Cold Laser Therapy
Enhanced Healing & Pain Relief
Cold laser therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses low-intensity light to support healing and reduce inflammation. The light helps stimulate cell regeneration, improve circulation, and ease pain from both chronic and acute conditions.
This therapy can be used on its own or alongside other medical treatments as part of a complete care plan. It’s often recommended for arthritis, soft tissue injuries, wounds, and post-surgical recovery.
During a session, your veterinarian will move a handheld laser wand slowly over the affected area. Your pet may notice a gentle warming sensation on their skin, which is part of how the therapy promotes tissue repair and healing.
The number and frequency of sessions depend on your pet’s condition and its severity. Each session typically lasts 10 to 20 minutes, and most pets tolerate it very well; many even find the wand's gentle motion relaxing.
Uses for Laser Therapy
Veterinary laser therapy can be used for a variety of purposes and is often most effective when combined with other treatments or traditional medications.
This therapy helps stimulate cell regeneration and improve circulation, which can support your pet with conditions such as:
- Increases wound healing
- Reduces inflammation and associated pain
- Enhances the formation of new blood vessels
- Increases the flow of blood
- Reduces edema (swelling)
- Encourages bone healing
FAQs About Cold Laser Therapy
Read answers to our most frequently asked questions about cold laser therapy at Tournament Valley Veterinary Hospital.
- Are all therapeutic lasers the same?
Therapeutic lasers are not all the same. The two classes of therapeutic lasers in common use are class III and class IV. Class III therapeutic lasers are lower-powered and typically use shorter wavelengths.
Class IV therapeutic lasers are higher powered and use longer wavelengths. Different powered lasers will take different amounts of time to deliver the treatment dose of light energy.
A higher-power laser translates to a shorter treatment time overall.
- Does my pet have to be shaved to receive a therapeutic laser treatment?
Therapeutic lasers do not require shaving the hair over the area to be treated.
- How long does a therapeutic laser treatment session last?
The duration of a therapeutic laser session depends on the amount of light energy needed and how quickly the laser can deliver it.
For instance, a class III laser might require treatment lasting 20 minutes or more, while a class IV laser might only require a few minutes.
- Will my pet feel pain during laser treatment?
When done correctly, therapeutic laser treatment is painless for your pet. They may notice a gentle warming sensation, which can help relieve discomfort and keep them relaxed during the session.
- How many times should my pet receive therapeutic laser treatment?
Cold laser therapy works gradually, so your veterinarian will usually recommend a series of treatments. The total number of sessions will depend on your pet’s specific condition and how severe it is.
New Patients Welcome
Tournament Valley Veterinary Hospital is welcoming new patients! Our veterinarians provide medical care for cats and dogs in Kamloops. Contact us today to schedule your pet’s first appointment.