Integrative Healing Veterinary Clinic & Mobile Services

WHAT IS LASER THERAPY?

Laser therapy is a completely pain-free, non-invasive technique that uses various wavelengths of light to stimulate healing of the body and provide relief of pain. Laser therapy has been used for over 25 years and numerous scientific research publications support its efficacy. The lasers used therapeutically are known as "cold" or "low level" lasers as they do not heat the tissue or damage it.

Laser therapy is the use of a laser directly on an area of pain or injury to relieve pain and stimulate healing. The light produced by a therapeutic laser penetrates the cells and has been shown to have the following effects:

• Increases blood circulation
• Reduces pain
• Reduces edema (swelling)
• Reduces fibrous tissue and scarring
• Increases cellular metabolic activity
• Improves nerve function
• Improves and speeds wound healing

WHEN IS LASER TREATMENT INDICATED?

• Arthritis
• Neck & back pain
• Tendon & ligament injuries, including cruciate ligament (CCL), bowed tendon, suspensorydesmitis
• Hip/elbow dysplasia
• Spinal disc problems, Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
• Fractures
• Dermatitis, hot spots, lick granulomas (skin inflammation)
• Otitis (ear infection)
• Quarter cracks
• Non-healing wounds
• Post surgically to speed up healing and recovery

LASER ACUPUNCTURE

Laser acupuncture is the ability to use a laser to stimulate acupuncture points. This completely avoids the need to use needles, which is great for animals that will not tolerate any type of needles. Some animals may experience a very slight tingling sensation, but most will feel only very gentle pressure from the laser tip on the skin. Scientific research has shown that just as when needles are used to stimulate acupuncture points, there are measurable changes in the brain when a laser is used to stimulate acupuncture points.
Another advantage of laser acupuncture is the ability to stimulate points where needles are not generally very well tolerated. For example, many dogs (and especially cats) do not like having their feet touched. Needle placement is also difficult here as there is not much soft tissue in which to place a needle. Laser stimulation of these points is quick and does not cause discomfort, enabling animals to receive a more complete treatment than would be possible with needles alone.