Learn & Go With Dr. Laurie
How does Cooling Tissue before laser impact penetration?
Today, we're continuing our series on how to get Optimum Exercise Outcomes with your canine pets and patients.
Do you ever wonder if your laser energy is getting deep enough into the tissue? Maybe you wish you could get better penetration into the tissue, or perhaps you just want to use less energy and still get maximum penetration. Today we’re talking about cooling tissue before lasering and how that affects the depth of penetration.
Common areas we want deep penetration include hip joints, the abdominal organs, the chest cavity to treat the heart or lungs, and dense connective tissue e.g. the calcaneal tendon.
So how can we get lasers to go deeper?
Watch the video below to learn about research that’s been done on cooling tissue before using different types of lasers.
*Please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals.
A 2017 study looked at how well lasers penetrated humans’ achilles tendons after 20 minutes of cryotherapy (ice). They compared how much energy passed through the tendons using an 810 nm 200 mW laser on continuous mode and a 904 nm 60 mW laser on superpulsed mode (superpulsed lasers produce high power impulses for brief durations that go deeper into tissue without creating heat).
There were differences in the original penetration as we well as penetration after the cryotherapy.
The 904 nm laser penetrated tissue better overall even though the average power was only 60 mW compared to the 810 nm that had 200 mW continuous power. Wavelengths play a big part of penetration and effect.
The 904 nm wavelength had an approximately 33% increase in penetration after icing compared to the 810 nm laser that had an approximately 25% increase in penetration after icing.
What’s causing the difference in penetration? It may be that since there is less blood in the tissue due to vasoconstriction and therefore less heme from the red blood cells, there is less absorption of the photons and so more penetration. It may also be that there is less tissue. In the study, they measured the width of the tendon, and the tendons were thinner after the cryotherapy. My guess is it is a combination of both and potentially other factors that we are not aware of at this time.
If you’re a member of our Optimum Laser Therapy Course, definitely check out Module 36: Pneumonia to learn about treating the lungs.
If you would like to learn more about USING lasers to treat pets, join us at Optimum Laser Therapy to earn 19 hours of RACE approved continuing education and join a community of like minded vets obtaining Optimum Laser Results.
Lordosis – the cause, effects, and Treatments
Today, we're continuing our series on how to get Optimum Exercise Outcomes with your canine pets and patients.
Lordosis, or swayback, is an inward curve or hyperextension of the spine, which leads to back pain, gait changes, potentially shoulder pain, and other issues that compromise animals’ quality of life. There are several known causes of lordosis, some that are treatable with an easy fix, some that are moderately difficult to treat, and some that we can slow the progression of.
Lordosis can be caused by a number of things – weak abdominal muscle, weakness of the shoulder girdle muscles, postural changes that can be related to the front or rear limbs, and even nail care.
Lordosis can lead to back pain, shoulder pain, gait changes, and inflammation, which can be treated symptomatically, but if we can treat the root cause we can relieve these issues without medications. Sometimes all it takes is a nail trim. Really!
Let’s get into our video…
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
Looking at pictures of Queenie – a 16-year-old (give or take a year) lab with severe progressive lordosis – we can see her progression over the years from simple abdominal muscle weakness to abdominal muscle and shoulder girdle muscle weakness.
Treating LORDOSIS
The Assisi Loop is a safe and easy way to help with pain and inflammation and can be used several times a day by a pet parent.
Chiropractic or manual therapy can be beneficial to relieve pain and allow the spine to move better.
Laser therapy can reduce pain and inflammation and can (and in my opinion should) be used concurrently with the Assisi Loop.
Nail trims can make dramatic changes in thoracolumbar posture immediately, if the nails are long and at least partially the cause for the lordosis. When a dog’s nails hit the ground it tells their nervous system that they are walking uphill and must change their posture to accommodate.
Cat Stretches can immediately relieve discomfort and increase spinal motion to help strengthen the abdominal muscles.
Exercises that target the abdominal and shoulder-girdle muscles include goosing at the chest, flank, and or abdomen, and with patients like Queenie, flexion cookie stretches in a lateral position.
