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Longmeadow Animal Hospital

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a surgery-free, drug-free, noninvasive treatment to reduce pain, inflammation, and speed the healing process. Veterinary laser therapy has been scientifically proven to help treat post-surgical pain and many acute and chronic conditions.

Overview

Laser therapy uses a beam of light to deeply penetrate tissue, absorbing into the cell without damaging it and inducing a response called “photo-bio-modulation,” which helps reduce pain. While treating the affected area, the laser light generates a feeling of gentle and soothing warmth.

Why would my pet need laser therapy?

Therapy lasers are primarily used to reduce swelling, pain, and speed the healing process. These mechanisms allow us to successfully treat a wide range of conditions non-invasively and without drugs.

Studies indicate that laser-treated wounds heal 30-50% faster than the typical required healing time. Just a single laser treatment can reduce swelling and speed up the healing process post-surgery. Skin wounds, abrasions, bite injuries, dermatitis, and burns all respond well to laser therapy as well.

Our laser therapy uses a more modern and high-powered therapeutic laser that can deliver adequate dosages of laser energy (photons) painlessly and efficiently to deeper tissues. This laser is extremely beneficial in treating chronic conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, back disease or injury, and degenerative joint diseases. This is a great therapy option for geriatric patients who suffer from one or more of these chronic painful conditions, as well as the aches and pains that come naturally with aging. There are many reports of pets returning to normal, or almost normal function after laser therapy. More chronic and severe cases may require multiple treatment sessions to fully benefit.

When should I consider laser therapy for my pet?

Laser therapy can be useful for your pet in a number of ways. The following are common clinical conditions where veterinary laser therapy may be used as treatment.

  • Musculoskeletal pain

  • Immunoregulation

  • Traumatic wound healing

  • Surgical wound healing

  • Increasing the metabolism of specific tissues

How does laser therapy work?

Treatment protocols are unique to each patient and condition, varying in time, complexity, and cost. Laser therapy can also be used to enhance other treatment plans we recommend.

Fortunately, laser therapy can be administered without touching the painful area, providing immediate pain relief and edema control to sensitive tissues. We also use therapeutic lasers to stimulate muscle and acupuncture points painlessly and without needles so your pet is as comfortable as possible. With advanced equipment and progressive methodology, we are committed to providing the best possible laser therapy pet care for your furry friend. Every test, decision, and treatment is customized to the specific needs of your pet so that they can manage their condition or recovery and live out their happy, healthy life.

FAQ’s

Q. What is Companion Laser Therapy?

A. It is a form of pain management that gives off a laser beam that is directed at the problem site. This beam of light stimulates the tissue and skin cells to grow healthy tissue.

Q. Will my pet need anesthesia?

A. No. Most animals relax while getting their treatment.

Q. How is it given to my pet?

A. The pet lies on the floor, and we do the rest. It is a wand that we take and wave it continually over the problem area for a determined amount of time.

Q. What are the benefits?

A. This technology is the latest for animals that have joint and soft tissue problems. It can dramatically shorten the amount of healing time after a surgery or procedure. The treatment may reduce or eliminate the need for injections or oral medications.

Q. What if my pet has a chronic condition?

A. Laser therapy for chronic conditions can require multiple (6-12) treatments to get your pet to a very comfortable situation. Maintenance treatments are then required every 3 to 4 weeks afterward to maintain the reduced pain and/or mobility.

Q. Will it hurt my pet?

A. No. The laser produces a slightly warm feeling in the inflamed tissue.

Q. How long does it take?

A. Usually one treatment can take anywhere from 3 to 7 minutes.

Q. Do I need to do anything at home?

A. No. Some pets do respond positively to one treatment. The treated site feels better 12 to 24 hours after treatment.

Q. Is it safe?

A. We understand that your pets are your family. We would never subject your family members to anything harmful. Laser therapy has had FDA clearance for over 6 years and is not only used in animal health but human health as well.