Therapy Laser Treatments

This has been a great addition to our arsenal of therapy options.  This is a low level laser sometimes referred to as a “cold laser” or Class IV laser that is used to treat various types of inflammation and pain.  The company that produced the laser we use is called Cutting Edge and they have a unique system that utilizes two different wavelengths of 808 nm and 905 nm.  These wavelengths are in the spectrum of infrared light and interact with the cells to help with healing.  The 808nm wavelength is emitted continuously and helps decrease inflammation and swelling.  It is able to stimulate blood flow and circulation and improve lymphatic drainage to the affected area.  The 905 nm wavelength is emitted as pulses of energy that help to decrease pain.  These also work together to give each other a greater overall effect on tissue healing and pain control.

The therapy laser gives us a non-invasive, non-painful treatment modality to help many patients that would otherwise have few options for treatment.  The treatments are performed by using a handpiece that is gently placed on the affected area and moved around to deliver a specific amount of laser energy to that area.  The treatments are quick and painless (it can feel like a mild warming or tingling sensation).
 
This can be used in addition to many other treatments and there are very few exceptions to its use.  The laser cannot be used in areas of known cancer or on the eyes, otherwise it can be considered as a treatment option.
 
Considerations for use would include:
  1. Cases where surgery is not an option for the treatment of joint diseases
  2. To try and potentially avoid surgery
  3. If there is a lack of response to treatment or when treatments are becoming less effective.
  4. To avoid the use of pharmaceuticals –IF- the treatments are equally effective
  5. For painful conditions where anti-inflammatory drugs are contraindicated
 
Cases that we have treated with good results: 
  1. Sprains/strains
  2. Hot spots (superficial pyoderma) 
  3. Non-healing or infected wounds
  4. Inflammation of muscles
  5. Partially torn cruciate ligaments
  6. Anal sacculitis
  7. Intervertebral disk disease: both cervical and thoracolumbar
  8. Hip dysplasia 
  9. Degenerative joint disease
 
Treatment lengths:
  1. Acute conditions typically respond well in 1-3 visits
  2. Chronic conditions will typically receive treatments 2x/week for 3 weeks (6 total)