Laser Therapy in Laguna Niguel, CA
How Laser Therapy For Dogs And Cats Works
Lasers are designed to emit a very concentrated beam of photons, or light energy. They are classified according to the specific wavelength of light that they are designed to emit. Most therapeutic lasers used by the medical industry are Class 3 lasers that operate at a wavelength just above those used in common laser pointers. When laser light energy is applied to human or animal tissue, it causes a reaction in the membranes of the cells that make up the tissue, an alteration of the cellular components, known as photobiomodulation. Although scientists aren’t exactly sure how this light energy stimulation works to change cells, it has been likened to the process of photosynthesis in plants. This reaction causes several beneficial things to occur in the damaged tissues:
- Cell growth and regeneration
- Release of pain-relieving endorphins
- Increased blood circulation
- Oxygenation of cells
- Reduced inflammation
- Muscle relaxation
All of these effects contribute to faster healing and tissue repair and lessened pain and inflammation. Laser therapy reduces stiffness, swelling, and spasms in the limbs. The procedure can also increase nerve function and reduce scar tissue formation.
What Happens During The Laser Therapy Session
When you bring your pet into our clinic for a K-Laser procedure, your pet will be made comfortable on a padded table and you’re welcome to stay and comfort them. Everyone in the room will have to wear special goggles to protect their eyes, including your pet. Your vet or a veterinary technician will use a handheld laser wand to apply the light energy to the areas of your pet’s body requiring treatment. Humans who have had the treatment describe it as a warm, gentle, pleasant sensation, and pets seem to think so too. Most sessions only take a few minutes and some conditions require just a single session, although more serious wounds and medical conditions may require multiple visits, which will be determined by your vet. Afterward, your pet can go home with you and enjoy improvement in their symptoms, including lessened pain and stiffness and increased mobility and comfort. The majority of pets treated with laser therapy show signs of improvement within 12 to 24 hours. There are no side effects known to occur from laser therapy.
If you would like to speak to a vet in Laguna Niguel about laser therapy for dogs and cats, contact the Alicia Pacific Veterinary Center to schedule an appointment.
