Laser Therapy

Light has been used as an aid to healing for thousands of years, and Laser Therapy is the use of light of a particular form and wavelength for this purpose.

It is the application of light of narrow spectral width over injuries or lesions that stimulate healing within these tissues. The reaction with tissues during laser therapy is photochemical not thermal.

Effects of Low Intensity Laser Therapy on the Body

  • Gives pain relief
  • Resolves inflammation
  • Increases speed
  • Quality and tensile strength of tissue repair
  • Stimulates the immune system
  • Resolves infection
  • Improves function of damaged neurological tissue

How Does It Work

The effects of low energy narrow spectral width light are photochemical, triggering normal cellular function. Photons of light absorbed by the cells result in increased cellular activity, producing physiological changes. Effects observed after LILT are:

  • Increase in the production of chemicals concerned with pain relief and the resolution of inflammation
  • Significant effect on the synthesis, release and metabolism of neurochemicals such as serotonin, aiding pain relief
  • Affects nerve conduction and hence aids pain relief
  • Increases level of cells concerned with tissue repair, e.g. Fibroblasts, macrophages

 

Conditions in Dogs and Cats that can be treated by Low Intensity Laser Therapy:

Musculoskeletal System

Bone problems & Arthritis

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Spondylosis
  • Tendonitis

Numerous other lameness involving injury to ligaments, tendons and muscles

  • Back problems
  • Disc trouble
  • Tendonitis
  • Trapped nerve syndromes
  • Chronic Back Pain / Weakness

Wound Management

  • Post operative wounds
  • Ulcers
  • Pressure sores
  • Infected wounds and Ulcers

Skin Conditions

  • Lick Granulomas
  • Burns
  • Wet Eczema

Any chronic pain which is not being controlled adequately by conventional treatment. When the side effects from conventional drugs are a problem.The Laser beam may also be used to stimulate Acupuncture points throughout the body, without the use of needles. This is useful for patients with an aversion to needles and is totally pain free.

How often should a condition be treated?

As the treatment is using a very intense form of light, the exposure to the Laser is of a short duration on any particular area on the body. Hence treatments are of a short duration, sometimes only 40 seconds of Laser time

  • Ideally a recent or an acute problem should be treated daily or every other day.
  • For a chronic problem once or twice a week is normally sufficient.

Occasionally Low Intensity Laser Therapy may exacerbate the condition, but if this is so it is generally only short lived. Low Intensity Laser Therapy should not be used within 2 to 3 weeks of a recent long acting steroid injection, as this may cause exacerbation of the symptoms after Laser Therapy.

 

Animals accept Laser Treatment well and will often relax and some may even fall asleep during the treatment. There is very little risk from Low Intensity Laser Therapy when in expert hands. In some strong reactors, temporary aggravation is quickly followed by a substantial relief. It has the advantage that undesirable side effects of some of the drug therapies can be avoided.