Be sure to watch the video for examples of these exercise.
She may not have normal posture, but we have greatly improved Queenie’s quality of life, taken away the pain to make her happy. Her mom is continuing to see signs of improvement!
If you would like to learn more about how to treat the thoracolumbar spine and more than 25 other body conditions or areas join us at Optimum Laser Therapy to earn 19 hours of RACE approved continuing education and join a community of like minded vets obtaining Optimum Laser Results.
Helping Zoey, the hunchback
Today, we're continuing our series on how to get Optimum Exercise Outcomes with your canine pets and patients.
Tell Us What You Think!
Today, we're continuing with our series on how to get Optimum Exercise Outcomes with your canine pets & patients.
Many dogs have posture issues that you many not even notice, yet it can be there because of pain and may in itself cause pain.
We look at Zoey as an example to see what to look for, what is causing the problem, and discuss a simple way to decrease her back pain as we treat her primary issues.
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*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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Exercises to strengthen your dog’s wrists
Today, we're continuing our series on how to get Optimum Exercise Outcomes with your canine pets and patients.
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Today, we're continuing with our series on how to get Optimum Exercise Outcomes with your canine pets & patients.
Does your dog have weakness or pain in their wrists? Do you want to know how to make them feel better and get stronger?
Digging is a great exercise to help strengthen the wrists. Watch how I teach Syd to dig. If you work with dogs you can teach your patients how to get stronger and feel better with this simple exercise.
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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Helping stretch, the dog that couldn’t stretch
Today, we're continuing our series on how to get Optimum Exercise Outcomes with your canine pets and patients.
Tell Us What You Think!
Today, we're continuing with our series on how to get Optimum Exercise Outcomes with your canine pets & patients.
Meet Stretch, a six-year-old Sheltie that had pain at his hips when he tried to extend them. Stretch couldn’t jump up and place his front feet on the couch or bed because it was too painful.
In this video we discuss how to do a joint mobilization called a “Spin” that can reduce or eliminate pain and significantly improve joint range of motion.
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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Bromley – Exercises for a Frenchie with knee issues
Today, we're continuing our series on how to get Optimum Exercise Outcomes with your canine pets and patients.
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Today, we're continuing with our series on how to get Optimum Exercise Outcomes with your canine pets & patients.
Meet Bromley, an adorable Frenchie with knee and back issues.
In this video we look at his posture and discuss exercises to help him live a pain-free life. We can see his progress; we even get him to wag his tail!
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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GaIt and Exercise with a Distant Pug
Today, we're continuing our series on how to get Optimum Exercise Outcomes with your canine pets and patients.
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Today, we're continuing with our series on how to get Optimum Exercise Outcomes with your canine pets & patients.
Meet Chloe, she is a 17 yr old Pug in California I was asked to consult on.
We first look at her Posture and Gait.
Slow motion video gives you time to See what I See.
We cover some Helpful Solutions, what would Laurie Do.
Lastly, we highlight an Exercise - Both “How to Do It Right” and “How It Can Be Done Wrong”.
We are Always looking for "Optimum Results”
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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Axel Does Cookies To The Sky: Optimum Exercise Outcomes
Today, we're starting a new series on how to get Optimum Exercise Outcomes with your canine pets & patients.
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Today, we're starting a new series on how to get Optimum Exercise Outcomes with your canine pets & patients.
Ever tried Cookies to the Sky? Let's look at how it is commonly done wrong, and how, instead, you can do it optimally to allow quick strengthening of the muscles we want to target.
We commonly teach patients and pet parents how to do this exercise, but once home, it’s common for pets to cheat—and pet parents often do not see the intricate details that make the exercise optimal.
We show you the “Why” of the exercise, the “How” of the exercise, and the “Cheat” of a very smart dog. And of course, we’ll cover the “How to Outsmart the Very Smart Dog to have Optimum Results."
You can even stop half-way through and see what changes you would make to have Axel perform these exercises “Optimally.”
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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Tips for Laser GoggLE Application—LEARN & GO WITH LAURIE
Here’s how to position laser goggles on a dog—safely & comfortably!
