One of the most positive features of Laser Therapy is that there are no side effects, as long as it's applied by a professional trained in the proper use of the laser and at the appropriate dosages. The lack of side effects and its efficiency make it so that, sometimes, Laser Therapy can be a great substitute to pharmaceutical interventions to reduce pain in patients with long-term, degenerative conditions. 

Laser Therapy has been studied in depth and the many benefits of its use been documented extensively; to the point of laser therapy being approved by the FDA for use in humans in the US and many countries around the world. 

So, you may be wondering... what conditions does Laser Therapy help with? 

Laser Therapy has proven to be effective with conditions that cause pain and/or inflammation, including but not limited to:
Arthritis
IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
CCL tears (as well as CCL surgical repair)
Soft tissue injuries like muscle and tendon tears 
Wounds
Nerve pain
And much more...

Though laser therapy can be very effective and helpful in managing the conditions mentioned above and many more, it is not intended to be a stand-alone approach to any condition. As a modality, laser therapy is meant to be yet another tool that certified canine therapists & veterinarians may use, in conjunction with other rehab methods to enhance the quality of life of your beloved dog by controlling pain & inflammation. 

If you feel your dog may benefit from laser therapy or have any questions about rehab and the use of therapeutic laser light as a modality, please reach out to us! We are happy to answer your questions! ​

If you observe the above signs in your dog, it is advisable to have them be evaluated by a veterinarian or a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. Rehabilitation therapists and veterinarians use specific manual special testing to determine if the CCL has torn completely, partially, or at all. 

Depending on many different factors (another blog to come about this) surgery may or may not be advised. 

Whether you and your veterinarian go the surgical or the conservative route, canine physical rehabilitation has been proven extremely beneficial in the full recovery of dogs with CCL tears.

If your dog has any difficulty standing, walking, running or playing, physical rehabilitation could be the key to their return to full function and improved quality of life. A Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist can help you improve your dog’s quality of life through education, manual therapy, and properly graded exercises specific to your dog’s condition.

​A CCL tear could be due to slow wearing down of the ligament,  happening overtime, gradually, and fully rupturing when it may seem like the dog wasn't doing anything to warrant the tear. However, there are instances where trauma and high forces traveling through the limb may be too great for even a healthy CCL to sustain and a rupture occurs. In these cases, the mechanism of injury is usually obvious (if witnessed) & the dog shows very obvious signs of a tear.

CCL tears lead to knee (stifle) instability and ultimately speed up the arthritic process in the affected joint. Dogs with untreated CCL tears are affected & limited by pain, arthritis, swelling, and difficulty doing all the things a dog should be able to do to live happy and healthy. 

Research shows that physical rehabilitation is very successful in the management of CCL tears. If you suspect your dog has a CCL tear or have a confirm medical diagnosis, we can help you & your dog return to the activities you both love, thus improving your dog's quality of life.

Inquire About Cost and AvailabilityWhy does arthritis often come with aging?
Arthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is the one of the most common conditions affecting the aging population, both human and canine. Changes in metabolism as we age causes our muscles to lose fibers, which leads to less muscle mass. In turn, less muscle mass leads to loss of strength. Having weak muscles allows the surfaces of the joints to have more friction leading to their wear and tear. The cartilage covering the joints also degrades as we age; add more friction and the degeneration process also known as osteoarthritis or DJD has begun. The same concept applies to dogs.
There are ways to delay or slow down the arthritic process, some suggest that there are ways to avoid it altogether. What we know for certain is that rehabilitation, meaning therapeutic exercise, massage & pain management modalities, is greatly beneficial to the arthritic patient.

How do I know if my dog has arthritis?
Here are some signs & symptoms that may indicate your dog has arthritis or DJD: 

• Limping or completely avoiding the use of a limb
• Difficulty standing from a laid down position
• Difficulty, or complete inability to get on the couch, get in the car, or in bed
• Decreased willingness and joy when going for walks
• Visible stiffness; your dog just doesn’t seem to be as flexible as before.
• Guarding or other signs of pain when touching a particular joint

Some signs & symptoms that may indicate your dog is in pain are: 

• Constant or frequent pacing around the room; restlessness
• Lack of appetite or not wanting to drink water 
• Avoiding contact, isolating themselves, or becoming unusually aggressive or “nippy” 
• Changes in body position or posture. Curved posture, head down, lying down more than usual
• Limping, avoiding use of a limb, avoiding activities that they normally do like chase a toy, jump on couch, etc
• Changes in breathing pattern like panting without having exercised or shallow/short quick breaths
• Excessive paw licking or licking the area of pain 
• Whimpering, crying, unusual barking, yelping
• Shaking or trembling without apparent reason

If you suspect your dog is in pain or has arthritis, you should always consult your veterinarian. Their clinical judgment, special tests, & examination will help rule out any serious health issues. Regular vet checks are highly recommended for senior dogs as arthritis is only one of the many conditions commonly affecting the aging canine.
 
How does rehabilitation help my dog with arthritis? 

• Therapeutic exercise, when graded appropriately, helps maintain the joints’ ability to move freely, improves strength & joint stability, leading to less joint friction. 
• Soft tissue massage helps maintain the extensibility of the muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissue structures that can restrict movement if they become taught. 
• Laser therapy can be beneficial in managing pain, reducing inflammation & swelling, and improving circulation.
• A Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) is also able to guide you in implementing some home environment modifications to allow your dog to have an obstacle-free space to move around in and better traction while walking. They can also help you in finding products such as bedding, ramps, steps, harnesses, and even doggie wheel chairs to better meet the mobility needs of your dog. 
• Canine rehabilitation has proven to be immensely effective in improving and preserving quality of life by improving mobility and decreasing pain. 

At Unleashed Rehab - Canine Rehabilitation & Wellness we specialize in helping the aging dog, especially those suffering from arthritis, improve and maintain their quality of life through the use of graded therapeutic exercises, soft tissue massage, and pain relieving modalities within the comfort of your home. We excel in giving dog parents the tools & knowledge necessary to ensure their dogs enjoy their golden years without the need for pain medication.

We understand you may want to learn more about how we can help your dog BEFORE setting up an appointment. We would love to get on the phone with you and answer your questions. To chat with us, please fill out a short form by clicking here.
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References: 
BEAGLEHOLE, R., LUNENFELD, B., KALACHE, A. 2001. Men, Ageing and Achieving Health Across the Life Span. Geneva: World Health Organization, 63.

Zink, M.C., VanDyke, J.B. (2013) Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Ames, Iowa: John Wiley & Sons, Inc