Posted February 3, 2026
What is Low Level Laser Therapy?
Low Level Laser Therapy, commonly known as LLLT, cold or soft laser, or laser photobiostimulation, is a form of phototherapy which involves the application of monochromatic and coherent light to injuries and lesions to stimulate healing. Unlike non-coherent light emitting devices, such as common LEDs and so-called SLDs (just a marketing name for infrared LEDs), the coherent, monochromatic and polarised radiation emitted by LASER has unique, specific, and scientifically-proven effects that persist deep into the tissue.
FDA-approved therapy lasers have been used in veterinary medicine since 2005. These lasers help:
- Increase endorphin release to reduce pain perception
- Decrease inflammatory mediators and swelling
- Improve immune response through increased phagocytosis
- Enhance circulation, collagen production, and tissue repair
At Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group, LLLT is delivered by an expert Collaborative Care Team that includes licensed veterinarians, certified rehabilitation therapists, physical therapists, and licensed veterinary technicians.
Conditions Commonly Treated With Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is commonly used as part of a rehabilitation plan for:
- Osteoarthritis in geriatric patients (i.e. hips, knees, elbows)
- Acute and Chronic Otitis (Ear Infection or Inflammation)
- Pain relief as in strains and sprains (acute and chronic)
- Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Hip Dysplasia
- Wound healing: hot spots, abscesses, degloving injuries, burns, post surgery
- Anal Glands
- Lick granulomas
- Caudal Cruciate Ligament
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Post surgical pain
- Dermatalogical Disorders, podo dermatitis, pyotraumatic dermatitis, eosinophilic granuloma complex in cats
How LLLT works in the above cases:
- Rapid Cell Growth – accelerates cellular reproduction and growth
- Faster Wound Healing – stimulates fibroblast development in damaged tissue
- Increased Metabolic Activity – higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen
- and food particle loads on blood cells, more effective immune responses
- Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation – reduces the formation of scar tissue following
- tissue damage
- Anti-Inflammatory Action – reduces swelling caused by bruising or inflammation
- of joints to give improved joint mobility
- Increased Vascular Activity – stimulates lymph and blood circulation, to allow the
- affected tissue to have the best possible circulation
- Stimulated Nerve Function – slow recovery of nerve function in damaged tissue can
- result in “dead” limbs or numb areas. LLLT speeds the process of nerve cell
- reconnection to bring the numb area back to life. LLLT also increases the amplitude
- of action potential to optimize muscle action.
What to Expect:
Depending on the condition being treated, most pets show improvement within 12-24 hours of treatment. For best therapy, we recommend several treatments (3-8). The length and frequency of treatments vary with your pet’s condition.
Schedule a Laser Therapy Evaluation
If your dog is experiencing pain, mobility issues, or delayed healing, Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group offers laser therapy as part of a complete, collaborative rehabilitation program. Contact the team today to schedule an initial evaluation and create a customized plan focused on restoring comfort, movement, and quality of life.