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Here are some tips for putting laser goggles on a dog safely & comfortably.
First, grab the strap that goes on the back of their head (the one with writing on it) and hold it near the glasses with the cutout for the nose facing down. Separate these two pieces from the chin strap.
Next, place the entire apparatus over the dog’s nose, keeping the chin strap beneath the dog’s chin.
Still holding the goggles up above the dog’s head, place the head strap behind the dog’s ears on the back of its head.
Now you’re ready to pull the goggles straight out in front of the dog’s eyes. Before placing the goggles on their face, be sure to gently brush any hair away from their eyes.
Finally, release the goggles straight over the pet's eyes.
If you notice the dog pawing at its face or rubbing the goggles, check again to ensure no hair is in their eyes.
A Note on OSHA Safety Guidelines: OSHA requires all people in proximity to the active Class 4 laser to wear safety glasses specific to the wavelengths of the laser. They recommend people wear these glasses when in proximity of a Class 3 laser.
If people 16' away from the laser have to wear protective glasses, shouldn't the pets whose eyes are within 1-2' have to wear them, and shouldn't they be comfortable while the goggles are on?
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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LEARN & GO WITH LAURIE - VETTEL CASE OVERVIEW
Let's review a crazy case—a 4-year-old Rottweiler that became ataxic, and was vomiting, wobbling, and drooling.
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Let's review a crazy case—a 4-year-old Rottweiler named Vettel that suddenly became lame, ataxic/wobbling, was vomiting and drooling. Was it a brain tumor, elbow issue, or something else?
Vettel had previously been diagnosed with Grade 1 elbow dysplasia, but was thriving in spite of it!
In November 2020, he suddenly became lame, ataxic/wobbling, was vomiting and drooling.
Vets discovered he had a stomach full of dirt, but treatment did not resolve the issue.
Vettel worsened and began flinching when his head and neck were touched, even lightly. He almost fell over when another dog just touched his nose.
A neurologist suspected a brain tumor and wanted to perform an MRI, but the owner declined.
Over 4 weeks of pain management therapy, Vettel slowly improved.
At this point Mom drove the 2 hours to bring Vettel to me to work with.
What did I discover during my exam and gait analysis? I’ll show you, plus recap what we’ve done to treat Vettel.
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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LEARN & GO WITH LAURIE - OCD of the shoulder
In this Learn & Go we look at OCD of the shoulder - including how it is diagnosed and possible treatment options!
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Today we take a look at Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the shoulder in dogs.
Shoulder OCD is most common in large breed dogs and often discovered around 6-9 months of age.
The patient has pain with flexion and hyperflexion of the shoulder.
Let’s look inside the joint.
What is the best method of diagnosing shoulder OCD?
Once we have a diagnosis, what modalities can we add besides surgical intervention?
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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LEARN & GO WITH LAURIE - Checking in with Tipsy THE SHEEP!
In this Learn & Go we check in with Tipsy the sheep and see how her recovery from surgery is going!
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Remember Tipsy the sheep from Louisiana State University? Today we check in with her as she continues to recover from her surgery.
Tipsy had torticollis, a condition involving torsion of the neck and head.
It was not long before Tipsy was painful and arthritic, so surgery was done to improve quality of life.
When I spent time at LSU, I worked with Tipsy in the initial phase of recovery.
Did Tipsy start to use the leg again? Check out the video and see for yourself!
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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LEARN & GO WITH LAURIE - Treating the brain WITH PHOTOBIOMODULATION
This Learn & Go looks at penetrating the skull to administer laser therapy to the brain.
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In this Learn & Go, we are looking at lasering through the skull to treat the brain!
Didn’t think it could be done? It can!
In one study, mice (post-stroke) were treated daily with a laser. What were their results?
Another study looks at traumatic brain injuries in mice - also, frequency does matter!!
What about treating humans with depression or anxiety?
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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relax! session 6: LEARN & GO WITH DR. LAURIE - Straighten up to de-stress
This Learn & Go looks at the effect our body language and posture have on our confidence and overall mental state.
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Sit up straight, and settle your stress!
