Heal Your Pet with Laser Therapy
Drug free. Surgery free. Relief for Your Pet.
This cutting edge technology enables the veterinarians and technicians at Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital to provide a noninvasive treatment option reducing pain and inflammation, which results in increased healing speed.
Our Class IV Companion Therapy Laser unit uses a beam of laser light to deeply penetrate tissue without damaging it. Laser energy induces a biological response in the cells called "photo-bio-modulation", which allows for an increase in cellular health and energy. This energy is only absorbed by unhealthy cells; they have no effect on normal, healthy cells.
Therapeutic Laser Helps
Laser therapy has been scientifically proven to be successful in treating post-surgical pain and many acute and chronic conditions. Check below for a list of commonly treated conditions to help determine if laser therapy can alleviate your pet's everyday aches and pains.
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Acute Conditions
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How it Works
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER)
A laser is an amplifier of light. It is an instrument that provides an environment to support and sustain a stimulated emission of photons (light energy). The Companion Therapy Laser is a Class IV Laser and is the most powerful therapy laser available today. The higher the power of the laser, the less time it takes to administer the correct therapeutic dosage. This high-technology phototherapy biostimulation device has been engineered exclusively for companion animals.
Our laser has a biochemical, photochemical effect, on cells. The emitted photons stimulate each individual cell to revitalize and reactivate its own healing processes through a biochemical cascade of events. This stimulation deep within the tissues results in an increase in the respiratory rate within the individual cells. The cells then have more energy to optimize its individual role in the natural healing process. As optimum cellular stimulation is achieved wound healing is enhanced as our laser penetrates deep within the tissues to encourage healing within tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, dermal layers, intra-articular structures and even the periosteal layer of bone.
This illustration summarizes the science behind our Companion Class IV Therapy Laser System. Photostimulation by this system provides ideal power, ideal wavelengths and a safe, efficient and deep penetrating therapy.
The Top 10 Beneficial Biological Effects of the Companion Therapy Laser:
- Relieves Pain (Analgesia):
- Stimulates the release of β-endorphins
- Stabilizes the membrane potential of nerve cells
- Relaxes the musculature and increases the threshold of pain perception
- Decreases the amount of circulating Substance P
- Provides a reduction in the activity of trigger points
- Activates acupuncture points
- Reduces Inflammation:
- Promotes microcirculation by increasing vasodilation
- Promotes lymphatic flow and therefore reduces inflammatory edema
- Inhibits the synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandin
- Accelerates Tissue Repair and Cell Growth:
- Photostimulation increases the production of ATP
- This increases the energy level of the cell to speed the take up of nutrients and the elimination of waste byproducts
- Increase the rate of cellular mitosis and collagen synthesis
- Activates firbroblasts, chondrocytes, osteocytes and other tissue repair cell types
- These regenerative cells allow tendons, ligaments, bones and muscles to heal at an accelerated rate
- Accelerates tissue granulation and epithelialisation of wounds
- Stimulates the regeneration of peripheral nerves
- Stimulates the remodeling of scar tissue
- Photostimulation increases the production of ATP
- Improves Circulation: (Angiogenesis):
- Stimulates the formation of new capillaries within damaged tissues
- Photostimulation results in temporary vasodilation of the vasculature
- Accelerates the reabsorption of hematomas
- Reduces the release of vasoactive amines
- Increases Cellular Metabolic Activity:
- Chromophore stimulation results in increased production of ATP and other cellular enzymes
- Stimulation of the cell wall in unhealthy cells changes the rate of cation exchange
- Reduces Fibrous Tissue Formation:
- Photobiostimulation accelerates wound healing therefore reducing the formation of scars
- Scar tissue that is already present will be stimulated to remodel into normal elastic tissue
- Improves Nerve Function:
- Nerve cells will have improved regeneration after photobiostimulation
- Current nerve fibers will experience an increase in the amplitude of the action potential therefore normalizing impulse transmission
- Accelerates Wound Healing:
- Photobiostimulation stimulates the production of fibroblasts
- These fibroblastic cells are the building blocks of collagen which is the essential protein required for tissue repair
- Increased leukocyte and macrophage activity occurs at the site of the wound due to the stimulatory effect laser light has on the vascular system
- Small capillaries are regenerated at a faster rate after laser stimulation
- Stimulates Immunoregulation:
- Laser light directly stimulates the production of immunoglobulins and lymphocytes
- Stimulates Acupuncture and Trigger Points:
- Photobiostimulation provides a "needleless" acupuncture point stimulation
- Relief of pain within both acute and latent trigger points can be accomplished in just a few seconds
What are the costs?
Treatment protocols are unique to each patient and condition. Therefore, treatments will vary in time, complexity, and cost. Laser therapy may also be used to enhance other treatment plans recommended by your veterinarian. The first step is always a complete examination and consultation with your veterinarian.
FAQs
How long does it take to see a difference?
Although a positive response is often observed during and after the first treatment, you can expect to see results by the fourth treatment of the induction phase.
What does my pet feel during laser therapy?
It is a very soothing experience with your pet feeling warmth along with a massage by the technician administering treatment. 7-10% of animals may experience a little soreness after their treatment just as you might experience after a deep tissue massage.
Is therapeutic laser treatment experimental?
No. Laser therapy has been around for decades and has evolved to where we are able to deliver highly effective levels of energy in a timely manner, which has more recently enabled this treatment to be an effective treatment method that fits our busy schedules. We use the same laser that more than 30 professional sports teams and our U.S. Olympic Basketball and Equestrian teams use for their therapy.
Are there any safety concerns with laser therapy?
Yes. Our primary concern is the vulnerability of the eye to the laser. We provide safety glasses for any party within 5 feet of the light, and if we are working near your pet's eyes we will cover them with light resistant fabric. Since we are exciting cells, we also keep the therapeutic laser away from the thyroid and do not perform therapy on any hemorrhagic wound or incision.
How frequently does my pet need treatment?
Once you and your veterinarian have decided laser therapy is right for your pet, most cases will begin with an induction period of 6-10 treatments (usually 6). It might help to consider a "balloon of health". That first treatment works just like the first breath of air. As you continue to treat, the balloon gets larger until it is full and healthy. Generally, it is ideal to complete the induction phase within the first 2-3 weeks for best results. For chronic conditions, this balloon of health does eventually start to lose air, which then requires monthly booster treatments to maintain the desired outcome.