What is Laser therapy and how does it work?

Laser Therapy has been around for several years in human medicine but with recent technical developments it is now accessible to a wider range of patients, and species!

Laser therapy is the use of focused beams of light (red & infrared) being directed at a part of the body; this stimulates the cells to produce a therapeutic effect. There is some variation in how the laser light is delivered depending on what it is being used to treat; it can be applied as a single focused beam, or as a set of beams pulsing at a high rate. The different methods, at precise wavelengths, are effective on specific types of body cell. The heat therapy with the laser’s ability to stimulate blood flow allows it to treat pain, promote healing, and reduce swelling in the affected area(s).

What can laser therapy be used to treat?

Laser therapy is used both for long-term chronic conditions and for new injuries or disorders.

As laser therapy is effective against infection and helps the body to heal it is very useful to treat wounds, either post-operatively or injuries/lacerations.

Laser therapy is a non-invasive, effective and gentle way of treating both the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis.

The therapy can also be used to help treat strains in muscles, tendons and ligaments by relieving the muscle contracture and reducing inflammation.

Inflammatory skin conditions such as those associated with ear problems, gingivitis in the mouth and skin pyoderma respond well to the therapy through the reduction of swelling and soreness.

How is the laser therapy administered?

Because laser therapy is non-invasive and non-painful patients can be treated without distress or discomfort. The treatment can be carried out by either the vets or the veterinary nurses. It is safe for owners to stay with their pet while the treatment is being given – as long as there are no risk factors (e.g. pregnancy, pace-maker, suspected neoplasia). Everyone present in the room must wear safety goggles as a precaution.

The trained member of staff will select the appropriate power and setting for the laser beam. A hand-piece is held against or close to the patient’s body; the beam is directed at the relevant area for varying lengths of time depending on the type of treatment being given.

How long does each treatment take?

When laser therapy is being used on wounds post-surgery it takes between 2-5 minutes, depending on the size of the incision.

Treatment of infected and large wounds may take longer – 5-15 minutes.

Strains, sprains and skin conditions will usually require 5-15 minutes of therapy.

Chronic cases of arthritis may take longer as the patient will need a thorough assessment before therapy begins, and there may be multiple areas of the body and types of treatment required; possibly 15-30 minutes.

How many treatments will be required and how often?

For wounds and some skin conditions 2-4 treatments every 1-3 days is usually sufficient. More severe or chronic conditions such as arthritis will need more prolonged treatment.

An initial course of 6 sessions (each lasting about 15-30 minutes) over 3 weeks will normally be recommended, followed by top-up sessions every few weeks or months as needed.

Are there any side effects or associated risks?

Very few side effects have ever been reported. Laser therapy can not be used on the eye and must not be used in cases where malignant tumours are suspected.