Low-Level Laser Rehabilitation Therapy

JointQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Low-level laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to boost cellular activity, reduce pain, and promote tissue healing. It’s widely used for arthritis, post-surgical recovery, and wound healing.

What is Low-Level Laser Rehabilitation Therapy?

An elderly dog receiving low-level laser therapy at a veterinary clinic.

Low-level laser therapy is a non-invasive rehabilitation treatment that uses light energy in the red to near-infrared spectrum to enhance cellular activity, reduce pain, and promote tissue healing. Since the light is applied directly to the skin without needles or surgery, your pet will experience minimal discomfort. The key to effectiveness is using a medical-grade device that delivers the correct therapeutic wavelength and power output. Inexpensive home-use devices typically lack sufficient power and are unlikely to provide significant benefits.

How Does It Work?

The formal term is Photobiomodulation (PBM). Simply put, it works by stimulating mitochondria within cells to increase energy (ATP) production and reduce inflammatory substances. This process improves blood circulation and accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissues. According to veterinary internal medicine textbooks, red to near-infrared wavelengths penetrate the skin to reach deep muscles and joints, where they exert their therapeutic effects. Because it generates minimal heat, the risk of burns is low.

What Conditions Is It Used For?

It is widely used for joints, muscles, nerves, and skin. Veterinary literature reports evidence supporting its use for musculoskeletal injuries, surgical incision sites, nervous system (spinal) diseases, and wound healing. However, effectiveness can vary depending on the device and dosage used, so a veterinarian’s judgment is essential.

Osteoarthritis: Helps relieve pain and reduce inflammation in osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and other joints.

Post-surgical recovery: Supports healing of incision sites after orthopedic surgeries such as patellar luxation or cruciate ligament repair.

Disc disease: Aids in restoring mobility after spinal surgery (hemilaminectomy).

Muscle and ligament injuries: Addresses musculoskeletal damage such as sprains, muscle fatigue, and tendonitis.

Wounds and delayed healing: Assists with suture sites and chronic or infected wounds that are slow to heal.

Oral mucosal inflammation: Has been tried for conditions like gingivitis, although supporting evidence remains limited.

A rehabilitation therapist applying laser therapy to a dog with a front leg injury.

Laser Class Differences at a Glance

Item	Class 1–2	Class 3B	Class 4
Output	≤5mW	5–500mW	500mW or more
Penetration Depth	Epidermal level	Subcutaneous to shallow muscle	Deep muscle and joints
Main Use	Pointers and grooming devices	Wounds and superficial inflammation	Joints, discs, post-surgery
Safety	Very safe	Safe (safety goggles needed)	Safety goggles mandatory

Many low-cost home-use devices on the market are Class 1–2, so meaningful rehabilitation effects are hard to expect.

When to Avoid Laser Therapy

While it’s a safe treatment, it isn’t suitable for every situation. Direct application to cancerous or tumor sites is contraindicated, as it may stimulate cell proliferation. Avoid the area around a pregnant uterus, the thyroid and testicles, and any site that has recently received a steroid injection. Direct exposure to the eyes is strictly prohibited, so both the pet and the owner must wear specialized protective goggles during treatment. Also avoid areas with severe fever due to infection, and only apply the treatment to bleeding wounds after hemostasis has been achieved.

How Is the Treatment Performed?

A single session typically takes about 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area and the type of condition. For hairy areas, we part the fur with our hands so the laser can penetrate effectively and reach the skin directly. Most pets tolerate the treatment comfortably, experiencing only a mild warming sensation. For acute pain, we usually recommend two to three sessions per week for two to three weeks. In cases of chronic arthritis, we start with intensive initial treatments before transitioning to once-weekly maintenance sessions. Your veterinarian will adjust the frequency and power settings based on your pet’s specific condition.

A Golden Retriever receiving laser rehabilitation therapy on its back

When Will You Notice Effects?

The time it takes to notice therapeutic effects varies widely depending on the condition and the individual pet. With acute pain, improvements in gait comfort are often reported relatively early on. According to Draper et al. (2012), combining laser therapy with spinal surgery (hemilaminectomy) in dogs shortened the time to ambulatory recovery, meaning they began walking on their own sooner (preliminary study stage). For chronic arthritis, increased activity levels are typically observed gradually over multiple treatment sessions. However, since results vary across studies, if no improvement is seen after a certain period of treatment, it’s best to review the treatment plan with your veterinarian.

Combination Therapy Is More Effective Than Standalone Treatment

Laser therapy isn’t a magic cure. For arthritis, it works best when combined with weight management, joint supplements, and hydrotherapy; after surgery, it should be paired with physical therapy and assistive devices to maximize benefits. Veterinary rehabilitation textbooks also report that comprehensive rehabilitation programs yield better outcomes than laser therapy alone. It’s truly important to consult your veterinarian to create a customized rehabilitation plan tailored to your pet’s specific condition.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is laser therapy painful?

There’s almost no pain. Most pets just feel a gentle warmth, and it’s rare for them to show discomfort. In fact, many even fall asleep during the treatment.

Is it a one-time treatment?

Acute cases require intensive treatment for 2–3 weeks, while chronic arthritis needs periodic maintenance therapy. The veterinarian will determine the total number of sessions based on the condition and its severity.

Can I buy a home-use laser device and do it myself?

We do not recommend it. Its output is lower than that of medical-grade devices (Class 3B/4), which limits its effectiveness, and it carries risks such as eye injury and exposure to contraindicated areas.

Are there any side effects?

This is a safe treatment with very few reported side effects. However, it is strictly contraindicated in cases of tumors, pregnancy, and ocular involvement.

Is it covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by pet insurance plan. Before enrolling, be sure to review the policy details to confirm whether rehabilitation and physical therapy are included.

Top 5 Recommended Joint Supplements for Dogs in 2026

Top 5 Cat Stairs and Cat Tower Ramps for Senior Cats — Reducing Joint Stress

Top 5 Soft Beds for Cats with Arthritis — Pain Relief for Senior Cats

Frequently Asked Questions About DHPP (Combination Vaccine) for Puppies — Key Information Every Pet Owner Should Know

Dog Dental Preventive Care FAQ — Key Points Every Pet Owner Should Know

Dog Water Intake Monitoring FAQ — Key Points Every Pet Owner Should Know

Dog Coat Care and Brushing FAQ — Key Information Every Pet Owner Should Know

Breed-Specific Dog Exercise Recommendations: Frequently Asked Questions — Key Points for Owners

Frequently Asked Questions About Kennel Cough Vaccination for Dogs — Key Information Every Pet Owner Should Know

Dog Annual Deworming Schedule FAQ — Key Information Every Pet Owner Must Know

References

[1] Millis D.L., Levine D., Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, 2nd Ed

[2] Draper W.E., Schubert T.A., Clemmons R.M., Miles S.A., Low-level laser therapy reduces time to ambulation in dogs after hemilaminectomy, Journal of Small Animal Practice 53: 465-469, 2012

[3] Miller L.A., Looney A.L., Photobiomodulation, Small Animal Anesthesia and Pain Management: A Color Handbook, 3rd Ed

[4] Hamblin M.R., Mechanisms and application of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation, AIMS Biophys 4(3): 337-361, 2017