Professional Pet Acupuncture and Laser
Treatments

Get Quality Acupuncture for Your Pet

Here at Murfreesboro Animal Clinic, we do have doctors that have obtained specialized training to practice acupuncture for select cases of lower back and herniated disc pain.

What Is It?

Acupuncture and various other versions of acutherapy are among the oldest medical procedures in recorded history. The original theories of traditional Chinese medicine formed the basis of acupuncture - needling certain spots on the body regulated the flow of “Chi” (energy), which flowed through and nourished the tissues and organs. Today, we do not have a full understanding of the neurologic or biochemical basis of acupuncture, but that is changing as the results of studies are published on a regular basis.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

In traditional Oriental medicine, “Chi” ran through channels (called meridians), which can be thought of as rivers of energy. These rivers can become blocked like a dam, and needling releases the obstruction. In modern scientific terms, needling specific points leads to the release of chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemical mediators can change the perception of pain and lead to release of other chemical mediators that influence organ function. This improved “chemical communication” stimulates healing.

What Will Happen During Acupuncture Treatments?

Acupuncture treatments are usually well tolerated by animals. Most veterinarians will want your animal as relaxed as possible, and therapy may lead to further relaxation. Acupuncture needles are very thin, solid, sterile needles. Needle insertion is usually not painful; however, certain points can be sensitive. Multiple acupuncture needles will be placed depending on the point prescription.

Some animals will become very quiet and even fall asleep during a treatment. Treatment time will vary depending on the animal, the acupuncture technique and the condition being treated. Acupuncture effects are cumulative so several treatments are usually necessary for chronic medical conditions, then tapered down as needed for maintenance. Acute conditions usually need fewer treatments.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Acupuncture can result in a relaxed state, which can be misinterpreted as lethargy or a worsening condition. This is temporary and indicates that the animal is indeed sensitive to the effects of acupuncture. Your veterinarian will adjust the treatment, if needed, at your next visit. Acupuncture needles are sterilized, so infection from the needle site is extremely rare.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is used to treat a variety of medical conditions in pets. Lasers are beams of light making frequencies that penetrate tissues and cause chemical reactions in targeted cells. These reactions, also known as photobiostimulation, shortens healing time, increases circulation, and decreases inflammation and pain. Laser light causes the release of endorphins that act as painkillers and antiinflammatories. Control of inflammation is important in allowing tissues to heal. During your pet's laser therapy session the laser operator and your pet will wear protective eye coverings. The therapy session involves moving the laser “wand” over the treatment area to deliver the laser to affected tissues. This usually takes somewhere between 10-30 minutes.

Treatments usually starts out a few times per week then decrease as healing progresses. Studies have been done to show that laser therapy is scientifically proven to help reduce pain, swelling, and speed up recovery time. Laser therapy provides a surgery-free, drug-free way to treat a variety of conditions that involves stimulating the body to heal itself. In some dogs, the effectiveness of laser therapy can be seen shortly after treatment is initiate. Multiple treatments may be required before noticeable improvement occurs. Used postoperatively, laser therapy can reduce the risk of complications. It has also been shown to have long lasting effects on conditions with less chance of recurrence of the condition. Ask us if you feel laser therapy could benefit your pet.

Laser Treatment Services

We offer cold laser therapy service for many issues including:

Arthritis
Lick granulomas
Muscular problems
Wound healing
Dental care and many other problems

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615-893-0825

We have years of experience and offer you wide variety of services. Our caring staff is well trusted and respected in the community. Our facility is equipped with all the modern medical techniques.