Today I am reviewing a study on how our body position affects our stress hormones.
In this study, two groups of interviewees were asked to hold different positions before being interviewed.
Bent over at your desk or on your phone? Guess how this affects your cortisol!
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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relax! session 5: LEARN & GO WITH DR. LAURIE - the power of a smile
This Learn & Go explores how to engage our smile muscles for a benefit, even when we might not feel like smiling!
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Two Minutes to a Better Day - through a smile?
All you need is two minutes, and a pen or pencil
You can do this nearly anywhere - driving, making dinner, sitting at your desk!
In these stressful times, we can all use a boost of feel-good
Did you know? A Duchenne smile occurs when your muscles contract at the corners of your mouth, on your cheeks, and around your eyes? This study looks at the beneficial effects of a genuine, hearty smile!
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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relax! session 4: LEARN & GO WITH DR. LAURIE - Tapping In
This Learn & Go targets YOUR happiness.
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Today’s focus is about YOU and your happiness
It starts with you - happiness attracts happiness, you have the power to enhance your happiness by using your fingertips!
This massage technique activates the muscles behind your smile allowing you to smile Optimally!
Don’t underestimate the power of a smile - science backs up how this affects our lives!
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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relax! session 3: LEARN & GO WITH DR. LAURIE - touch
This Learn & Go looks at the power of touch and the calming effects of our hands on a patient.
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Want an easy way to calm an anxious patient without drugs? Don’t underestimate the power of our hands!
Your touch has power - and calming abilities
Something as simple as placing your hands on a patient helps them relax
Accompany purposeful touches with mindful breathing for a calming combo
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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relax! session 2: LEARN & GO WITH DR. LAURIE
In this Learn & Go, we explore meditation and how to get started on a daily routine of meditating.
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Thanks for joining me today for another Learn & Go! Today we explore a simple relaxation technique that dates back to ancient times - Meditation!
Learn how to get the most out of your day, be more productive, less stressed, and more calm.
Can you spare a few minutes out of each morning to center yourself and start the day in a calm, clear state of mind?
Today’s technology and connected world makes it easy for us to meditate with others even if they aren’t in our physical presence!
Resources mentioned in this Learn & Go with Laurie:
MettaPets Veterinarian Wellness Network - https://www.mettapetsvetwellness.com/ - includes open-access resources for veterinarians as well as options such as MasterClass Trainings, webinars, community discussion and more
VIN - Veterinary Information Network - https://www.vin.com/vin/
Headspace - https://www.headspace.com/
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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relax! session 1: LEARN & GO WITH DR. LAURIE
This Learn & Go is the first in a series about learning how to relax when in the presence of clients and patients.
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Thanks for joining me for another Learn and Go with Laurie! Today’s session is the start of a new series geared towards helping ourselves, our clients, and our patients to relax.
Body language speaks volumes to our patients. Learn what you can do immediately to take pressure off of your patient.
Don’t underestimate the power of breathing! Our canine patients pick up on our breathing patterns.
Watch the video to learn a quick and easy way to achieve calmness through breathing!
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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Laser spotlight on 915 NM wavelength: LEARN & GO WITH DR. LAURIE
This Learn & Go with Laurie is focused on the studies I found about the 915nm wavelength laser.
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Thanks for joining us for another Learn and Go with Laurie! In today’s session, I am discussing all the studies I could find relating to 915nm wavelength laser therapy.
The first study looked at human fibroblasts being treated with varying J/cm², treatments with both CW and PW. Only the lowest amount of total energy showed promise.
The second study looked at effectiveness on human osteoblasts and bone healing. With these variables it showed that the 915nm wavelength achieved an increase in mineralization, but not in cell proliferation.
The final study I reviewed examined 108 rats and wound healing. The daily treatment group showed the most healing over the initial week, closer to day 14 the groups were more closely matched, and there was a surprising difference in the laser vs control group.
Ready to get optimum, life-changing results with your laser? join mY Optimum Laser Therapy online course + community.
*Pet parents, please note that this video was created for veterinary professionals. Your pet should always be examined, diagnosed, and treated by a licensed veterinary professional.
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