While this therapy has been widely used in humans, we can now offer its benefits to your pets as well. The procedure works on the principle that light is absorbed by cells, where it stimulates activity within the damaged tissues. The light energy penetrates the cells, promoting healing by reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation, while improving circulation and encouraging muscle relaxation. It also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
Benefits of laser therapy include:
- Reducing inflammation
- Reducing pain
- Improved tissue repair and blood flow
- Decreased scarring
- Improved speed of wound healing
- Improved nerve function and stimulation in damaged tissues
The most common usage for laser therapy is for patients with osteoarthritis. However, many other painful conditions such as cruciate ligament disease, muscle and tendon injuries, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) can be managed with therapeutic laser. Additionally, laser therapy is often employed to help with post-surgical and dental extraction healing, burn management, and other inflammatory conditions such as stomatitis, and lick sores.
If laser therapy is deemed appropriate, we offer two different options. Our in-office laser, MLS laser therapy, is a dual wavelength laser that allows simultaneous reduction of inflammation by one light wavelength while the second wavelength penetrates deeper into tissues to promote positive tissue response. This laser offers more sustained benefit following each treatment. Therefore, patients typically require less frequent treatments after initiation of their treatment plan. A typical program would start with three treatments in week one, then two treatments in week two, then one treatment in week three. From there, most pets will require treatment every 1-3 weeks for sustained benefit.
Alternatively, we have offer an at-home therapy option. MedcoVet’s handheld Luma laser can be obtained via a rent-to-own agreement, allowing clients to perform treatments in the comfort of their own home. This makes Luma laser a great option for pets that are too afraid to come into the clinic for treatment, or for those who experience limitations in mobility that prevent them from travelling well. Luma laser is a less powerful laser than the MLS laser. While this means less need for safety equipment (such as protective eyewear), it also requires that treatments be performed daily for the best results. Treatments are managed via a web portal that both you and your veterinarian can access to record progress and communicate about changes in treatment protocols.