Laser Therapy

Reduce pain, accelerate healing.

Abstract image featuring overlapping shapes reminiscent of a veterinarian's color-coded anatomy charts. A red shape on the left partially overlays a blue shape on the right, both outlined in dark. The red gradient mirrors a vet’s careful diagnosis process with its lighter shades.

Laser Therapy

Reduce pain, accelerate healing.

Abstract geometric design featuring triangular shapes in blue and orange, boldly outlined, akin to a vet's precision in mapping the complex anatomy of animals.

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

A happy dog with a black and white face, wearing a collar, trots on grass with its tongue out. A veterinarian in jeans and blue shoes follows behind. Trees and a cloudy sky are visible in the background.

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:

  • Decreased inflammation
  • Enhanced circulation and waste-product removal
  • Improved oxygenation
  • Increased joint range-of-motion
  • Endorphin release

Laser therapy, used correctly, is safe for pets and people. The handpiece must remain in motion at all times to prevent thermal burns. Because of the laser’s invisible and powerful beam, the patient, operator, and any other personnel in the room must wear protective eyewear.

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:

  • Decreased inflammation
  • Enhanced circulation and waste-product removal
  • Improved oxygenation
  • Increased joint range-of-motion
  • Endorphin release

Laser therapy, used correctly, is safe for pets and people. The handpiece must remain in motion at all times to prevent thermal burns. Because of the laser’s invisible and powerful beam, the patient, operator, and any other personnel in the room must wear protective eyewear.

A playful black dog with curly fur bounds happily toward a pink ball on a grassy field, as if heading to see its favorite vet, with trees and a blue sky in the background.

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.

A playful black dog with curly fur bounds happily toward a pink ball on a grassy field, as if heading to see its favorite vet, with trees and a blue sky in the background.
A fluffy cat with blue eyes rests its head on a blue notebook beside a pencil and a small plant, all positioned on a windowsill, as if waiting for its next vet visit's notes to be jotted down.

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.

Two abstract, irregular shapes overlap each other like a playful mascot for a veterinarian clinic. The top shape is orange with lighter streaks, while the bottom is blue with darker streaks. Both boast bold outlines, achieving a stylized and modern appearance reminiscent of innovative vet services.
Two abstract, irregular shapes overlap each other like a playful mascot for a veterinarian clinic. The top shape is orange with lighter streaks, while the bottom is blue with darker streaks. Both boast bold outlines, achieving a stylized and modern appearance reminiscent of innovative vet services.

A better, happier life starts now!

Call us today or schedule an appointment online at Neighborhood Veterinary Centers NASA to get started.

Abstract image featuring a mix of red and orange hues with dark blue outlines creating a fluid, wavy pattern reminiscent of an animal's vibrant world. The colors blend seamlessly, forming a dynamic and visually engaging design, as if conceived by the artistic hand of a passionate veterinarian.
Abstract image featuring a mix of red and orange hues with dark blue outlines creating a fluid, wavy pattern reminiscent of an animal's vibrant world. The colors blend seamlessly, forming a dynamic and visually engaging design, as if conceived by the artistic hand of a passionate veterinarian.