What is veterinary laser therapy?
Laser therapy can be a valuable component of multimodal pain management. Like acupuncture, massage therapy and other alternative therapies, laser treatment can be used with or instead of medication to treat pain, inflammation and wound healing.
"Laser" - stands for "Light Amplification of Stimulated Emission of Radiation". The laser generates specific wavelengths and frequencies of light.
Lasers are classified based on their wavelength and potential energy output, with four classes currently recognized. Most therapeutic lasers belong to class 3.
The type and depth of tissue that responds to laser therapy depends on the wavelength of light emitted. Most therapeutic lasers use red or near-infrared light with a wavelength of 600-1070 nanometers.
Laser beams with lower wavelengths are absorbed by superficial tissues such as the skin, while beams with higher wavelengths penetrate deeper into muscles and bones.
The light waves emitted by the laser are absorbed by the cells and activate their regeneration.
How does laser therapy work on my pet?
Laser therapy supports tissue repair. How does it do that?
- Endorphins, the body's own pain-relieving messenger substances, are released
- The blood vessels dilate (vasodilation), which increases the blood flow. This allows more oxygen and regenerating cells to reach the lasered area
- Inflammation is reduced, healing and regeneration are accelerated
- Muscles relax. The corresponding muscles are often hardened, especially in cases of chronic pain
Areas of application
Laser therapy-like acupuncture-is especially useful for pets with limited medical treatment options, such as:
- Older pets with reduced organ function
- Pets with liver and kidney disease in which a variety of pain medication can only be used with caution
- Cats that cannot be given pain medication
- All animals that cannot be won over to acupuncture
- Exotic pets for which the administration of medication is difficult or impossible
Laser therapy can be used in many different ways, for example for:
- Osteoarthritis
- Spondylosis
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Poorly healing wounds
- Bone fractures
- Traumatic injuries
- ...
How does a laser treatment work?
During a treatment session, the hand-held laser is moved slowly over the damaged tissue, creating a warm, comfortable sensation that most pets seem to enjoy and find relaxing. Sessions typically last 15 to 30 minutes, with the number of sessions and frequency of treatments depending on the injury. Chronic conditions may be treated weekly, while surgical incisions and open wounds often require daily treatment.
Is laser therapy safe for pets?
Laser therapy is safe when performed correctly and the proper settings and treatment durations are used.
Conclusion
The advantages of laser therapy are obvious. It is a stress-free treatment method that is actually very much enjoyed by all my patients.
It has an anti-inflammatory, relaxing, pain-relieving and healing effect.
It is an alternative or supplement to pain medication, without side effects. This makes laser therapy a wonderful form of treatment for my palliative and pain patients.
I use the laser shower Powertwin 21+ of the company MKW, one of the most powerful and versatile devices on the European market. If you are interested in laser therapy, you can find more information here. I look forward to hearing from you.
