Laser Therapy

​This year marks the 100th anniversary since Einstein first proposed the concept of the laser in 1917. Now, 100 years later, Starwood Equine is able to offer therapeutic laser therapy to our clients. Laser therapy is a scientifically proven, FDA-approved tool used to reduce pain and inflammation. It also promotes faster healing for a variety of conditions from superficial wounds, infections, and other acute conditions, to more chronic soft tissue and musculoskeletal diseases.  

Laser therapy treatment is safe, painless, and fast. Treatments are the result of the electromagnetic energy interacting chemically and biologically with tissue causing “photobiomodulation”. In essence, it uses a beam of light to penetrate deeply into tissues and stimulate the body’s own healing processes by cellular activity. This triggers waste removal, increases repair activity, relieves swelling, promotes wound healing, and stimulates blood and lymphatic systems. 
 
Photobiomodulation: 
 

• Reduces Pain

Reduction of pain by photobiomodulation is the result of a combination of processes that block various biochemical and physiologic responses along the pain pathway. Patient perception of pain is reduced by an increased release of endogenous opioids (tissue endorphins).
 

• Reduces Inflammation

The laser increases production of Nitrous Oxide along with other mediators that stimulate dilation of blood vessels. This results in the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the cells and carries away waste products of injury, thus providing pain relief and edema reduction.
 

• Accelerates Healing and Promotes Tissue Regeneration

Fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis are enhanced which leads to a reduction in scar tissue, improved tensile strength, and reduced healing times of 30-50%. Not only is it faster healing, it is better healing! 
 
Contraindications:

• Eye exposure
• Locally injected medication
• Pregnancy
• Hemorrhage
• Testicles
• Thyroid gland
• Implants
• Hyperpigmentation
• Photosensitizing medications

 
With our mobile class IV laser unit, our certified Starwood Equine staff are able to offer laser therapy on location.  Please call our office if you feel that your equine athlete may benefit from this valuable therapy and would like to schedule a consult. ​