My final article on better veterinary medicine with light will look at therapy lasers. Unlike the surgical laser, this is a lower power laser with a wider beam. As such, it will penetrate into tissue without the burning and cutting of the focused, high-wattage beams used to replace scalpels. Much like the LED-based photomodulation, the therapy laser is meant to provide light to various tissues to create beneficial effects. However, where the LED lights only penetrate into the skin layers, therapy lasers can penetrate deeply into joints as well.
The light used in therapy lasers are usually red to near infrared, though some with different color wavelengths are becoming more common for different uses. The frequency of the light can be altered, and this will alter how deeply the laser will penetrate. At high frequencies, it will only affect the surface of the skin. This is very helpful in wounds, whether they are from surgery or from an injury. The light will affect bacteria on the skin and wounds, effectively sterilizing the area.
Lower frequencies will penetrate into the deeper tissues. This can help with deep infections, but it also helps with other chronic issues, such as arthritis, joint injuries, and recent orthopedic surgeries. The light stimulates certain cells in the various tissues to create positive results. It will stimulate the release of endorphins that decrease pain. It will cause dilation of the blood vessels and lymphatics that will speed up healing and decrease inflammation. It relaxes muscle fibers and the cramping pain associated with tightness. The results of these effects on our patients are faster healing, decreased pain, better mobility, and decreased infection.
At our clinic, we use the therapy laser after almost all surgeries to decrease the chances of post-op infection while stimulating the healing process. For recent injuries to the tendons or soft tissues we will use it to decrease the initial pain and decrease the time to return to full mobility. In pets with chronic arthritis, it has been very helpful. Patients will come for regular therapy for any number of joint issues. It is used as an adjunct to medicines, but it is most helpful in patients with diminished organ function. Many of these patients are unable to take certain arthritis and pain medications. Sometimes, the laser is the only option for them, and it has been very beneficial.