LASER Therapy FAQs

LASER is a photobiomodulation treatment (PBMT).  The term “photobiomodulation” describes how the light (photon) energy from a LASER instrument has its effects on target tissues. When the light energy reaches target tissues, endogenous (within the body) chromophores (photon absorbing cellular structures and fluids) absorb the energy, resulting in a variety of cellular and metabolic changes within the tissues. Chromophores in the body that absorb this light energy include melanin, cytochrome c-oxidase (part of the energy producing pathway in cells), hemoglobin (a molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues and removes CO2 from tissues) and water.

The details of how each process occur are complex, new discoveries are still being made as to how LASER works. In general, LASER results in electrical, temperature and pressure gradients being created within tissues and across cell membranes that stabilize cell membranes and normalize ion channels, both of which are disrupted with injury or disease.  Mitochondria inside cells are stimulated to produce more energy in the form of ATP, DNA and RNA synthesis is increased, and nitric oxide (NO) production is increased. These processes help the body to repair itself by providing energy and building blocks for tissue repair and regeneration. This also results in the recruitment of other cells involved in tissue repair to the target area.  Nitric oxide (NO) improves microcirculation by dilating vessels so healing factors and repair cells can reach damaged tissue, and the dilation of capillaries and lymphatics helps to resolve tissue edema/swelling.  Endorphins and serotonin levels increase, helping to relieve pain.  Bradykinins, interleukin-1, prostaglandins are decreased while free radical scavengers are increased, resulting in reduced inflammation.

Looking at the big picture, LASER has the following overall effects:

  • Reduces pain.
  • Reduces inflammation.
  • Accelerates healing.
  • Accelerates healing.
  • Promotes tissue regeneration.
  • Improves nerve function.

LASER is useful in the management and treatment of the following conditions:
  • Wound healing.
  • Stimulating superficial acupuncture points.
  • Stimulating trigger points/myofascial release.
  • Strains or sprains.
  • Promote post-surgical healing and reducing pain in a variety of orthopedic and neurologic surgeries.
  • Managing osteoarthritis.
  • Tendonitis or myositis.
  • Lick granulomas.
  • Preventive care for the “good knee” and supportive care for the injured knee in dogs have ruptured their anterior cruciate ligament.
  • Bladder infection/inflammation.
  • Chronic ear infections.
  • Nail yeast/fungal infections.

LASER devices that are purchased for home use vary in wavelength and power.  There are devices that have the appropriate therapeutic wavelengths, but they lack the power needed to deliver the light to deeper tissue targets.  This means the therapeutic dose of light energy needed to treat the condition is not able to effectively reach the target area.  Sometimes they can be a helpful adjunct to professional treatment with a Class IV LASER such as the LASER we have, but generally are not as effective for managing deep tissue conditions or osteoarthritis and due to a lack of power, require longer treatment sessions.

Prior to starting LASER therapy, it is important to have a diagnosis of the condition being treated as well as a specific location of the lesion to maximize the benefits of the LASER treatment. For this reason, a full physical examination with appropriate diagnostic tests and radiographs if indicated should be done prior to starting treatment.

LASER sessions generally last about 5-30 minutes, depending upon the condition being treated and the number of sites to be treated. It is not painful and many pets fall asleep during treatment.

You can be present with your pet during the session. Safety precautions are stringent and must be followed. While LASER in general is safe, the beam itself will damage the retina of our eyes and our pets eyes if it comes into contact with the eye. For this reason, everyone in the room where the treatment is being done must wear safety goggles. All reflective surfaces are covered and entry to and from the room is prohibited during the treatment session.

The number of sessions varies with the condition being treated.

Treatment for acute (sudden onset injuries) such as wounds, sprains, strains benefit best from daily or every other day treatments until the injury is resolved.

Chronic conditions, like osteoarthritis, have 3 phases of treatment:

  • Induction Phase – multiple every other day treatments until clinical improvement is seen. For example, 6-9 treatment spaced fairly close together (3 days a week or 2 days a week).
  • Transition Phase – gradual reduction in treatments to determine what schedule is optimum to manage the condition. For example, tapering from 3 times a week to 2 times a week, then once a week.
  • Maintenance Phase – the level of frequency that is able to maintain clinical results. For example, one treatment every 4-6 weeks.

Yes, LASER is commonly coupled with other types of treatments to help with healing and comfort.  Other treatments may include oral or injectable medications for comfort, acupuncture, home exercise programs and other rehabilitation modalities.

