What is Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy for dogs and cats uses low-intensity laser or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to help relieve pain, stimulate and enhance cell function, and improve healing.
Several conditions have been shown to improve with the use of laser therapy including muscle and joint pain, arthritis symptoms, and muscle spasms.
Cold laser therapy for pets can be used as part of a multimodal treatment plan to help manage pain, reduce inflammation and promote healing.
There are no medications involved in these therapeutic treatments which means that cold laser therapy can be used as part of your pet's overall treatment plan in conjunction with prescription medications and supplements without the risk of drug interactions.
How Cold Laser Therapy at Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital Works
During pet laser therapy, the technician concentrates light over affected tissue for periods ranging from 8 to 30 minutes, depending on the issue being treated.
Laser therapy works by emitting light that stimulates cells in a process called photo-biotherapy. Photo-biotherapy encourages cell metabolism and protein synthesis, improving cell strength.
It stimulates cells, reducing pain signals to nerves, increasing blood circulation, and releasing endorphins.
How Cold Laser Therapy Feels
Throughout veterinary cold laser therapy, your pet will only feel a subtle tingling around the area being treated. After each therapy session your pet will feel less inhibited by their ailment.
It is important to remember that every pet’s treatment plan is different. While some pets feel relief after 3 sessions, other pets require weekly sessions until improvement is seen. Monthly maintenance might also be necessary.
In choosing laser therapy as your pet’s method of treatment, the veterinarian will discuss a regimen that will best benefit your pet.
Uses for Laser Therapy
Laser treatment for dogs and cats encourages cell regeneration and increases circulation, benefiting the following conditions and procedures:
- Open Wounds
- Bone Fractures
- Strains & Sprains
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Inflammation & Osteoarthritis
- Hip Dysplasia
- Lick Granuloma
- Dental Procedures
- Post-Surgical Recovery
Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy
- Increases wound healing
- Accelerates mitochondrial cell metabolism
- Reduces inflammation and associated pain
- Enhances neovascularization
- Increases blood perfusion
- Reduces edema (swelling)
- Encourages bone healing