Laser therapy—also referred to as cold laser and photobiomodulation—is an exciting non-pharmaceutical therapy that uses specific light wavelengths to relieve pain and speed healing in your pet.
Laser therapy conditions
At Neighborhood Veterinary Centers, laser therapy treatment is routinely prescribed for the following conditions:
- Arthritis pain
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Post-surgical incisions
- Post-operative orthopedic and neurology patients
- Soft tissue injuries, such as ligament and tendon injuries
- Wound healing
- Dental disease
- Skin conditions
How laser therapy works
Laser therapy must be prescribed by your pet’s veterinarian and administered by a trained veterinary team member. During laser therapy, a small handpiece or “wand” is held over the area of interest and moved slowly in a grid or circular pattern to deliver a specific dosage of light energy. The light travels to the target tissue—with stronger power doses reaching as deep as the hip joint—where cells are stimulated to perform their natural functions at a more rapid rate. This results in:
How laser therapy works
Laser therapy must be prescribed by your pet’s veterinarian and administered by a trained veterinary team member. During laser therapy, a small handpiece or “wand” is held over the area of interest and moved slowly in a grid or circular pattern to deliver a specific dosage of light energy. The light travels to the target tissue—with stronger power doses reaching as deep as the hip joint—where cells are stimulated to perform their natural functions at a more rapid rate. This results in:
How pets respond to laser therapy
Dogs and cats seem to appreciate and enjoy laser therapy—many pets fall asleep or relax during the treatment. The laser beam emits only a gentle warmth similar to a mild sunny day. Pets also appreciate the accompanying pain relief, muscle relaxation, and endorphin release. Many dogs who receive laser therapy walk out of the hospital with an extra spring in their step.
Treatment frequency
Treatment frequency and duration vary by diagnosis, with chronic conditions requiring a longer treatment regimen. In general, the initial phase includes more frequent sessions (e.g., two or three per week) that are then gradually tapered to a bi-weekly or monthly schedule. Acute conditions, such as surgical incisions or wounds, may require more frequent treatments that are discontinued after healing.