LASER Therapy FAQs

LASER is a photobiomodulation treatment (PBMT).  The term “photobiomodulation” describes how the light (photon) energy from a LASER instrument has its effects on target tissues. When the light energy reaches target tissues, endogenous (within the body) chromophores (photon absorbing cellular structures and fluids) absorb the energy, resulting in a variety of cellular and metabolic changes within the tissues. Chromophores in the body that absorb this light energy include melanin, cytochrome c-oxidase (part of the energy producing pathway in cells), hemoglobin (a molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues and removes CO2 from tissues) and water.

The details of how each process occur are complex, new discoveries are still being made as to how LASER works. In general, LASER results in electrical, temperature and pressure gradients being created within tissues and across cell membranes that stabilize cell membranes and normalize ion channels, both of which are disrupted with injury or disease.  Mitochondria inside cells are stimulated to produce more energy in the form of ATP, DNA and RNA synthesis is increased, and nitric oxide (NO) production is increased. These processes help the body to repair itself by providing energy and building blocks for tissue repair and regeneration. This also results in the recruitment of other cells involved in tissue repair to the target area.  Nitric oxide (NO) improves microcirculation by dilating vessels so healing factors and repair cells can reach damaged tissue, and the dilation of capillaries and lymphatics helps to resolve tissue edema/swelling.  Endorphins and serotonin levels increase, helping to relieve pain.  Bradykinins, interleukin-1, prostaglandins are decreased while free radical scavengers are increased, resulting in reduced inflammation.

Looking at the big picture, LASER has the following overall effects:

  • Reduces pain.
  • Reduces inflammation.
  • Accelerates healing.
  • Accelerates healing.
  • Promotes tissue regeneration.
  • Improves nerve function.

LASER is useful in the management and treatment of the following conditions:
  • Wound healing.
  • Stimulating superficial acupuncture points.
  • Stimulating trigger points/myofascial release.
  • Strains or sprains.
  • Promote post-surgical healing and reducing pain in a variety of orthopedic and neurologic surgeries.
  • Managing osteoarthritis.
  • Tendonitis or myositis.
  • Lick granulomas.
  • Preventive care for the “good knee” and supportive care for the injured knee in dogs have ruptured their anterior cruciate ligament.
  • Bladder infection/inflammation.
  • Chronic ear infections.
  • Nail yeast/fungal infections.

LASER devices that are purchased for home use vary in wavelength and power.  There are devices that have the appropriate therapeutic wavelengths, but they lack the power needed to deliver the light to deeper tissue targets.  This means the therapeutic dose of light energy needed to treat the condition is not able to effectively reach the target area.  Sometimes they can be a helpful adjunct to professional treatment with a Class IV LASER such as the LASER we have, but generally are not as effective for managing deep tissue conditions or osteoarthritis and due to a lack of power, require longer treatment sessions.

Prior to starting LASER therapy, it is important to have a diagnosis of the condition being treated as well as a specific location of the lesion to maximize the benefits of the LASER treatment. For this reason, a full physical examination with appropriate diagnostic tests and radiographs if indicated should be done prior to starting treatment.

LASER sessions generally last about 5-30 minutes, depending upon the condition being treated and the number of sites to be treated. It is not painful and many pets fall asleep during treatment.

You can be present with your pet during the session. Safety precautions are stringent and must be followed. While LASER in general is safe, the beam itself will damage the retina of our eyes and our pets eyes if it comes into contact with the eye. For this reason, everyone in the room where the treatment is being done must wear safety goggles. All reflective surfaces are covered and entry to and from the room is prohibited during the treatment session.

The number of sessions varies with the condition being treated.

Treatment for acute (sudden onset injuries) such as wounds, sprains, strains benefit best from daily or every other day treatments until the injury is resolved.

Chronic conditions, like osteoarthritis, have 3 phases of treatment:

  • Induction Phase – multiple every other day treatments until clinical improvement is seen. For example, 6-9 treatment spaced fairly close together (3 days a week or 2 days a week).
  • Transition Phase – gradual reduction in treatments to determine what schedule is optimum to manage the condition. For example, tapering from 3 times a week to 2 times a week, then once a week.
  • Maintenance Phase – the level of frequency that is able to maintain clinical results. For example, one treatment every 4-6 weeks.

Yes, LASER is commonly coupled with other types of treatments to help with healing and comfort.  Other treatments may include oral or injectable medications for comfort, acupuncture, home exercise programs and other rehabilitation modalities.