Laser Therapy

What To Expect

There is no patient sedation or restraint required and the experience is usually pleasant and comforting to your pet during our pet laser therapy treatments.

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 vary based on your pet’s condition.

A sample treatment schedule is as follows: 

Your veterinarian will recommend a treatment plan specific to your pet’s condition.

• Every other day for one week (3 total)
• Twice the second week (2 total)
• Once the third week (1 total)
• Maintenance as needed

About Pet Laser Therapy

Scientifically Proven
Effective

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 for many clinical conditions. 

Reintroduction to Activity

Laser therapy can relieve pain, reduce swelling and increase range of motion. Because of this, your pet may exhibit renewed energy and freedom of movement. Consult your veterinarian before your pet returns to full activity. A gradual introduction of activity may be suggested to ensure that your pet’s condition is not aggravated. 

Laser Therapeutic Effects

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, the function is restored and pain is relieved. 

Cellular Effects of Laser Therapy

During pet laser therapy, the infrared laser light interacts with tissue 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) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health. 

Laser Therapy Can Help With

• Osteoarthritis
• Joint Pain
• Tendinopathies
• Edema and Congestion
• Ligament Sprains
• Muscle Strains
• Puncture Wounds
• Post-Traumatic Injury 
• Post-Surgical Pain
• Neck and Back Pain
• Hip Dysplasia
• Burns
• Chronic Wounds
• Rehabilitation
• Post-Orthopedic
• Surgical Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt? What does a treatment feel like?

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.

Are there any side effects or associated risks?

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.

How often should a patient receive laser therapy?

Acute conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they
are 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.

How many laser therapy treatments does it take?

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.

How long before results are felt from laser therapy?

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

Contact Care Veterinary Services 

Give us a call at (989) 871-1157 to request an appointment.