Laser Therapy

What is Laser Therapy?

The word “laser” is an acronym for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation”. Laser is different from “normal” light because it is a single wavelength in a focused beam. The wavelength influences the biological effects of the therapeutic laser; some wavelengths are better for pain, some are better for inflammation, and others are better for wound healing. The wavelength also determines the depth of penetration into the body’s tissues. The shorter, visible wavelengths penetrate tissue to a shallower depth, whereas longer, infrared wavelengths penetrate deeper into tissue.

How Does Laser Therapy Work?

Photobiomodulation (the laser–tissue interaction) has many effects on the body’s cells, including pain reduction and enhanced healing. Laser therapy reduces pain by decreasing inflammation, affecting nerve conduction, and decreasing tissue chemicals that stimulate pain. Laser therapy also enhances healing by increasing microcirculation (blood flow through the smaller blood vessels of the body), stimulating cellular activity, and increasing growth factors.

What Is Pulsed Wave Laser?

Laser diodes are generally either continuous wave or pulsed. The continuous wave (CW) diodes emit laser energy continuously, hence the name. Pulsed diodes emit a radiation impulse with a high amplitude (intensity) and duration which is typically extremely short: 100-200 nanoseconds. Continuous wave lasers produce a fixed level of power during emission.
Although lacking the high peak power of a “true” or “super” pulsed laser, most continuous wave lasers can be made to flash a number of times per second to simulate pulse-like rhythms by interrupting the flow of light rapidly as in turning a light switch “off” and “on.” True or super pulsed lasers, as the names imply, produce a brief high-power level light impulse. It is the high-power level achieved during each pulse that drives the light energy to the target tissue.
The peak power of a true or super pulsed laser is quite high compared to its average pulse power. By using true or super pulsed lasers, one is able to more effectively drive light energy into tissue. The laser and electronic technologies required to use pulsed diodes are more advanced and the diodes themselves are more expensive than the continuous wave diodes. Integrative Veterinary care exclusively uses MultiRadiance Pulsed Wave Lasers, and offers

What Does Laser Therapy Treat?

Laser therapy can be used to treat a myriad of conditions, but most commonly, it is used 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)

It can be used on all animals – large and small – including exotic pets and even fish!

How Long Does It Take?

Treatment length depends on the total dose of light energy to be delivered and how quickly the laser can deliver that energy. Integrative Veterinary Care uses pulsed laser technology exclusively by Multi Radiance, with wavelengths ranging from 465 to 905 nm.

How often will my pet need therapeutic laser, and how many treatments can I expect?

Most patients receiving therapeutic laser are treated two to five times per week for several weeks. Acute issues are generally treated more frequently but over a shorter time frame, while chronic conditions tend to be treated less frequently but for a longer overall time frame. Your veterinarian will discuss with you the ideal treatment protocol for your pet’s unique condition.

Are there any reasons not to use therapeutic laser on a pet?

Therapeutic laser should not be used over areas of active bleeding or over the eyes, testicles and other endocrine glands, tumors, pregnancies, or growth plates in the bones.