Cold Laser therapeutic treatments have become quite popular over the last several years for treatments of both dogs and horses, offering faster healing without invasion or supplement.
According to Daniel Kamen, D.C., “The word “laser” is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulate Emission of Radiation. The theory was first described by Albert Einstein who paved the way for the development of therapeutic lasers. The first low-level therapeutic laser was developed in 1962. Cold laser, soft laser, therapeutic laser and LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy) are different names for the same thing.
Kamen also explains:
A Cold Laser is compressed light wavelengths from the cold, red part of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. As such, cold laser therapy does bot cause damage to the skin and has no known side effects.
Followed by:
The Cold Laser is a form of phototherapy or light therapy. When applying a cold laser to wounds, the therapy will improve soft tissue healing and relieve both acute and chronic pain. It aims to bio-stimulate or bio-activate natural healing processes. Cold laser therapy directs bio-stimulative light energy to the body’s cells which the cells then convert into chemical energy to promote natural healing and pain relief. Because of the low power nature of the cold laser, the effects are biochemical and not thermal, therefore an effective treatment for a wide variety of conditions.
So, how does it work? According to Kamen,
Low-level lasers supply energy to the body in the form of non-thermal photons of light. That light is transmitted through the skin’s layers. When these light waves penetrate deeply into the skin, they optimize the immune response of our blood causing both anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.
Equine and Canine Benefits of LLLT:
Pain Relief
Reduce Swelling
Control Inflammation
Speed Healing
Acute tissue damage
Arthritis pain and inflammation
Back pain/lameness
Bone healing
Burns
Joint problems
Nerve damage
Swelling
Tendon/Ligament Injury
Thrush
We use a therapeutic laser similar to that of a flashlight. We hold it close to the skin, shining the light on the areas of discomfort. With the laser, there is no sensation of pain nor increase in temperature. Most treatments take 2-5 minutes per area although the treatment of acupuncture points only takes 1-2 minutes.
Is it safe?
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies cold lasers as “Non-Significant Risk” devices, requiring a minimum of safety precautions, direct viewing of the laser beam is discouraged and the use of safety glasses is recommended.
The benefits:
The benefits of Cold Laser therapy are wide with little to no downside. Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy in horses and dogs include wound healing, increased blood flow, reestablishment of lymphatic system after trauma, endorphin stimulation, and pain relief,” said Kamen.
To learn more about Horse Speak®, Equine Pilates and/or Reformer Pilates for Humans here in Aiken, head to Pilates Mastery. If you’re looking for Pilates near me, Pilates Mastery also offers virtual Pilates sessions if you are not local to Aiken, SC. You may book an Equine Pilates or a Horse Speak® session at: pilatesmastery.org