Advanced Care

Cold Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy penetrates deep into the tissues to reduce inflammation, decrease pain and increase the rate of healing for many acute and chronic conditions affecting pets. Its most significant effect is activating the mitochondria—the powerhouse of the cell—to stimulate cellular activity and increase healing. The laser increases blood flow, bringing more nutrients to affected tissue and enhancing the delivery of medication to the area. Laser light also affects nerve fibers, reducing pain.

Laser therapy is also completely noninvasive. During laser therapy treatments at VCA Timpanogos Animal Hospital, a veterinarian or veterinary technician guides laser light at a specific wavelength and intensity into and around the target tissue, and this is done without anesthesia or any incisions. While it’s often referred to as “cold laser therapy,” the laser is only cold when compared to surgical lasers. As the laser penetrates tissue, pets feel a gentle, soothing warmth.

While laser light is not a miracle cure, it can help relieve pain associated with many conditions. In fact, there are very few conditions that do not benefit in some way from laser therapy, either by itself or in conjunction with medication, surgery or other types of treatment.

At VCA Timpanogos Animal Hospital, we’ve seen laser therapy dramatically improve healing and patient comfort in pets suffering from the following conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Back pain
  • Chronic pain
  • Drug-resistant infections
  • Ear hematomas
  • Hot spots
  • Intervertebral disk disease
  • Lick granulomas
  • Muscle strains and sprain
  • Neck pain
  • Neurologic conditions
  • Non-healing wounds
  • Soft tissue trauma
  • Tendinitis

Want to learn more about how laser therapy can help your specific pet? Give VCA Timpanogos Animal Hospital a call at (801) 406-9443.