Therapeutic Laser Therapy

Therapeutic Laser Therapy (TLT) is a scientifically and clinically proven therapeutic modality that uses light of different wavelengths (photons of light) to interact with tissue cells. The result of this interaction causes:

INCREASED RATE OF TISSUE HEALING
REDUCTION OF TISSUE SWELLING
PAIN RELIEF

We consistently see wounds healing 30-50% faster than the normally expected healing time frame.
Increases blood supply and oxygen delivery to tissues.
Provides significant pain relief.
Increases lymphatic drainage to decrease tissue swelling and inflammation.
Antibacterial - kills bacteria in wounds and on the skin surface

How Does TLT Work?

In TLT, the laser we use is a Class 1 Therapeutic laser that is completely safe (see Classification of Lasers below) The laser delivers light of different wavelengths, pulsed very quickly into the tissues. The quick pulsing of light ensures no heat is produced. (Heat would only damage tissue cells).

The different wavelengths of light include:

infrared (not visible)wavelengths at 780-950 nm, penetrating up to 10 cm deep into tissue, through to muscle & bone
red (visible ) wavelengths at 600-700 nm that penetrate up to one cm into superficial tissue and skin
blue light wavelengths which are antibacterial

When the photons of light penetrate the tissue cells, they cause changes within the cell mitochondria, which are the "powerhouses" of the cell. The effect causes the mitochondria to produce more fuel for the cell. With more fuel (ATP),the cell works harder and faster, causing faster tissue healing.

“Photobiomodulation” (PBM) is the term applied to this therapeutic effect on cells. PBM is a non-thermal process, there is no need for heat to produce PBM. PBM cannot occur with excessive heat. With excess heat cell death (apoptosis) and tissue damage will occur.

In addition to PBM, the following occurs:

Increased blood flow. blood vessels are stimulated to dilate increasing blood supply and oxygen-carrying capacity to the tissues.
Increased lymph flow. Dilation of lymphatics allows the reduction of tissue swelling.
Pain relief. There is a direct effect on pain sensation and neurotransmission, downregulating pain transmission.

ABOUT LIGHT WAVELENGTHS

INFRARED - 780 - 950 nm - not visible; penetrates 10 cm - through muscle & to bone

RED LIGHT - 600-700 nm - visible; penetrates up to 1 cm, just through the skin

BLUE LIGHT - 450nm - visible; antibacterial on the skin surface

The Laws of Physics dictate how deep light penetrates into tissue.

Visible Red Light, such as in LED Red light tools (often sold in mats or torches with low battery power), only penetrates tissue superficially, down to 1cm (i.e. only affecting the skin).

TLT combines light of different wavelengths, with a 200 amp pulsing power source, that can penetrate tissues up to 10 cm. (ie can reach well below the skin, into tendons, ligaments, muscle and bone.) By pulsing the light very, very quickly no heat is built up, so this is a very safe, effective treatment.

The special properties of Blue Light (450 nm) kill bacteria by causing cytotoxicity in bacteria. Blue light is proven to be effective against drug-resistant bacteria eg MRSA. IN TLT, Blue light can be used to kill bacteria in circumstances such as treating a wound before suturing the wound or assisting antibiotic therapy to treat infected wounds.

THE CLASSIFICATION OF LASERS IS BASED ON HAZARD RATING - NOT EFFICACY

Lasers are classed according to their safety. Not all “lasers” are the same or achieve the same results. Just as different medications have different effects, different lasers have different effects depending on the power, wavelength, exposure time, frequency of exposure, and the way it is administered.

Class 1 lasers are the safest; can be used on all animals for a multitude of conditions in any indoor or outdoor environment and do not require hazard safety wear. TLT described in this article, is delivered by the safe Class 1 Multiradiance Shower Laser.

Class IV lasers are capable of extensive eye & tissue damage and require special safety equipment, goggles, specially built rooms to use them in, and certification for use. Class IV lasers only deliver one wavelength of light at very high power and cannot produce PBM as too much heat is generated and the light cannot reach deep into tissues without cell death through tissue damage. Surgical lasers are very high-powered to cut through tissue; these lasers are not Therapeutic Lasers.

INDICATIONS FOR USE

TLT is an exceptional tool for wound healing. We consistently see a 30-50% increase in the RATE of wound healing, when compared to the normal, expected wound healing time frame.

