What is laser therapy?

​

Also called ‘photobiomodulation’, laser therapy uses a specific wavelength of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects. Laser energy increases circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the damaged areas, hence creating an optimal healing environment which reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. The effects of laser therapy include improved healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling. 

We use Class IV K-Laser which offers the very latest laser therapy technology for the best treatment outcome.


 
laser.png
 

Common problems that respond to laser therapy:

  • Post–orthopaedic surgery (fracture repairs, amputations etc) 

  • Ligament and tendon injury (Non-surgical/partial anterior cruciate injury) 

  • Hip dysplasia 

  • Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

  • Non-healing wounds

  • Pain from ear infections, urinary tract infections and pancreatitis 

  • Feline asthma

  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (Westie Lung Disease)


Are there any side effects to using laser therapy? ​

Your pet may experience muscle soreness the following day, similar to one after a deep tissue massage. 

Even though there are no known published studies to prove this, laser theoretically may aggravate and causes cancer cells to multiply. In the event that you are seeking our services for your pet diagnosed with cancer, laser therapy will not be suitable and we will be recommending conventional acupuncture treatment. 


Can all animals have laser therapy? 

Laser therapy cannot be used:

  • If your pet has seizures 

  • If your pet is pregnant (also a pregnant pet owner cannot stay in the same room with the patient during the laser treatment)

  • Location for the laser therapy is close to or on the cancer site​

​

How often does my pet need to have laser therapy?

These are recommendations and your pet may require more or less treatment depending on the severity and chronicity of the condition. 

​

  • Post orthopaedic surgery rehabilitation: Twice weekly for two to four weeks then weekly until healed 

  • Chronic arthritis: Twice weekly for three weeks until the level of comfort/activity is satisfactory. It could take as little as 6 treatments for young pets or early-stage arthritis or it could take 10 to 15 treatments for older, chronic or severe cases. Taper off to once every three to four weeks as maintenance.

  • Non-healing wounds: Treat daily (if possible) for 2-3 days then treat every other day for 3-4 treatments. 

  • Ear infection: Treat daily (if possible) for 2-3 times a day then 2-3 times a week until good evidence of improvement. 

  • Bronchitis/Pulmonary fibrosis: Treat daily for 2-3 days then twice weekly until clinical signs improve.

  • Feline asthma: Treat twice on day one at least 6 hours apart then treat daily for 2-3 days then twice weekly until clinical signs resolve. Taper off and it may be necessary to treat monthly as a maintenance.

​