The Benefits of Laser Therapy

Laser therapy has revolutionized many medical treatments for humans, and four-legged family members aren’t getting left behind. Veterinarians near Saratoga can now treat a wide range of conditions and encourage faster surgical recovery using laser therapy. Should you talk to your animal hospital about laser therapy for your pet? Here is a closer look at some of the benefits.

Less Inflammation

Laser therapy reduces inflammation through vasodilation and by stimulating drainage in the lymphatic system. Both of these actions reduce swelling that is associated with inflammation from acute injuries and chronic health problems. Lower levels of inflammation mean less pain for your pet without the need for medications.

Less Pain

Laser therapy at your veterinarian hospital treats pain in ways beyond reducing inflammation. The laser reduces nerve sensitivity and blocks pain signals from being sent to the brain. Likewise, the production of pain-relieving chemicals is stimulated in the brain and adrenal glands, further reducing your pet’s discomfort. Laser therapy can also be used to ease tension at trigger points for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Combined with reduced inflammation, these pain reduction mechanisms can cause a dramatic improvement in your pet’s comfort levels and help him or her return to normal activities.

Faster Recovery

If your pet has a surgical procedure or is injured, laser therapy can significantly speed up the recovery time. The laser encourages accelerated cell growth for faster tissue repair and reduced the growth of fibrous tissue that forms lasting, potentially painful scars. When laser therapy is used on open wounds and burns, it propels the formation of collagen, which is essential for tissue repair, to encourage faster healing. The laser also increases vascular activity and increases the dilation of existing blood vessels while boosting metabolic activity, which increases the level of oxygen and nutrients in the blood. This nutrient-rich blood reaches the affected area more quickly with the increase in vascular activity. All of these mechanisms work together to speed wound healing.