What is laser therapy and how does it work?
An exam is given prior to laser treatments.
Laser therapy is the use of light waves to promote healing . Light waves come in varying lengths and can be referred to as cold or hot. Both can stimulate healing, but hot or class IV lasers are more powerful and work with the body to more quickly heal the tissues. They also penetrate more deeply into the tissue so a broader range of ailments can be treated in a timely fashion. Lasers, when used correctly, decrease pain and inflammation and help the body heal itself. They do this by increasing the microcirculation which brings more blood and thus oxygen into the injured area. Additionally, laser therapy increases the energy or ATP production of the damaged cells.
Uses of Laser therapy in animals.
Since laser therapy stimulates tissue healing by increasing microcirculation to a wounded or inflamed area and decreases pain, it has numerous applications. Most procedures involve a short treatment time and almost all animals tolerate the procedure very well . Some treatments involve the use of a massaging ball-like head that focuses the laser beam and allows it to penetrate deeper. More superficial wounds are treated by running the laser beam about 1/4” off of the surface. Any animal with musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, wounds/abscesses, fractures, gingivitis/periodontal disease, ear infections, post –surgical incisions or inflammation/injury can benefit from laser therapy. Treatment protocols and price vary with the injury, but overall laser therapy is a very cost effective and non-invasive treatment modality.
Learn more at http://www.litecure.com/companion/for-pet-owners/
