Laser Therapy for Pets
As doctors, we work to find the best methods of treatment and pain management for our patients. Low-level laser therapy, or cold laser therapy, is an exciting tool. It gives veterinarians a unique and effective way to heal bodies and reduce pain in many instances.
History
Scientists, including Albert Einstein, have tossed around the concept of lasers since the early 1900s. However, it wasn’t until 1960 when a physicist, Theodore Maiman, created the first working laser.
Seven years later, Endre Mester accidentally discovered what he called laser biostimulation (now low-level laser therapy). While testing his theory that lasers caused cancer, Mester instead discovered lasers have regenerative properties.
That discovery opened up a new world of possibilities in the medical industry. In the years since, institutes worldwide have studied and refined the role of laser therapy in healing. In 2002, the FDA approved LLLT for use on humans suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.
It didn’t stop there. Even now, engineers and scientists continue to study and develop effective dosage guidelines to get the most benefit from treatments. Thanks to these studies and discoveries, efficacy is becoming more recognized and treatment limitations continue to fall away.
How it Works
Low-level laser therapy is drug-free, painless, and non-invasive. Its energy-concentrated light penetrates tissue. It targets the parts of cells affected by light, which absorb the energy and uses it to heal tissue and reduce inflammation.
The effects of the laser are increased circulation, reduced inflammation, endorphin release, and restoration of metabolic function of tissue cells.
The procedure is often soothing for pets. It’s painless and done in a calm and gentle manner. The release of endorphins also helps make it enjoyable.
The amount of sessions required varies by the type and severity of the condition.
Conditions LLLT Treats
Low-level laser therapy treats many disorders. These include skin infections, back pain, bone fractures, muscle injury, various types of wounds, and joint disease such as hip dysplasia. Each veterinary practice that uses LLLT has their specific employments for the tool.
At Sandia Animal Clinic, we focus our laser therapy on managing pain in arthritic patients and for wound healing. Arthritis is a common, painful condition in dogs. It steals happiness and comfort from their lives. Laser therapy helps give some of it back.
One arthritic patient in particular, Brooklyn, was able to jump in and out of her parents’ vehicle after just two treatments. We love being able to improve our patients’ quality of life. Laser therapy allows us to do that in many instances.
Science is amazing. The use of lasers for healing our patients and making them more comfortable and mobile is another piece of proof. Laser therapy has many benefits in medicinal settings. It’s safe, kind to the body, soothing, and it works.
References:
Huang, Ying-Ying et al. “Biphasic Dose Response In Low Level Light Therapy”. N.p., 2017. Print.
“PHOTONICS APPLIED: PHOTONICS IN MEDICINE: Low-Level Light Therapy: It’s All About Wavelength And Power”. Laserfocusworld.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 17 May 2017.
“Theodore Maiman”. Aps.org. N.p., 2017. Web. 17 May 2017.
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