Animals

Laser Therapy & Acupuncture

Laser Therapy & Acupuncture

Laser therapy

The (non)cutting-edge of veterinary science

Laser therapy is an innovative new technology used to treat acute and chronic injuries. The non-invasive treatment stimulates cell regeneration by increasing blood flow to the targeted area. This is used to accelerate the healing process following surgery, alleviate joint pain, and treat degenerative diseases.

How it works

Low-level, also known as cold, laser therapy focuses red and infrared light on tissue at and below the surface of the skin. The light energizes the cellular mass, producing a structural protein called collagen used to repair tissue. Lasers continue the healing process by supporting vascular dilation and synthesis, increasing blood circulation to the affected region. The stimulation releases the body’s own pain-relieving hormones, generating mild pain management properties.

The process generally takes between 5-10 minutes, with the majority of patients seeing positive effects after 3-5 uses. The treatment continues to relieve pain and fight inflammation for up to 24 hours following the session.

Conditions benefitted by laser therapy

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Post-surgical incisions and soft-tissue trauma
  • Arthritis and degenerative joint disease
  • Musculoskeletal injuries
  • Neuromuscular disease

Low-level laser therapy is normally combined with other types of veterinary medicine including pharmaceutical regimens and alternative therapies. The broad biochemical benefits, and lack of adverse side effects have made laser therapy the preferred post-operative rehab method in veterinary medicine.

If you would like to know more about laser therapy please contact East Padden Animal Hospital.


Veterinary Acupuncture

Acupuncture helps the body heal itself. This ancient Chinese practice utilizes hair-thin needles to stimulate the body’s nerve centers, improving blood circulation and releasing pain-relieving hormones. This virtually painless process relaxes muscle tissue and oxygenates the surrounding area, allowing the body to heal more rapidly.

Many disorders can be treated with acupuncture including:

  • Neurologic and soft tissue pain
  • Arthritis
  • Allergies
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Musculoskeletal problems
  • Skin conditions
  • Respiratory distress

This 3000-year-old treatment ranks among the most prevalent alternative veterinary practices around the world. Using precisely placed needles, acupuncture taps into natural energy pathways called meridians, from which chi (life energy) flows. When properly realigned, chi helps bring important bodily processes back into balance.

Acupuncture is one of the safest veterinary treatments available. It requires no pharmaceutical assistance, removing the possibility of overdose and adverse reaction. However, it can be safely used in conjunction with traditional veterinary practice to enhance treatment effects or facilitate faster recovery.

East Padden Animal Hospital acupuncture specialists are licensed by the IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society).

We offer acupuncture on a limited basis only, and refer longer term or more frequent care to the following places:

Serenity Vet Care: https://serenityvetmobile.com/
Heart in Home Vet: https://heartinhomevet.com/
Northwest Veterinary Acupuncture: http://nwvetacupuncture.com/