Laser Treatments

Laser therapy is a cutting-edge treatment using high intensity light particles (called photons) to stimulate cells and promote healing (photobiomodulation). The effects include: Improved healing time Pain reduction Increased circulation Decreased swelling The therapy is easy to administer. We’ve a laser generator that we run gently over the affected body part, effectively “painting” it in photons. These light particles then stimulate the damaged cells, reducing pain and promoting tissue repair and recovery. Laser therapy has been widely used in Europe by physical therapists, nurses and doctors as far back as the 1970s and since 2002 in the United States. It was used extensively during the 2012 Olympics on both human and equine athletes.

Yes. There are thousands of published studies demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of laser therapy. Among these, there are more than one hundred rigorously controlled, scientific studies that document the effectiveness of laser therapy for many clinical conditions. It is not however a magic cure for everything. Sadly, there are some conditions and diseases that are too extreme for laser therapy to be effective.

During laser therapy, the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, and metabolic activity increases within the cell, improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the increased production of cellular energy (ATP), leading to a cascade of beneficial effects, including increased cellular function and health.

During each painless treatment, laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen, and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

There is no patient sedation or restraint required and the experience is usually pleasant and comforting for the patient concerned. Most pets do not need to have their hair clipped. Although improvement is often seen after the first visit, most patients require several treatments (3 to 8) for the greatest benefit. For most conditions, we recommend a multi-visit treatment plan. Treatments vary in length, but most sites require 2 to 8 minutes. A majority of patients exhibit greater comfort and mobility within 12 to 24 hours after a laser treatment. Class IV Laser Therapy treatments are cumulative in nature. The length and frequency of treatments varies with your pet’s condition. A sample treatment schedule is as follows: Every other day for one week [3 total] Twice the second week [2 total] Once the third week [1 total] Boosters as needed We will recommend a treatment plan specific to your pet’s condition. Numerous studies show that laser therapy can help with: Arthritic and joint pain Muscle tendon and ligament injuries Swelling Puncture wounds Post-traumatic injuries Post-surgical pain Neck and back pain Hip dysplasia Burns Chronic wounds Rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery

There is little or no sensation during treatment. Occasionally the patient feels mild, soothing warmth, or tingling. Areas of pain or inflammation may be sensitive briefly before pain reduction.

During more than twenty years of use by healthcare providers all over the world, very few side effects have ever been reported. Occasionally some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response is more active after treatment.

The typical treatment time is 3 to 8 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.

Acute conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they’re accompanied by significant pain. More chronic problems respond better when treatments are received 2 to 3 times a week, tapering to once every week or two as improvement is seen.

This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions, 1-2 treatments may be sufficient. Those of a more chronic nature may require 5 to 8 (or more) treatments. Some conditions may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.

Your pet may feel improvement in their condition (usually pain reduction) after the first treatment. Sometimes they will not feel an improvement for a number of treatments. This does not mean that nothing is happening. Each treatment is cumulative, and results are often felt after 3 or 4 sessions.

Yes! Laser therapy is often used with other forms of therapy, including hydrotherapy and post-surgery therapy - where laser therapy reduces pain and improves the healing process. Other healing modalities are complementary and can be used with laser therapy to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

Absolutely! Because treatment is pain free and fast, it can be done in a regular consultation.

If you think your pet is suffering from a condition that may benefit from laser therapy, then book in to see one of our vets to assess the problem. If it's appropriate then we'll create a treatment schedule.