Laser therapy has been used successfully on humans for years and is growing in popularity among veterinary medicine as a non-invasive healing method for pets.
How does laser therapy work?
The near-infrared light produced by lasers can be absorbed by tissues in the body (both your body and your pet’s body!) to promote healing. Near-infrared light has a longer wavelength than visible light that we can see, which allows it to penetrate deeper through skin and hair to be absorbed into tissue more effectively and make an impact at the cellular level.
When the light is absorbed into the tissue, it excites the cells. It can alter or speed up the natural cellular reactions in the body, increasing blood flow and oxygen to cells, giving them more energy to put towards recovery-- contributing to healing wounds and joints, muscle regeneration, and pain management.
This means laser therapy can help release endorphins, increase blood flow, relax muscles, and reduce inflammation, all of which aid in tissue repair and healing.
What is laser therapy used for?
Because it aids tissue repair, laser therapy can be used in many different situations to help ease pain and speed up healing. Here are some of the most common ways that laser therapy can positively impact your pets’ health, healing, and comfort.
Healing injuries and infections
Laser therapy can be used to help speed up the healing process for tendon and ligament injuries, fractures, traumatic injuries, and infections. Your vet may recommend laser therapy to ease irritation in the case of ear infections, hot spots, or skin issues or to help speed the healing of injuries that limit your pet’s mobility.
Healing post-surgery
After surgery, laser therapy can be applied at the incision site to help reduce pain and inflammation and aid the body in healing the incision wound faster. This can be a gentle and efficient way to help your pup recover after being spayed or neutered or to reduce inflammation and discomfort after a dental extraction procedure.
Reducing and managing chronic pain
Laser therapy can be used for pets with arthritis, hip dysplasia, tendonitis, and other chronic pain conditions, often associated with aging pets, to help decrease swelling and inflammation around joints and reduce pain. This typically makes it easier and more comfortable for senior pets to get around.
Is laser therapy safe for my pet?
Yes! Laser therapy is completely safe, non-invasive, and painless. During a laser therapy session, your pet will wear special safety goggles to protect their eyes from infrared wavelengths. Once their goggles are on, your fur baby gets to sit back and relax – they won’t feel a thing!
How long is a laser therapy session?
Laser therapy sessions are quick and easy, normally lasting 5-10 minutes.
How many laser therapy sessions does it take to see results?
The number of laser therapy sessions (and frequency) will depend on your pet’s injury or condition and your vet’s recommendation. Your pet may only need a handful of sessions for post-surgery healing until the incision has healed. For injuries such as a fracture or torn ligament, your vet may recommend laser therapy every other day for 5-7 sessions or until the injury has healed enough for your pet’s comfort level. For long-term conditions such as arthritis, you may first bring your pet for weekly sessions and then as needed when your pet seems particularly stiff or uncomfortable.
How do I decide if laser therapy can help my fur baby?
If you are interested in trying laser therapy or simply learning more about the process and how it may give your beloved pet some comfort and relief from pain, reach out to our team at JM Veterinary Clinic. We offer affordable prices on laser therapy treatments using doctorVet® Laser Treatment. Our expert team is happy to advise you on the best fit for your pet’s individual health and wellness needs.