Enhancing healing and reducing your pet’s pain with therapeutic lasers
Lasers made their first debut in the 1960’s and have been growing in popularity ever since. Many different types of lasers and numerous applications have been created, tested and approved by the FDA for both humans and animals. We use laser technology every single day and may not even realize it! At the grocery store…a laser is used to scan in items to a computer system to generate your bill. Have you ever received a speeding ticket? Well…your speed was clocked by using a laser radar gun! So what gives? How in the world does this technology work? How can this help my beloved pet? Read on and find out!
What is a therapeutic laser?
According to Merriam-Webster, a laser by definition is a device that utilizes the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for generating a beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation usually in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions of the spectrum. That’s a lot to soak in! In more simplistic terms, the therapeutic laser is using a specific wavelength of light energy to modulate tissues at the cellular level into an energized state to achieve faster wound healing, reduce inflammation/pain/tension, and encourage endorphin release.
How would my pet receive a therapeutic laser treatment?
The beauty of a therapeutic laser is that it is easy to provide benefits to your pet without the need of any systemic oral or injectable medications. It’s light! Using a handheld laser aperture, the light is slowly and methodically moved overtop of the affected area. A subtle warming sensation is noted during the treatment session. These sessions are quickly administered and can take as little as 2-3 minutes, depending upon the number of areas of the body being treated.
How can my pet benefit from therapeutic laser treatment?
In the veterinary profession, therapeutic laser treatments have numerous applications. Below is a compiled list of frequent usages for small animals.
Skin wounds/infections Arthritis Oral Diseases Bladder Infection Ear Hematomas/infections Spinal canal/cord injuries Bone Fractures Asthma Surgical skin incisions Sprains/Strains Kidney Disease
As always, seek the medical advice from your trusted veterinarian. Ask about your beloved pet’s medical diagnosis and how a therapeutic laser could be beneficial. Together, you and your trusted vet can help your furry family member regain their health and improve everyone’s wellbeing.