Laser Therapy

Golden retriever laser therapy

Laser Therapy — Fancy Light? Or What??

Quick answer: Laser therapy is the use of collimated light at a specific wavelength that stimulates the cells within the patient’s body and turns on the body’s own healing capacities in order to speed and promote healing non-invasively.

Laser therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatment options or can be used by itself.

Detailed, More Scientific Answer

Laser therapy uses a process known as photobiomodulation to change the biochemical environment of damaged tissues by stimulating cellular metabolism thus acccelerating the cells own healing process. As the laser unit emits photons of light into the tissues, these photons can be either scattered, reflected, and/ or absorbed by the cell. Lasers operate in the infrared spectrum of light from 650 nm to 1200 nm in wavelength. The greater the wavelength of light, the greater the depth of penetration into the tissues. The greater the power of the laser unit, the greater the number of photons or packets of light energy that are delivered in a shorter delivery period.

The primary target of laser therapy and photobiomodulation is the cytochrome C complex which is found within the mitochondria. Cytochrome C is a vital component of the electron transport chain that drives cellular metabolism. As light is absorbed, cytochrome C is stimulated leading to increased production of ATPATP is the molecule that facilitates energy transfer within the cell thus leading to cellular healing through increased protein synthesis and cellular proliferation.

In addition to ATP, laser therapy or photobiomodulation also produces free nitric oxide and reactive oxygen speciesNitric oxide is a powerful vasodilator and an important cellular signaling molecule involved in many beneficial physiological processes.  Reactive oxygen species have been shown to affect many important physiological signaling pathways including the inflammatory response.

Together, the production of these signaling molecules has have been shown to induce growth factor production, to increase cellular proliferation and motility, and to promote extracellular matrix deposition and pro-survival pathways. Outside of the cell, nitric oxide signaling drives vasodilation which improves microcirculation in the damaged tissues thus delivering oxygen, vital sugars, proteins, and salts while removing cellular by-products and waste.  As a result, increased cellular healing is observed, as well as a reduction in pain.

The recent development of higher power, Class 4 lasers, allows the us, the veterinarian, the ability to more efficiently deliver adequate therapeutic doses of photons deep into tissues to reduce pain, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing (Class 3 and 4 lasers carry FDA approval for these three uses).

Conditions Treated with Laser Therapy

The introduction of Class 4 lasers has made it possible to not only treat superficial lesions but now to treat a greater range of conditions involving the deeper tissues. Some of these conditions include:

  • Post-surgical wounds, inflammation, fracture healing and pain relief
  • Infected, traumatic or non-healing wounds
  • Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, such as hip, stifle, and elbow arthritis
  • Tendon/ligament inflammation or injuries
  • Post dental extraction pain and inflammation
  • Otitis externa (ear infection)
  • Lick granulomas
  • Perianal fistulas (inflammatory bowel disease)
  • Feline acne
  • Feline asthma

And, the list is ever growing with continued application, discussion among practitioners, and critical assessment of outcomePhotobiomodulation allows the body to harness the benefits of good ole fashion light in order to help heal oneself without the need or with reduced dependency on pharmacological intervention. Laser therapy may not be fully effective in all conditions; however, it can be used as an adjunct therapy to help lessen conventional therapies which may have negative side effects.

Sam Bass Veterinary Wellness and CTCH has invested in the Companion class 4 therapy laser for the benefit of our patients.  The doctors at SBVW have extensive training and knowledge and have successfully harnessed the benefits of the laser for years and can truly attest to the lasers amazing healing capabilities.  Likewise, many patients can also thank the laser for helping alleviate their condition sooner thus returning to form and function in a much more expeditious time frame.

Pet Laser Therapy Near You

Please do not hesitate to ask the doctors or staff at SBVW regarding the many benefits of pet laser therapy in Round Rock, Tx, and whether your pet too may benefit from the healing powers of light. Contact us today or Make An Appointment online.