Laser Therapy for pets is using photons of light at certain frequencies and power to modulate cellular functions. The light from the laser stimulates photoreceptors inside the cells to produce more energy, to increase production of protein, collagen and DNA. The result of these actions inside the cells is rapid cell regeneration and healing. Lasers like the class IV laser used at Safari with longer wavelengths and higher output are able to penetrate deep inside the body of pet to stimulate healing, reduce pain and inflammation.
Lasers act in three ways:
- Increase cell energy
- Increase Blood flow
- Reduce pain
Cell energy is regulated by mitochondria within the cell. Mitochondria can be considered as the “batteries” or” fuel-cell” of the cell. The packets of energy distributed to cell function is Adenosine triphosphate (ATP). When ATP increases, cell function, cell healing, cell respiration and cell regeneration all increase. The mitochondria are charged up by photons of light emitted from the laser thereby increasing ATP within the cell.
Veterinary Laser therapy causes the dilation of blood vessels resulting in increases in blood flow. Increased blood flow causes increased nutrients and oxygen delivered to an area while toxic chemicals and carbon dioxide are removed. Improved lymphatic drainage along with the increased blood flow reduces swelling and edema. The combined effects reduce inflammation and improve healing.
Laser application to nerves slow the conduction of the nerve impulse to the spinal cord and eventually to the brain. Laser therapy resets the pain threshold in damaged nerves. Damaged nerves become more sensitive and easier to set off impulses. Laser therapy applied to these damaged nerves causes a more normal response. Nerve receptors of pain are also blocked by the application of laser light.
With IVDD, there is damage to the spinal cord. Laser therapy for dogs to damaged spinal cords reduces degenerative changes in the neurons and helps induce healing. Myelin is an important protein that covers the nerves like insulation covers wires. Myelin production is increased by the application of therapeutic laser. Nerve associated healing cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and Schwann cells) are stimulated by laser application possibly through the release of growth factors and other proteins necessary for healing.
