Cold Laser Therapy

Class IV laser therapy utilizes infrared light which interacts with tissues at the cellular level. Metabolic activity increases within the cell, producing a cascade of beneficial effects. Laser therapy decreases pain and inflammation and promotes faster healing time.

What to Expect:

• There is no sedation required and restraint is minimal. Most pets find the treatment pleasant and comforting.
• Although improvement maybe seen after the first visit, most patients require several treatments (3-9) for the greatest benefit.
• A multi visit plan is recommended for most conditions.
• Treatment times vary in length, generally 2-8 minutes per site.
• Some pets exhibit greater comfort and mobility within 12-24 hours after a laser treatment.
• Class IV laser therapy treatments are cumulative in nature.
• The length and frequency of treatments varies with your pet’s condition.

What Not to Expect:

• Do not expect 100% resolution after one (1) treatment.
  Do not expect a cure for arthritis.

Do Not:

• Do not immediately increase your pet’s activity level. No Frisbees, tennis balls, etc. Your veterinarian will direct you as to when and what types of activities are allowed.
• Do not stop treatment after 2 or 3 sessions if you don’t think its “working”. It takes time for decreased inflammation and tissue healing. Most pets do feel relief after the first treatment.

What to Watch For:

• Renewed energy and freedom of movement. Getting up and down the stairs easier, hopping on the couch, etc.
• Rapid tissue healing
• Reduced swelling
• Improved quality of life
• Reintroduction to Activity:
• Consult with your veterinarian before your pet returns to full activity. A gradual introduction of activity may be suggested to insure the pet does not aggravate the condition.
  
  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does it hurt? What does a treatment feel like?
There is little or no sensation during treatment. Occasionally, the patient feels mild, soothing warmth, or tingling. Areas of pain or inflammation may be sensitive briefly before pain reduction.

Are there any side effects or associated risks?
During more than twenty years of use by healthcare providers all over the world, very few side effects have ever been reported. Occasionally, some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response is more active after treatment.

How long does each treatment take?
The typical treatment time is 2 to 8 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.

How often should a patient be treated?
Acute conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they are accompanied by significant pain. More chronic problems respond better when treatments are received 2 to 3 times a week, tapering to once every week or two as improvement is seen.

How many treatments does it take?
This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions 1-2 treatments may be sufficient. Those of a more chronic nature may require 5 to 9 (or more) treatments. Some conditions may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.

How long before the results are felt?
Your pet may feel improvement in their condition (usually pain reduction) after the first treatment. Sometimes they will not feel improvement for a number of treatments. This does not mean that nothing is happening. Each treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after 3 or 4 sessions.

Can it be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?
Yes! Laser Therapy is often used with other forms of therapy, including physical therapy and herbals.

A SAMPLE TREATMENT SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS:

Acute Conditions and Injuries:

• Every other day for 1 week (3 total)
• Twice the second week (2 total)
• Once the third week (1 total)

Chronic Conditions:

• Every other day for 3 weeks (9 total)
• Additional booster treatments as needed
• Your veterinarian will recommend a treatment plan specific to your pet’s condition.