Low Level Laser Treatment for post-surgery?

[Acadia]

Does anyone know about this or used it before? I brought Cadie for a pool session at an animal physical therapy place (she was cleared for swimming if I can find easy path to get to a lake, and i heard of this place.). I thought cadie might enjoy an excursion and swim i wasn't intending to do any physical therapy per se, as the surgeon has not suggested PT, other than me stretching out the leg as it is tight (4wks ago she had a tplo and the twisted femur was broken and reset. The therapist, Gayle Hickok, is experienced. This is the descrip from her website...


Low Level Laser Treatment (LLLT)

LLLT is used to increase quality and speed of tissue repair, decrease inflammation and aid pain relief. The effects happen at the cellular level where ATP production is increased which fosters faster wound healing, stimulation of nerve function, decreased inflammation and reorganization of scar tissue.

How does it work? LLLT delivers units of light energy known as photons during a treatment. Photons are then absorbed by cells needing help and they help normalize the tissue by activating enzymes. The light penetrates into the tissues without any heating effect, no skin damage, and no known side effects. There is no need to shave the animal for treatment to work effectively. The unit we use employs light in the near infrared ranges which penetrate the deepest of all light waves in the visible spectrum.

What conditions and species can it be used to treat? Canines - arthritis, hip dysplasia, skin conditions, post surgical pain relief and faster healing, post-op ACL surgery, wound healing, degenerative joint disease, burns and inflammation/swelling of "allergy paws", degenerative myelopathy and HOD. Equini - fractures, laminitis, stifle injury, ligaments/tendons wounds, arthritis. Our laser patients have also included cats, birds, guinea pigs, and even a porpoise!

 

[mikachupkins]

I've had my vet do it on my cat post-teeth extraction and she healed up without any infection. She seemed to feel better quicker than normal and I didn't need the pain meds for longer then two days (she's 14 years old so anything that speeds up healing is a go in my book!). I'm not sure if it was just a placebo effect for me or if it really helped, but it didn't seem to hurt.

 

[victoria1140]

I believe it helps in the same way that certain levels of uv and light help sufferers of SAD syndrome. I know its due to increasing the levels of certain vitamins, etc but can remember all the details of the cellular breakdowns read about

Personally go for it, it cant hurt and if it helps then do it. Another thing is obviously heat and gentle massage are very beneficial and obviously any hydro will be good though do it in small stages as they can over extend and get really sore afterwards.

Its why we werent allowed to put Max in a pool straightaway and he has had to do treadmill work for a while to build his muscles up. I also do incline and cross country with him now to improve his stability and muscle control though dont do it yet as cadie is still too close post surgery to be able to tolerate it.
Have to admit though the water work has been brilliant and if you didnt know he had surgery you would never know anything was wrong with him.

Have you also looked into tens and neuro stimulation to relax the muscles

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

I have had friends who's pets had "Cold Laser" Not sure if it is the same, but both think it seems to have helped. One was back and the other was leg. I do not remember if the leg was post op.

 

[Lori]

I tried the Cold Laser also for Sydney, my Aussie mix. We did 7 treatments and I'm not sure I really saw any difference for her with her mobility. She has hip dysplasia and arthritis. The tech also used it on the hygroma on her elbow. On that I did see some improvement, as in some shrinkage of it. My vet wasn't pushing any more further treatments since we didn't really see any improvements. He said if we were going to see something we would have by the fourth or fifth treatment. I wanted to try a few more.

I'm glad we tried, especially since her pet insurance covers some of it. I have heard wonderful things about it, if it helps your pet. If you can afford it, I would try it.

 

[newflizzie]

Lizzie had laser therapy done both on her torn hamstrings last year and currently on the partial ligament tears in her knee. Helped quite a lot for both injuries.

 

[Acadia]

Great! Thank you everyone for the feedback!

 

[Milliejb]

Millie did LLLT after her CCL surgeries. I think it was fantastic!!

 

[KatieB]

We have been using Cold laser on Mojos shoulder starting at 4 weeks post op and he's now 12 weeks post op and has had remarkable results. He goes twice a week. I think the laser I addition to the rest of his therapy has really helped his recovery but it did take a good 6 sessions to see really noticeable results.

 

[Acadia]

Thank you! I am going to make an appt!