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Can low-level laser therapy be combined with other types of veterinary medicine? |
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Low-level laser therapy can be, and often is, combined with other types of veterinary medicine. Because low-level laser decreases pain and enhances circulation, your veterinarian may choose to use the cold laser in conjunction with other forms of therapy to enhance the benefits of those therapies. In general, low-level laser therapy integrates well into a treatment plan that utilizes either traditional or alternative forms of veterinary medicine. If your companion animal is receiving low-level laser therapy from a practitioner other than your regular veterinarian, it is imperative that both individuals are kept updated about the ongoing treatment in order to provide coordinated care of your pet, to allow proper evaluation of treatment and to minimize any avoidable interactions or interferences. Our veterinarians, who are well-trained and versed in a variety of rehab modalities including low-level laser therapy, collaborate with the pet’s primary care veterinarian to appropriately coordinate care. |
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How safe is low-level laser therapy? |
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Low-level laser therapy is very safe when done properly. To ensure that laser therapy is done only in cases where it is appropriate, an exam is first done by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will then provide the specifics for the application of the cold laser. Although the term “laser” may conjure up images of the high-powered version sometimes used in surgical settings, the low-level laser causes no temperature change to the patient during or after the treatment and there is no risk of burning. Protective eye wear is required during application of the low-level laser and one should not look directly at the laser light. Laser therapy should not be used in certain patients with that are pregnant or that have cancer, as it stimulates cell growth and does not differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells. |
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How successful is low-level laser therapy? |
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Because low-level laser therapy has a cumulative effect, for best results treatments should be done at the frequency recommended by your veterinarian. Low-level laser therapy is often recommended in conjunction with other modalities to provide the best outcome and may be used as either a primary or complimentary therapy. |
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How can my pet benefit from low-level laser therapy? |
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If your pet has sustained an injury, undergone orthopedic surgery, or suffers from arthritis or other painful conditions, they may be a candidate for low-level laser therapy. The low-level laser not only speeds the healing process but affects the overall quality of the repaired tissue. Muscle, tendon and ligament injuries require increased collagen production for successful healing and the low-level laser stimulates this function. The light also increases vascular growth and dilation for improved circulation in pets that may have limited movement. Pets experiencing pain from their condition may find relief from cold laser treatments. The biochemical effect of the low-level laser boosts the body’s production of endorphins. Low-level laser therapy is another great way to treat the source of the pain, thereby making it less likely that your pet will need additional pain reducing medication |
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What conditions are most often treated with low-level laser therapy? |
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Low-level laser can be used to treat a myriad of conditions but within the realm of rehabilitation is used mainly on musculoskeletal injuries, soft tissue injuries (sprains and strains) and arthritis. It also helps to release tight muscles, stimulate nerve regeneration, reduce inflammation and aid in pain management.
- Arthritic Pain
- Hip Pain
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Myofascial Pain
- Stress
- Pain
- Bruising
- Edema
- Hematomas
- Lesions
- Tendon, ligament injury and soreness
- Shoulder Pain
- Traumatic and oversue injuries
- Scar Tissue
- Cold sores, ulcers and other persistent non-healing wounds
- Splints
- Strains
- Sore back
- Ankle, hock injuries
- Stifle injuries
- Bone chips
- Hoof conditions: abscesses, bone spurs, inflammation, navicular, ringbone and laminitis
- Inflammatory conditions: acute or chronic otitis (ear problems), anal gland inflammation, periondontitis (gingivitis, hot spots, lick granulomas, idiopathic cycstitis (bladder inflammation), sinusitis, rhinitis (nasal problems)
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