Pain Management and Cold Laser Therapy

It may seem like something straight from a science fiction novel, but the use of lasers to help treat a variety of different conditions has become increasingly more frequent for humans and animals. Many people find that they prefer the laser options compared to any other method for managing their pain. We will discuss some of the benefits of cold laser therapy in a minute, but first, it is important to understand exactly what the approach does.

If you remember back to some of your high school science classes, you may recall that specific types of light travel at different frequencies. This fact has been utilized to be able to specifically target different layers of tissue and types of cells within your pet’s body.

When this energy is transferred to the targeted cells, they have an effect on the chemical reaction within that group of cells. The effect of the introduced energy can help to increase the production of ATP, or help cells to eliminate excess fluid, or release hormones that help manage pain and reduce inflammation. While these factors can be helpful with the treatment of pain in your animal, they may also heal more quickly because of this therapy.

How the Procedure is Completed

At Highland Veterinary Clinic, we have a number of pets who do not want to come through the door for a variety of reasons. However, our pets who receive cold laser therapy are generally more relaxed and ready to come in for their treatment! Simply put, the cold laser procedure is actually quite pleasant for animals and helps to quell some of the pain they experience relatively quickly.

The cold laser approach does not require any sedation, and most pets do not need restraints. In fact, we do not even need to cut nor trim your pet's hair down at the targeted area. During a treatment, the laser will be applied to the targeted area for anywhere between two and eight minutes per area. The sensation is simply soothing and warm for your animal, and they can sit in your lap or next to you while you pet them throughout the treatment. Multiple areas can be treated during a session. While a fewissues may be resolved in a single session, we often recommend somewhere between three to eight sessions before the issues are resolved. We provide these sessions in packages to help maximize affordability.

Once the session is completed, you do not have to stick around for an observation period, but can take your loved one directly home. Maybe stop for a pup cup or kitty cone along the way! You should notice some relief in their discomfort within 12-24 hours.

The Benefits

Recent clinical trials found that cold laser therapy was helpful for pets in a variety of different ways. These include:

• Pain Relief Due to Arthritis

• Pain Relief and Improved Healing due to Soft Tissue Trauma
• ​​​​​​​Relief and Improved Healing of Dermatological Conditions
  

• Improvement in Wound healing

• Improvement in nerve function

• As an Anti-inflammatory

• Improved Cell Growth and Repair
  

Overview

If you think that your pet could benefit from cold laser therapy treatments, or if you think that your pet is experiencing pain, contact Highland Veterinary Clinic today to schedule an appointment. We will work with you to understand the issues and find the option that works best for you and your pet.