RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio, July 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Veterinarian Dr. Jeffery A. Richman is raising awareness about the benefits of laser therapy for veterinary pain management. According to Dr. Richman, Class IV laser therapy helps pets with sprains and strains, arthritis, inflammation and post-surgical pain. Last year, Richman Animal Clinic became the first and only animal clinic in Northeast Ohio to offer this treatment. Since introducing laser therapy last year, the clinic has treated pets in Willoughby Hills, Highland Heights, Lake County, and Lyndhurst.
Dogs and cats suffering from sprains, strains, a torn ACL or other injuries may benefit from Class IV laser therapy. Dr. Jeffery A. Richman, a Willoughby Hills veterinarian and founder of Richman Animal Clinic, is encouraging pet owners to learn more about Richmond Heights pet laser therapy.
"At our own clinic, we've seen laser therapy make a dramatic improvement in pet's health conditions," said Dr. Richman. "After just one session, 50 percent of our pets show signs of improvement. After three or four treatments, over 90 percent of pets respond favorably."
According to Dr. Richman, the Class IV laser stimulates internal healing on the cellular level. Energy from the light promotes the cellular production of the hormone ATP (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate), which is essential to helping cells repair damage. Increased ATP production speeds the healing process, with pets recovering from sprains or strains three to five times faster. Dr. Richman says the treatments are also useful for pets recovering from surgical operations, including surgery to treat a torn ACL.
"Arthritis is one of the main reasons we use laser therapy for pets, although pets suffering strains and sprains often respond very well to these treatments," said Dr. Richman. "I have used laser therapy on my own dog, Coop, because I have seen the effectiveness of this type of therapy."
Depending on a pet's injury rehabilitation needs, treatments sessions typically last between 15 and 20 minutes. Dr. Richman says that a series of sessions over several weeks produces optimal results.
"Our Class IV laser is calibrated for precise treatment and is entirely safe," said Dr. Richman. "For years, laser therapy has been used safely in humans to speed healing after an injury. We are excited to offer our pet owners this advanced form of veterinary care."
Dr. Richman has received special training to safely operate the Class IV laser, which is the most advanced laser available for veterinary care. "When compared with other laser treatments, Class IV lasers are able to better penetrate tissue with enhanced accuracy," said the veterinarian.
In addition to speeding healing following a strain or sprain, Dr. Richman recommends laser therapy for treating hot spots, disc problems, and surgical wounds. Pet owners interested in this therapy can watch a video of Dr. Richman performing laser therapy on his own dog Coop.
The Richmond Heights animal hospital provides wellness care, pet vaccinations and surgical procedures.
The Richman Animal Clinic logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13525