Page 193 - Veterinary Laser Therapy in Small Animal Practice

Implementation of laser therapy in practice 179

Figure 11.13 Suggested scanning of the hip and lateral
femoral area.
Illustrator: Elaine Leggett.

the desired dose and output power (usually 10 to 60 s,
although some studies take up to several minutes to
achieve a certain dose if they use a low power device).
Another way to stimulate meridians in painful areas
with the laser is the scanning technique, locally trailing
a meridian pathway. This is preferably done in contact

mode, using either your acupuncture hand-piece or a
slightly wider one. For this method, a higher power can
be used, since you will be moving the probe. Here are
some examples of this technique. Figure 11.14 Suggested scanning of the lateral elbow area.
Illustrator: Elaine Leggett.
• Scan the Gall Bladder meridian (Fig. 11.13). In
the hip area, it covers the greater trochanter from 11.2.4 Other physical modalities
cranial to caudal, and following the tract of the
sciatic nerve distally, travels to the fourth digit of LT is synergistic with most physical therapies and

the pelvic limb. modalities of regenerative medicine in its effects of
• Scan the Large Intestine meridian in the elbow (Fig. stimulation of healing and decrease in inflammation

11.14). This meridian starts in the third digit and and pain. LT is not a substitute for a full rehabilita-

travels proximally to the nose. In the craniolateral tion plan, but becomes an important part of almost
aspect of the elbow, it runs between the extensor all of them once you integrate LT into your practice.
carpi radialis and the common digital extensor Experience will help you decide which modalities
muscles, medial to the lateral epicondyle, and from or combinations of them make more sense for each
there up to the acromion. We would treat from patient and each recovery phase.
LI–8/9 (proximal radius) to LI–12/13 (distal third Application of cryotherapy after LT is not recom-

of humerus). mended, since this would decrease blood flow after we
• Scan the Bladder meridian in a paravertebral treat- have enhanced it. What about local cold prior to LT?

ment. This meridian starts at the eye, runs over the That can actually be a great idea; recent studies show
head and lateral to the spine and then travels down light penetration can be enhanced with prior cryother-

the lateral aspect of the hindlimb. The points will apy. [458] This could be due to the reduction in skin and
change depending on the spinal segments treated, underlying tissue microcirculation (therefore less light
but there are Bladder points lateral to each vertebral is absorbed by hemoglobin and plasmatic water and
spinous process from T1 to L7 (also in the dorsolat- more can travel through the tissue). Also, an experi-
eral aspect of the neck). mental study showed cryotherapy followed by LT had
a synergistic effect on the recovery of tendon injuries,

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