Laser Therapy

Therapy laser is a great adjunctive or alternative treatment option for patients. It is a safe, non- invasive solution for pain management, wound healing, and rehabilitation. Laser therapy is the use of specific wavelengths of light that create therapeutic effects that is virtually free of adverse side effects. Therapy laser treatments work by increasing circulation to targeted areas that result in decreased healing time and swelling while providing pain management. Laser therapy has been available in Europe since the 1970s and was FDA approved in the United States in 2002 and is used extensively in human and animal medicine. Laser therapy is provided during several treatment sessions as determined by Dr. Marusich and by your pets’ individual concerns. During each painless therapy session the laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen, and nutrients to the damaged area which creates an optimal healing environment. The result is decreased inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. Each treatment lasts 2 to 5 minutes per site and is completely pain free for your pet. For acute injuries treatments may be necessary on a daily basis and more chronic conditions respond better with treatments administered 2 to 3 times a week. Eventually treatments can be tapered to an as needed basis. Your pet may feel improvement in their pain after the first treatment however it is more typical to see improvement after 3 or 4 treatments as each treatment is cumulative. Therapy laser is commonly used for the treatment of arthritis, joint pain, sprains, muscle strains, acute and chronic wounds, burns, neck and back pain, and for post-surgical pain among other conditions. Laser therapy can be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies including acupuncture, medications, physical therapy and surgery if indicated.