En”light”enment on Laser Therapy for pets
Light as a therapeutic tool?? Have you heard of laser therapy for healing? There are may articles on the advantages and ease of administration of this type of therapy! Keep reading to find out more!.
What is it and what can it help with?
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation therapy, is a non-invasive treatment modality that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation. In animals, cold laser therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions by promoting tissue repair and reducing discomfort. Here's how cold laser therapy can help treat conditions in animals:
Laser therapy helps tissue repair by causing the following:
Endorphin release
Vasodilation, which increases blood flow to bring in oxygen and cells involved in the healing process
Muscle relaxation
Decreased inflammation
Faster healing and repair
The main clinical benefits of laser use in pets include decreased inflammation, decreased pain, and improved wound healing.
Pain management: Cold laser therapy can help alleviate pain associated with various conditions, including arthritis, musculoskeletal injuries, postoperative pain, and neuropathic pain.
Inflammation reduction: By targeting inflamed tissues, cold laser therapy can help reduce swelling and inflammation, which is beneficial in conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and inflammatory skin conditions.
Wound healing: Cold laser therapy promotes wound healing by increasing circulation, stimulating the production of collagen, and enhancing cellular repair processes. It can be used to accelerate the healing of surgical incisions, lacerations, abrasions, and other types of wounds in animals.
Musculoskeletal conditions: Cold laser therapy can improve mobility and function in animals with musculoskeletal issues such as osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and soft tissue injuries.
Neurological disorders: Cold laser therapy may help improve nerve function and regeneration in animals with neurological conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, nerve injuries, and degenerative myelopathy.
Skin conditions: Cold laser therapy can be used to treat various dermatological conditions in animals, including hot spots, allergic dermatitis, wound infections, and non-healing ulcers.
Post-surgical rehabilitation: Cold laser therapy can aid in the recovery process following surgical procedures by reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation, and promoting faster healing of surgical incisions.
Dental issues: Cold laser therapy may assist in the management of dental conditions such as gingivitis, stomatitis, and post-extraction pain by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue healing.
Acupuncture point stimulation: Cold laser therapy can be used to stimulate acupuncture points without the use of needles, providing pain relief and therapeutic benefits similar to traditional acupuncture.
Overall, cold laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for animals, particularly for those who may not tolerate or benefit from traditional medications or surgical interventions. It is typically well-tolerated by pets and can be easily administered by trained veterinary professionals. However, as with any medical treatment, it's essential to consult with a qualified veterinarian to determine if cold laser therapy is appropriate for your pet's specific condition.
