What is Laser Therapy?
The process of directing infra-red radiation into inflamed or damaged tissues, to accelerate the body’s natural ability to heal.
What type of laser do we use at The Wheelhouse?
The Wheelhouse uses a Class 4 Therapeutic Laser, which delivers both low-level and high-level therapy through two methods of emissions:
- Pulsed emission that enhances the analgesic effect.
- Continuous emission that enhances the anti-inflammatory effect.
The science behind laser therapy
Photo stimulation – the use of light to artificially activate cells and biological processes – of a protein (cytochrome C) within the cells leads to:
- Increased formation of blood vessels and dilation of blood vessels in the surrounding area due to increased level of nitric oxide,
- Increased energy for cell repair and increased levels of fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) due to production of the enzyme cytochrome C oxidase,
- Reduction in the inflammatory cytokines (proteins).
With the specific combined, continuous and pulsed emission delivery through a single pulse, the treatment can be targeted more efficiently to specific areas, allowing for greater penetration and therefore improving the results.
What happens in a laser therapy session?
No clipping or sedation is needed to provide laser therapy and you are able to stay with your pet throughout the treatment. We use treats to help your pet to enjoy the session more, so we ask you to bring along your pet’s favourite treat.
If you are pregnant, or there is any possibility you could be pregnant, we would advise that you do not stay with your pet during the treatment. Another family member is welcome to bring them, or we can ensure that your pet is looked after by one of our nurses during the session.
Patients start with an induction course of six laser therapy sessions, consisting of two sessions per week for three weeks. Based on their reaction, we are then able to assess your pet’s response to laser therapy and can determine when is best to book them in for their next sessions.
Laser Therapy induction course - £325 (6 sessions)
Follow-up appointments priced based on length of treatment
How will my pet respond?
Most pets show a positive response to laser therapy. As patients start to show the benefits, we may be able to reduce the medication they are on.
Sessions are individually tailored to your pet’s condition and changed accordingly to their response to the treatment.
Sometimes your pet may be sleepy following a laser session... although they may also feel more active than normal as their joints and muscles are more comfortable following the treatment. It is important to keep your pet’s exercise levels at their normal level following a laser session to prevent over-exciting and subsequent stiffness or pain.
Laser Therapy to assist with Wound Healing
As mentioned above, our class IV laser machine can be used to assist with wound healing. Our nursing team are trained to use our class IV laser to assist with healing of post-surgery and traumatic wounds, and this may be a recommendation that our vets make to you.
Please see above for the ‘science’ of how the laser works.
Appointments will vary depending on the wound that we are treating. Suggested protocols are:
- Traumatic wound
- Daily for 3 days then every other day until resolution
- Post-surgery wound
- Every other day for 5 sessions
The prescriptive treatment settings and protocol are tailored to each individual case
If you would like more information on this treatment, then please contact our client care team.