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Frequently Asked Questions

- Laser Therapy -

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Answers

Questions?

How does it work?

 

How does laser therapy work?

Laser therapy is a therapeutic treatment that uses light energy (photons) for tissue healing and pain reduction. The light energy penetrates deeply into damaged cells and stimulates cellular activity. As a result of exposure to the laser, the cells of tendons, ligaments and muscles repair themselves. Light energy enters damaged cells and stimulated inter-cellular activity. This reduces pain in the area and speeds recovery of the damaged cells. Once the cells recover, the healing process is complete.

 

I’ve heard that there are different types of lasers. Can you explain more?

The Food and Drug administration (FDA) recognizes four major hazard classes of lasers (I-IV) and three subclasses (IIa, IIIa and IIIb).  The higher the class, the more powerful the laser.  Dr. Barron has a Class IV laser. We use a MLS laser specifically, FDA-approved technology that uses a combination of unique wavelengths, which work together to overcome the limits of traditional laser therapy. In this system, the continuous lasers act fast on inflammation, stimulating blood and lymphatic circulation and inducing fast re-absorption of fluid build-up, while the pulsed laser emissions on the other hand, have an almost immediate effect on pain reduction.

 

Does laser therapy work?

Yes - here are some peer-reviewed studies showing its efficacy:

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What can I expect during a treatment?

Laser Therapy is a painless treatment that lasts a few minutes. Some human patients have stated they feel a comfortable warm sensation in the area being treated, while other patients usually don’t feel the laser at all. There is no pain, heat, redness or swelling during or after treatment.

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Benefits of treatment

 

What kind of benefits can I expect from laser therapy?

  • Rapid relief of pain

  • Strong anti-inflammatory effect

  • Quicker healing of sprains & strains

  • Rapid decrease in swelling

  • Immediate improvement of local blood circulation

  • Rapid repair of superficial injuries, such as wounds and ulcers

  • Laser is painless, non-invasive, and drug-free. There are no known side effects.

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How can you tell if laser therapy is working?

It depends on what we are treating.  Often it takes a few sessions to see if the laser is working.  The laser helps reduce pain and inflammation so the patient seems more comfortable and happier.

 

What degree of improvement can I expect from laser therapy?

The laser speeds healing by 30% so the patient should improve its mobility, have less pain, and have more energy quickly.

 

How soon can I expect results from a treatment?

Most patients experience positive results in 1 to 3 treatments, with the average course of treatment being 7 to 10 sessions. Any swelling is greatly reduced and there is a rapid relief of pain. Acute conditions usually subside quickly, typically within one round of treatments, and chronic conditions can be controlled with regular treatments. The effects of laser therapy are cumulative; therefore, expect to see improvement as your pet proceeds through your treatment plan. It is critical that once you start, you complete the course of treatments recommended or symptoms are likely to reoccur.

 

How often should laser therapy be performed?

Results can often been seen after the first treatment. Most conditions have protocols that range from 6-10 treatments. The treatments are cumulative and are delivered 2-3 times per week for 2-3 weeks.

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What conditions benefit?

 

What conditions can benefit from laser therapy?

The most common laser therapy indications are pain relief, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), degenerative joint disease, arthritis, muscular/skeletal system trauma, and inflammatory conditions.

 

When do you use laser therapy in combination with acupuncture?

Acupuncture is used in concert with laser therapy to help with musculoskeletal disease and chronic pain. 

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