RIGHT: This deep chest wound received 4 x TLT treatments over the course of 9 days. The wound was initially approx. 10 x 10 cm deep.

Day one

Day 9

Benefits of Therapeutic Laser Therapy

Safe on all animals
Non-invasive (no needles)
Effective on a multitude of conditions
No sedation
No clipping of hair
Use in any location
Clients can hire units
FEI & Olympic committee approved for competition
Increase healing rates, decrease rehabilitation times
Early restoration of biomechanical function
Very affordable

TLT is complementary to Traditional Veterinary Treatment & concurrent treatments.

Importantly for injured Sport Horses this mean bringing healing forward, reducing time in rehabilitation and spelling, returning to competition faster. TLT provides effective pain relief and is used in conjunction with our usual assessments to determine readiness for return to work.

Indications for use in Injury Treatment, Rehabilitation & Prevention

Wound healing
Decrease infection
Decrease swelling(oedema) & inflammation
Pain management
Exercise preconditioning and recovery
Competition preconditioning, during and post competition treatments. FEI & Olympic committee approved for use in competition & post competition recovery (Class IV lasers are not approved)

Specific Conditions in Horses

Wound healing
Muscle conditions - Tying up
Pain management – back & neck pain, pulled muscles, muscle tears, post injury
Tendon/ligament injury – acute injury; following Regenerative therapy e.g. stem cell
Physical Therapy before/during/after competitions.
Joint conditions – TMJ, swollen joints, sacroiliac injury
Nerve pain – chronic neuropathy
Corneal ulcers (Blue light)
Wound management – cellulitis; post-surgery conditions; decrease swelling & scar
Infection control (Blue light)

Specific Conditions in Dogs

Arthritis
Ligament injuries eg Cruciate ligaments - we have many dogs with mild-moderate cruciate ligament injuries that have undergone significant healing with long-term positive effects, avoiding surgery.
Ear conditions
Eye injury
Dental conditions
Infection control
Cellulitis and Wound management
Post-surgery use

CLIENT HIRE UNITS - TREAT YOUR ANIMALS AT HOME

TLT HIRE UNITS are available for small animal owners to use for the treatment of their pets at home. We have many very enthusiastic owners of dogs & cats that have seen the beneficial effects of TLT.

These easy-to-use handheld lasers are available for hire to clients to continue to use with at-home treatments. The client participates in the therapeutic process of healing and the animal can be treated at home without having to come to the vet.

Safety is important in all animal therapy. These units are extremely safe, with no side effects, no sedation required, no hair clipping required and the treatment is non-invasive (no needles)

There is no need for special equipment such as goggles or dedicated treatment rooms. (As do Class IV lasers)

Clients will be instructed in the use of TLT and given a written treatment plan including a “Pain Map” that records observable results. Patients receive a loading dose of TLT that is continued at home on a specific protocol (Time/Frequency/Duration of treatment) according to the patient’s condition.

Communication with the vet continues during treatment by phone or email and sequential photographs may be taken and sent to the vet electronically.

Best of all – the treatment is extremely affordable for everyone.

Muscle Therapy

Tendon & Ligament Therapy

Arthritis Care
Cruciate Ligament Injury Treatment

Oral care.

Any animal
Any position
Any location

Therapeutic Laser Therapy for Equine Competitors

Treatment for Sport Horses at all Levels - Elite or Pony Club, Competitive or Pleasure

Therapeutic Laser Therapy (TLT) can help with injury, inflammation, wounds & more.

All athletes, human or horse, strive to stay healthy & focused. Managing fatigue and injury is an important part of staying competitive, keeping the horse in work and maintaining peak performance. As an Equine Sports Medicine Vet, as well as a competitor, Dr Joan is well aware of the trials and tribulations of equine competition. That is why we take every advantage of technology to keep our sport horses at peak performance.

Treatment options for horses actively competing can be limited yet with the TLT being FEI & Olympic committee approved for use Pre/During/Post competition, we have an extremely useful tool to treat the inevitable injuries that arise in competition.

Dr Joan regularly attends competitions in various disciplines especially Endurance and Eventing. We can provide various levels of therapy at competitions, including TLT. Contact us for more details.