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Photobiomodulation – Light/Laser Therapy

Veterinary light/laser therapy, or Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is a cutting-edge, drug-free solution that can non-invasively reduce inflammation, alleviate discomfort, accelerate healing, and enhance tissue repair to help pets lead more active lives with less pain.


Dog or Cat light/laser therapy uses red and near-infrared light produced by medical-grade equipment. In my practice, I use LEDs and Class 3B laser light. The treatment generates little heat, and it is painless.

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Benefits of LIGHT/LASER THERAPY
Speedy Recovery


Accelerates tissue repair and wound healing, reducing recovery time after injuries or surgeries.


Minimal Side Effects


With minimal to no side effects, PBMT is a safe treatment choice.

Enhanced Mobility


As a pet parent, you know that improved joint health benefits pets with arthritis or mobility issues and ultimately improves their ability to live life to the fullest!

ANXIETY MANAGEMENT


PBMT offers relief for pets suffering from anxiety, including separation anxiety and noise phobia, such as storms and fireworks.


KIDNEY DISEASE SUPPORT


PBMT promotes improved renal function, slows progression, and can alleviate symptoms of kidney disease.

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The Science Behind PBMT

a diagram showing the functions of a cellular photoreceptor
The wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) trigger a response on a cellular level. The specific wavelengths of light I use (about 600-950 nm) are appropriate for proper tissue penetration. The proposed primary photoreceptor used is Cytochrome C oxidase. The impact of light on Cytochrome C oxidase ultimately results in an increased production of ATP (energy that drives processes in cells).

Research has shown that PBMT downregulates Inflammatory Cytokines and Nitrosative Stress (by reducing Nitric Oxide) and upregulates Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines. All of this works together to reduce inflammation and speed up healing times.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Light/Laser Therapy

  • What does PBMT stand for?

    PBMT is an acronym for photobiomodulation therapy. Broken down, Photo[Light] – Bio[Body] – Modulation[Changing] essentially means using light on the body to enact changes. 


  • What does a photobiomodulation treatment look like?

    A handheld device is placed directly against the skin/fur on different areas of the body. This treatment painlessly delivers an application of light for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

  • What type of PBMT device do you use?

    I use an LED and Class 3B laser from Thor Laser. Research has shown that these are both highly effective methods of performing PBMT.


  • What can photobiomodulation treat?

    Anxiety, chronic and acute pain, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, post-surgical recovery, skin conditions, arthritis, joint pain, soft tissue injuries, inflammation, wounds, injuries, edema.


    FULL TREATMENT LIST

  • Does red light therapy work on pets?

    Yes! Research suggests red light laser therapy can be a safe and effective treatment for pets with arthritis, joint pain, wounds, inflammation, infections, and more.

  • What are some other uses for light/laser therapy?

    A related branch of photomedicine you may be familiar with is using light therapy to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). 


  • How does PBMT work?

    Photobiomodulation (or PBMT) uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or low-level lasers to treat various conditions in two different ways. It accelerates healing for faster recovery after injury or surgery and it can work as a spinal/pain block to help alleviate pain. 

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Patient Highlight

“Gracie was diagnosed with CKD [chronic kidney disease] and although there is no cure, Dr. Jessi has given us the gift of time with laser therapy. We are seeing a real improvement in Gracie's numbers and Dr. Jessi is the most compassionate veterinarian we've met.”


-MARY LYNN, Pet Parent
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