How does Laser treatment work ?
Laser therapy is used often included as part of physiotherapy sessions. It can be known as low-level laser, photobiomodulation or cold laser. Different wavelengths of light are used to optimise healing conditions. The light stimulates the target cells to produces chemicals that can cause pain relieving or reparative effects. This makes it versatile in treatment of: post-op wounds, muscle soreness, neurological injury, arthritic joints and pain.
The most commonly used wavelength is red, but blue and infrared light are also used to treat infection or deeper injuries. The most suitable laser will be chosen specific for your pets condition.
The laser is also non-contact meaning it does not have to be in direct contact with the wound or skin to have an effect on the deeper tissue. This can be good for nervous or sore animals or those immediately post-op.
What does Laser do ?
Laser can be used for its many properties when rehabilitating injuries. Depending on the stage of injury and the type of tissue affected will affect the duration, type of laser and intensity of treatment.
- Pain relief – Laser can be a good adjunct to help reduce the requirement for pain medications. This is particularly useful when managing long-term, chronic conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia or arthritis where long-term medication is required. This is because the cellular pathways in which it works mimic the effects of natural anti-inflammatories. It also stimulates the release of endorphins (feel good hormones) to reduce neurological pain.
- Healing Optimisation – Laser can give the body a healing boost by improving blood-flow by vasodilation. This helps in removing waste products and improving lymphatic drainage. This can make it a great tool for reducing swellings, aiding muscle tears or reducing scar tissue. Increased blood-flow can also alleviate trigger points “knots” in the muscle which can limit mobility.
- Wound Care – Surgical wounds or sores can be treated with laser as the skin cells are stimulated to proliferate more. Blue laser is also great for anti-bacterial properties. Mud fever, rain scald or other skin infections can be helped through laser therapy.
- Spinal injuries – Aside from the surgical wound, the infrared laser can be used to target deeper structures and give them the boost needed to stimulate nerves and muscles.