Therapeutic Laser continued from pg 1:
ous dysfunction can create chronically painful states.
wavelength of light (red and near infrared), but light none
the less. What is remarkable about laser therapy is that
scientists recognized many years ago that certain organelles within cells can respond to supplemental light.
They are termed chromophores and are present in just
about all cells. When cells are supplemented with light
energy and this energy is absorbed, several changes occur. Those effects are split into photothermal (i.e. heating)
and photochemical (i.e. biochemical). The photothermal
effects generally produce some warmth during the treatments, but most people/pets sense this as a pleasant sensation. Some people/pets with a high concentration of
pigment or melanin within their skin can get higher skin
temperatures due to greater absorption, but we can manage this by simply moving the treatment probe quickly
over the skin. The healing is caused by the photochemical effects.
•
Accelerates Wound Healing - as mentioned above,
cells that are more efficient, with better blood supply,
and more energy will heal quicker. This may allow
patients to get through the recovery period after surgery or trauma faster than without treatment.
•
Boosts the Immune System - antibodies and white
blood cells will enter tissues quicker. Lasers also
have an antimicrobial effect which can help to clear
infection quicker either without or in complement to
antibiotic therapy.
•
Stimulates Acupuncture and Trigger Points - acupuncture serves to mechanically stimulate certain
tissues and nerves; laser can do the same thing, but
with light and no needles! Trigger points are similar
to muscle knots. Laser creates muscle relaxation and
can treat both acute and chronic trigger point pain.
Absorption of light energy by chromophores increases
the cellular activity and “turns-on” healing cells. In the
process, laser therapy produces 10 primary biologic benefits:
A typical treatment is performed within three to six
minutes per site. Multiple sites are able to be treated
back-to-back and the animals generally tolerate them
very well. Humans comment that the warmth and massage from the probe is comforting and pleasant. In fact,
there really is very little risk or adverse effects from the
treatment. There is some risk to the retinas if the laser is
directly shone in the eyes, so everyone, including the
patient, wears eye protection specifically designed to
filter out the laser’s wavelength of light. Due to the increase in cellular activity and blood flow, locations with
known cancer should not be treated.
•
Relieves Pain (Analgesia) - this is done through activation of acupuncture points, releasing the body’s own
pain relievers (endorphins), causing muscle relaxation.
•
Reduces Inflammation - increased circulation and reduction in inflammatory hormones at the cellular level.
•
Accelerates Tissue Repair and Cell Growth - cells are
stimulated to make more energy, divide quicker, produce more repair hormones, etc. This is especially true
in regeneration of nerves, cartilage, bone, and in superficial wound healing, both early and late (scar tissue).
•
Improves Circulation - new blood vessels are encouraged to grow through the process of angiogenesis.
This is useful in mobilizing bruising, resorbing hematomas, and bringing blood flow into regions of chronic healing or degeneration.
•
Increases Cellular Metabolism - long-term or chronically diseased tissue (i.e. osteoarthritis) has a very low
cellular metabolic rate; the laser helps to “wake up”
these tissues.
•
Reduces Scar Formation - with an increased rate of healing, less reliance on thick scars is needed for wound
healing. Old scars may also be encouraged to remodel
to more elastic and stronger tissue with laser light.
•
Improves Nerve Function - for animals with neurologic disease or damage this can be very useful to
speed healing and allow for a more complete recovery. This is also useful for pain management as nerv-
Spring 2014 • Furry Free Press • 2
In acute situations (lacerations, muscle strains, skin infections, post-surgery incisions, etc.) one or two treatments
are enough to get the effects we desire. In more chronic
situations, it can take six to ten treatments to see improvement. In these cases, the goal is not to cure the patient’s illness, but to provide pain relief, encourage healing, and improve their quality of life. After improvement
is noted, treatments can be spaced out and most animals
will continue on a maintenance plan to keep them comfortable for as long as needed.
If your pet is experiencing pain, inflammation, or needs
assistance healing, then they may be a candidate for laser therapy. Ask your veterinarian for more information
about this exciting new technology.