS FROM TREATMENTS?

The effects of laser therapy treatments are cumulative, so I usually tell my clients not to expect a 180° change right away. While a positive response to treatment may not occur in just one session, the affected area usually begins to feel better 12 to 24 hours afterwards. Significant improvements should be seen in the second week of treatments.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BE SUCESSFULLY TREATED WITH COLD LASER THERAPY TREATMENTS?

Low-level laser can be used to treat a myriad of conditions, but within the realm of rehabilitation, it is used mainly on musculoskeletal injuries, soft tissue injuries (sprains and strains), and arthritis. It also helps to release tight muscles, stimulate nerve regeneration, reduce inflammation, and aid in pain management.

Arthritic Pain
Hip Pain
Musculoskeletal Pain
Myofascial Pain
Stress
Pain
Bruising
Edema
Hematomas
Lesions
Tendon, ligament injury, and soreness
Traumatic and overuse injuries
Scar Tissue
Ulcers and other persistent non-healing wounds
Splints
Strains
Sore back
Ankle, hock injuries
Stifle injuries
Bone chips
Hoof conditions: abscesses, bone spurs, inflammation, navicular, ringbone and laminitis
Inflammatory conditions: acute or chronic otitis (ear problems), anal gland inflammation, periondontitis (gingivitis, hot spots, lick granulomas, idiopathic cycstitis (bladder inflammation), sinusitis, rhinitis (nasal problems)

CAN COLD LASER THERAPY BE COMBINED WITH OTHER TYPES OF MEDICINES AND MODALITIES?

Laser therapy can be, and often is, combined with other types of medicines and modalities. Because laser decreases pain and enhances circulation, your veterinarian may choose to use the laser in conjunction with other forms of therapy to enhance the benefits of those therapies. In general, laser therapy integrates well into a treatment plan that utilizes either traditional or alternative forms of veterinary medicine.

If your companion animal is receiving laser therapy from a practitioner other than your regular veterinarian, it is imperative that both individuals are kept updated about the ongoing treatment in order to provide coordinated care of your pet, to allow proper evaluation of treatment and to minimize any avoidable interactions or interferences. Our goal is to collaborate with the pet’s primary care veterinarian to appropriately coordinate care.