LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., Sept. 28, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A Laguna Hills veterinarian is educating area pet owners on an all-natural method of pain relief offered at his clinic. According to Dr. Maged Kerolos of Trinity Pet Hospital, low-level laser therapy can relieve acute or chronic pain while also stimulating blood flow for greater comfort and faster healing. "We use this form of therapy to help treat pain or stiffness associated with arthritis and other degenerative joint conditions, acute injuries, and post-operative recovery for our surgical patients. We have found it an excellent, well-tolerated alternative to drugs," said Dr. Kerolos.
The veterinarian is quick to point that this type of laser treatment differs significantly from the cutting lasers used in surgical procedures. He explains that low-level laser therapy, also called "cold" laser therapy, makes use of a Class IV laser. This wavelength of light penetrates the skin without cutting or burning it. "Our goal is to stimulate the cells and blood vessels that lie just beneath the skin. The Class IV laser does this without causing any harm to the tissues," explained Dr. Kerolos.
The veterinarian states that the laser's contact with injured or diseased tissue promotes the production of ATP, a substance essential to cellular reproduction and repair. This enhances the body's natural healing abilities. At the same time, he adds, the concentrated light enhances blood flow to the area in question, which not only speeds healing but also facilitates the removal of substances that cause pain and inflammation.
According to Dr. Kerolos, laser therapy offers pain relief benefits that oral or injected painkillers cannot necessarily provide. "Laser therapy strengthens injured tissues, which makes them less vulnerable to re-injury during the recovery process. It also reduces internal scarring, another potential source of pain and stiffness. Painkilling drugs can only mask the symptoms -- they don't treat the underlying issues," he said. In his estimation, this makes laser therapy a natural complement to surgical care or acute injury treatment.
Dr. Kerolos also praises laser therapy's ability to serve as a long-term pain management tool. For example, he states that his clinic has had great success in helping arthritic dogs and cats experience greater range of motion, less joint pain, and better quality of life. He adds that the pets actually seem to enjoy the soothing effects of the treatment, remaining relaxed for the 3 to 20 minutes a typical session requires. "It's clear to us that pets understand this technique is helping them feel better, and they are generally quite happy to sit still for the treatments," he said. The practitioner notes, however, that multiple ongoing sessions are necessary to manage pain as effectively as possible.
In addition to laser therapy for pain relief, Trinity Pet Hospital provides emergency treatment, preventative wellness care and counseling, surgery, dentistry, and dermatology services.