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Laser Therapy

Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation

Laser therapy has been scientifically proven to be successful in treating post-surgical pain and many acute and chronic conditions. It is a valuable tool that we use to treat many conditions in our physiotherapy clinics.

  • What is Laser Therapy?
  • Benefits of Laser
  • What type of laser do we use at The Wheelhouse?
  • The science behind laser therapy
  • What happens in a laser therapy session?
  • How will my pet respond?

What is Laser Therapy?

The process of directing infra-red radiation into inflamed or damaged tissues, to accelerate the body’s natural ability to heal.

Benefits of Laser

  • Analgesia (Pain Relief)
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Accelerate tissue repair by stimulating collagen synthesis
  • Increased wound healing
  • Reduction in swelling and oedema (fluid accumulation)
  • Improved nerve function
  • Improved vascular supply
  • Improved joint mobility

Treatment is:

  • Painless
  • Non-invasive
  • Non-toxic
  • Easily delivered
  • No side effects e.g., heating the tissues

What type of laser do we use at The Wheelhouse?

The Wheelhouse uses a Class 4 Therapeutic Laser, which delivers both low-level and high-level therapy through two methods of emissions:

  1. Pulsed emission that enhances the analgesic effect.
  2. Continuous emission that enhances the anti-inflammatory effect.

The science behind laser therapy

Photo stimulation – the use of light to artificially activate cells and biological processes – of a protein (cytochrome C) within the cells leads to:

  • Increased formation of blood vessels and dilation of blood vessels in the surrounding area due to increased level of nitric oxide,
  • Increased energy for cell repair and increased levels of fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) due to production of the enzyme cytochrome C oxidase,
  • Reduction in the inflammatory cytokines (proteins).

With the specific combined, continuous and pulsed emission delivery through a single pulse, the treatment can be targeted more efficiently to specific areas, allowing for greater penetration and therefore improving the results.

What happens in a laser therapy session?

No clipping or sedation is needed to provide laser therapy and you are able to stay with your pet throughout the treatment. We use treats to help your pet to enjoy the session more, so we ask you to bring along your pet’s favourite treat.

If you are pregnant, or there is any possibility you could be pregnant, we would advise that you do not stay with your pet during the treatment. Another family member is welcome to bring them, or we can ensure that your pet is looked after by one of our nurses during the session.

Patients start with an induction course of six laser therapy sessions, consisting of two sessions per week for three weeks. Based on their reaction, we are then able to assess your pet’s response to laser therapy and can determine when is best to book them in for their next sessions.

Laser Therapy induction course - £325 (6 sessions)

Follow-up appointments priced based on length of treatment

How will my pet respond?

Most pets show a positive response to laser therapy. As patients start to show the benefits, we may be able to reduce the medication they are on.

Sessions are individually tailored to your pet’s condition and changed accordingly to their response to the treatment.

Sometimes your pet may be sleepy following a laser session... although they may also feel more active than normal as their joints and muscles are more comfortable following the treatment. It is important to keep your pet’s exercise levels at their normal level following a laser session to prevent over-exciting and subsequent stiffness or pain.

How to Book for Laser Therapy

If you are interested in our laser therapy service and are already a client, contact our reception team or email reception@wheelhousevets.co.uk and the enquiry will be passed to the Laser Therapy team. Alternatively, you can discuss referral with your veterinary surgeon at your next appointment. 

If you are not registered with The Wheelhouse Vets, please contact your usual vet to request an appointment with our Laser Therapy service.