What is Laser therapy?
Laser is the application of light of a therapeutic wavelength to bring about a cellular response in a tissue. LASER is an acronym for Light Amplication by Stimulated Emissions of Radiation. Typical lasers emit red / near infrared wavelengths of light and are divided into classes according to the potential hazard they present. Most therapeutic lasers fall into the Class 3b category.
How does it work?
When tissue is subjected to laser therapy, a physiological response occurs at the cell membrane. Mitochondrial function is enhanced which Results in an acceleration of cellular metabolic processes = faster healing times as repair mechanisms are stimulated! This is called photobiomodulation and is used to stimulate, heal, regenerate and protect a wide range of tissues.
What can it be used for when treating dogs and horses?
Open and post surgical wounds
Trigger points
Muscle spams
Pressure sores
Nerve compression / inhibition
Arthritis and other joint conditions
Soft tissue injuries - tendon / ligament / muscle injuries
Pain relief
Laser acupuncture
Back pain
Types of therapeutic laser
Blue Laser
Blue laser emits light at 470nm, which is known for its ability to kill bacteria. It can be used to treat many skin conditions, skin infections, wounds and bites due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
For these reasons, it is essential for use scenarios such as post surgery sites to prevent or treat infection, in aggravated fly bites or skin conditions, or in the case of infected wounds as the picture shows.
Red Laser
Red laser can be in the form of wavelengths ranging in the visible light spectrum (630nm onwards) to the near infra-red spectrum (800nm+). Red laser can be used to treat the skin, muscle and ligaments and tendons, and joints. Laser therapy treats the issue at a cellular level, but also will have a mechanism of action related to reducing pain and discomfort associated with these conditions.
Red laser is particularly useful at healing superficial wounds. In these cases non-contact with the laser can be done safely and in a sterile way.
There are many conditions and issues that can be treated with laser, and it can be incorporated into routine maintenance sessions as well as remedial physiotherapy rehabilitation for dogs and horses.
If you think your horse or dog may benefit from veterinary physiotherapy treatment, or would like to find out more, click the link below
Berkshire Vet Rehab provides fully insured mobile veterinary physiotherapy services to dogs, horses and more. Services cover 15 mile radius from RG4, South East England including Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire and more on request (additional fuel charge applicable).