Class IV therapeutic laser therapy and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) are both non-invasive treatments used in healthcare to promote healing and alleviate pain in animals, including dogs and cats. While they share some therapeutic effects, their mechanisms of action, treatment protocols, and specific applications differ.
Class IV Therapeutic Laser Therapy:
This modality employs specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissues, inducing a biological response known as photobiomodulation. The light energy stimulates cellular mitochondria, leading to increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which enhances cellular repair and regeneration. Benefits of Class IV laser therapy include:
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Reduces inflammation by decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators.
• Pain Relief: Provides analgesic effects by releasing endorphins and modulating nerve conduction.
• Improved Blood Circulation: Enhances microcirculation, promoting tissue oxygenation and nutrient delivery. Neovascularization is a direct result of class 4 laser allowing faster growth or sprouting of baby blood vessels (capillaries).
• Accelerated Tissue Healing: Speeds up wound healing and tissue repair processes.
Treatment sessions are typically short, lasting between 5 to 10 minutes, with effects that can last over 48 hours. A typical protocol for conditions like osteoarthritis may involve three sessions per week for two weeks, followed by a reduced frequency. Improvement is often observed after 2-3 treatments.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT):
ESWT utilizes high-energy sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. These shockwaves create microtrauma in tissues, triggering increased blood flow and the release of growth factors that promote healing. Key benefits include:
• Stimulation of Growth Factors: Encourages the release of proteins that facilitate tissue repair and regeneration.
• Enhanced Blood Flow: Improves circulation to the affected area, aiding in healing.
• Pain Reduction: Provides analgesic effects by influencing nerve activity and reducing inflammation.
• Treatment of Chronic Conditions: Effective in managing chronic musculoskeletal issues such as osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, and bone fractures.
ESWT typically requires 3 treatments spaced two weeks apart, with effects lasting from six months up to a year. Mild sedation may be necessary during the procedure due to potential discomfort.
Key Differences:
• Mechanism of Action: Laser therapy uses light energy to stimulate cellular activity, while ESWT employs acoustic (sound) waves to induce mechanical stress and promote healing.
• Treatment Frequency: Laser therapy often requires multiple sessions per week over several weeks, whereas ESWT usually involves fewer sessions with longer intervals between treatments.
• Depth of Penetration: Class IV lasers can penetrate deeper tissues compared to lower-class lasers, but ESWT can target specific depths depending on whether focused or radial shockwaves are used.
• Thermal Effects: Laser therapy has thermal effects and requires careful application to avoid tissue overheating, whereas ESWT does not have thermal effects.
Both therapies offer valuable benefits and the choice between them should be based on the specific condition being treated, the desired therapeutic outcomes, and the provider’s clinical judgment.