Cold Laser Therapy Research 

Laser Basics 

Laser stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. It is completely safe, being non-toxic and non-invasive with no side effects. Lasers are classified into 4 classes by wavelength and energy output. All 2 Heel Lasers are Class 3 lasers which are commonly used in both veterinary and human medicine. This class of laser is able to penetrate the skin (the more nm, the deeper it goes) and interact with the tissue without heating or damaging it.  Longer wavelengths are preferred to treat muscle injuries and shorter wavelengths are optimal for joint injuries and superficial wounds. A lower watt laser has a longer needed treatment time, but can be focused, unlike high powered lasers, which need to provide treatment with a sweeping motion to avoid harm.      

Cold Laser Treatment 

Laser therapy has been proven to reduce inflammation, reduce pain, and enhance the animals natural healing ability. It reduces inflammation by increasing the speed of tissue repair, local microcirculation, and stimulating the immune system. It reduces both chronic and acute pain by interacting with nerve function, increasing serotonin and beta-endorphins. Lastly, it enhances natural healing by increasing collagen and muscle tissue development. 
  
When used correctly and with the correct nm, lasers have many therapeutic benefits. This includes: pain management, skin wounds, Edema, neurologic conditions, Tendon and ligament injuries, Lick granulomas, Trigger points, Muscle and Nervous system injuries, Osteoarthritis and Post-operative incisions.

 

Laser Uses or Treatments  

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be done efficiently and effectively with lasers instead of needles.  We recommend the 635nm red laser for all acupuncture sessions combined with the Pet Focus Tip.  Treatment is especially useful if the acupuncture points are swollen or tender or if the animal doesn't like needles.  The lasers are also harmless, the laser energy penetrating the skin is 5 mw. It does not cause any tissue damage, as no heat is generated with the cold laser application.  Lastly, They are safe and sanitary with no chance of infection. The Pet Focus tip provides a perfect solution for repeated treatment.

Wound Healing with Laser Therapy 

After tissue is injured your pet will have an inflammatory response to attempt to repair the tissue. Laser therapy speeds up the healing process, therefore, improving the outcome, and limiting scaring. This therapy does not change the body’s cellular response, but makes it more efficient. It can be used through the stages of healing, although not over active bleeding. Initially, it will help with inflammation, then proliferation, where new blood vessels are being created, to remodeling where the laser limits scarring.  

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Lasers 

Inflammation can lead to a variety of issues in your pet including redness, heat, pain, and loss of function. It occurs due to external causes such as temperature, radiation, trama, and microorganisms and internal causes such as issues with the immune or vascular systems. Although some inflammation is needed to achieve healing post trauma, too much or inflammation for a prolonged period of time can cause a variety of issues including immune reactions, chronic ulcers, and degenerative conditions. Laser therapy does not completely take away inflamation, but moderates it and helps the body heal faster, which in turn, enables the natural healing process to occur.

Pain Management using Laser Therapy 

Laser Therapy can reduce pain in your pet by increasing the levels of serotonin and endorphins leading to a lower perception of pain. Decreasing the pain signal in the body puts the animal at a lower risk for sensitization. Finally, it reduces pain by lowering inflammation (which is the source of many forms of commonly occurring pain), which sends fewer biochemical signals.  Although pain management can often be seen using our lasers, we do not recommend our lasers solely to reduce pain.  Typically, lasers with additional power are used for pain management.    

Tendons, Ligaments, & Muscles 

Tendons and ligaments are both made up of connective tissue with the protein collagen playing an important role. Laser therapy increases oxygenation and the blood flow, which are both needed for healthy ligaments and tendons. Laser therapy also has been proven to have a healing effect on smooth, skeletal and cardiac muscles. It does this by increasing the number of myofibers and the biochemical activity of the muscle.

Dental Uses

Cold laser therapy promotes the healing of sensitive areas in the mouth and face area by promoting healing in the damaged cells.  This can help with headaches, joint inflammation, cold sores, sensitive teeth or for after a surgical treatment or other mouth trauma. This can help wounds in the mouth heal faster, with improved nerve function and regeneration of damaged blood vessels and nerves.  The blue 450 nm laser can sterilize bacteria in a tooth cavity and the mouth in general.  We also recommend using the acupuncture point LI4.  It is the meeting point of the large intestine, small intestine, and bladder channels, and is known to treat issues in the face area, such as sight and dental issues.

 

Citations: 

Downing R (2017) Laser Therapy and Veterinary Medicine. IVC Journal

Dr. Farouk A. H . Al-Watban, Xing Yang Zhang, and Bernard L. Andres.Photomedicine and Laser Surgery.Apr 2007.72-77.http://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2006.1094

Fesseha H (2020) Laser Therapy and its Potential Application in Veterinary Practice-A Review. J Light Laser Curr Trends 3: 007.

Redondo M. & Stephens B. (2019) Veterinary Laser Therapy in Small Animal Practice.  5M Publishing Ltd.  Sheffield, UK