Laser therapy—Indications and contraindicationsMarch 27, 2019Photobiomodulation—a.k.a laser therapy—has become commonplace in veterinary medicine, with knowledge gained over the last eight to 10 years coming from evidence-based data and shared clinical experience. Achieving predictable and reproducible results with laser therapy is dependent on properly managed treatments, proper dosing, effective use of therapy laser hardware and software, and appropriate treatment technique.1 Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) applies low-level (low-power) lasers to the surface of or in orifices of the body. Whereas high-power lasers are used in laser medicine to cut or destroy tissue, application of low-power lasers is said to relieve pain or stimulate and enhance cell function. Laser therapy is a unique and extremely gentle form of treatment with the ability to stimulate tissue healing, virtually without side effects. It is very different from laser surgery, as it avoids heating the tissue, which can cause cell and tissue damage. As such, photobiomodulation is often called "cold laser" therapy.2 What's it for? Laser therapy has been postulated to exert three main effects: reduction of pain, modulation of inflammation, and acceleration of healing.3 The primary categories with the strongest support—largely via experimental studies—include its use in pain, wounds, musculoskeletal conditions, neurologic pathology, and in conjunction with complementary medicine techniques …
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