Use lasers for healing?? Yep!

Low level laser therapy uses light energy to stimulate a variety of actions on tissues. Some of the most well documented actions of laser therapy include stimulating rapid formation of collagen, accelerating tissue repair, increasing blood flow, pain relief by decreasing nerve sensitivity and by promoting release of endorphins and reducing edema (swelling) by promoting the activity of the lymphatic system. These actions on tissues allow laser therapy to be beneficial for many conditions.

Some of the most common clinical uses of low level laser therapy are:

· Adjunct pain relief for arthritis

· Post-surgical swelling and inflammation

· Slow or non-healing wounds (such as lick granulomas, diabetic ulcers, burns, etc.)

· Muscle tightness/soreness

· Nerve and spinal cord lesions

· Tendon and ligament injuries

· Fracture healing

Laser therapy is quick, painless and is performed on animals which are awake and minimally restrained (if at all). A typical treatment takes only a few minutes or less and most animals experience little to no sensation associated with the treatment.
All orthopedic surgery patients will now receive laser treatment as part of their overnight hospitalization. Laser treatment can also be requested post-operatively for any procedure- just ask the technician who admits your pet. In addition, Dr Amanda Hensley is available for laser treatments every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and some Saturdays. If interested, please call West Ridge Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment.