By Douglas Johnson, ATC, EES, CLS, and Bryan J Stephens, PhD • Multi Radiance Veterinary
The Evolution of Laser Therapy in Veterinary Medicine
Over the past two decades, laser therapy has seen tremendous growth in veterinary practices. New studies and clinical evidence have shown that laser therapy can effectively manage chronic arthritis, enhance post-surgical healing, and support the repair of tendon and ligament injuries. What was once considered an alternative therapy is now an integral part of mainstream veterinary care, particularly in rehabilitation, dental, and preventative medicine.
However, laser therapy isn’t a one-and-done treatment. Its effectiveness is cumulative, requiring multiple sessions over time to achieve full benefits. The frequency and dosage depend on the pet’s condition—ranging from one session for minor post-op wounds to several treatments over weeks for chronic or more complex issues.
Historically, laser treatments were provided exclusively in clinics, with veterinarians determining treatment parameters based on research, training, or protocol manuals. However, as our understanding of laser therapy has evolved, so have the devices. Modern lasers are now more intuitive, with built-in protocols tailored to the patient’s anatomy, condition, and specific needs.
That said, most in-clinic lasers are high-powered medical devices that require professional training and handling to ensure safe operation. But what if pet owners could complement these treatments at home with a safe, effective option?
Why Super Pulsed Laser Technology is Ideal for At-Home Use
One of the key benefits of Super Pulsed Technology is its suitability for safe and effective at-home use. Unlike the high-powered lasers used in clinical settings, the Super Pulsed Laser (SPL) is specifically designed for ease of use by pet owners, with safety at the forefront.
The SPL’s advanced technology delivers very large doses of energy in short bursts, ensuring effective results without the risks associated with continuous high-powered lasers. This unique design makes it safe for daily use, as it reduces the risk of overheating or causing harm. Moreover, the device is eye-safe, eliminating the need for protective goggles, which is a common requirement for traditional lasers.
The My Pet Laser 2.0 is designed to be straightforward, with preset treatment protocols for pet owners to provide laser therapy safely at home without needing a deep understanding of the technology. Whether the pet is recovering from surgery, dealing with arthritis, or healing from a minor injury, the device offers a simple, user-friendly approach to ensure the appropriate treatment is applied and maintains consistency in therapy.
Super Pulsed Laser provides the convenience of home-based treatments. Pet owners can administer therapy according to their own schedules, which reduces the need for frequent clinic visits. This flexibility can help improve compliance and ensure that treatments are given consistently, especially for chronic or recurring conditions where regular therapy is critical for effective outcomes.
The Role of At-Home Laser Therapy
Here’s the reality: most healing happens when pets are at home, not in the clinic. Yet, relying solely on in-clinic treatments can be impractical for several reasons. Pet owners may not complete the recommended series of treatments, thinking their pet is healed after initial progress or pain has eased, or they might find it challenging to make repeated clinic visits due to cost or time constraints.
The solution lies in an at-home laser system, which complements in-clinic treatments and ensures continued care. Devices like the My Pet Laser 2.0 offer a proven, safe, and effective method for pet owners to administer light therapy at home, without the need for clinical supervision or protective eyewear.
These devices are FDA-cleared and supported by peer-reviewed research, making them a trusted extension of clinical care. While they deliver lower power compared to in-clinic lasers, pet owners can administer longer, more frequent treatments, building up the necessary therapeutic dose over time.
Implementing At-Home Laser Therapy in Your Practice
Incorporating take-home laser therapy into your veterinary practice offers numerous benefits. There are two main implementation methods:
1. Owning and Renting Devices: You can manage your own fleet of rental lasers. This method offers high compliance and upfront revenue. Pet owners are more likely to complete the recommended treatment regimen at home, and you receive the rental fees without tying up clinic time. The main challenge lies in managing inventory, but with proper tools and organization, this can be easily addressed.
2. Turn-key Online Fulfillment: In this model, you prescribe a rental device through an online platform, which handles all logistics—shipping, financial transactions, and device management. Pet owners receive detailed instructions and access to treatment resources, while you collect a percentage of the rental fee. This approach eliminates the need for upfront investment or inventory management but yields a smaller profit margin compared to managing your own devices.
Many practices use a hybrid approach, maintaining a small inventory of rental devices while utilizing an online fulfillment platform for additional patients.
A Paradigm Shift in Veterinary Care
Take-home laser therapy represents a shift in prescriptive medicine, empowering pet owners to actively contribute to their pet’s healing. It extends the efficacy of your treatments beyond the clinic and creates new revenue opportunities. As light continues to be explored as a powerful therapeutic tool, at-home laser therapy could become an integral part of veterinary care, enhancing patient outcomes while optimizing practice efficiency.