Here are the 10 Key-points you need to be able to compare Veterinary Therapy Lasers (also called Cold Lasers or High-Intensity laser therapy) and get the most out of your investment.
Understanding the differences between therapy lasers on the market is not straightforward. Getting confused is easy because lasers come in a wide range of prices.
1- Power
There are 2 types of power given by manufacturers:
– Maximum Average power
This is the “real” power that the laser is capable to deliver at any time and for any duration. Practically, as a professional, you will need a powerful laser so you can apply the right amount of energy needed at the right depth in a reasonable amount of time (3-5 minutes). The reason for this is that as a professional you simply can’t hold a laser on a patient for 30-45 minutes in order to deliver the right dose.
– Maximum Peak power
This is the power that the laser is able to generate during an extremely short time (nanosecond).
2- Number of wavelengths available
Therapy lasers use different wavelengths ranging from 660nm (visible red color) to 1064nm (invisible infrared) in order to specifically target beneficial chromophores to induce photochemical reactions. Wavelengths also determine laser energy’s depth of penetration in tissue.
Different wavelengths target different chromophores:
- 660nm: Melanin
- 800nm: Cytochrome c Oxidase
- 905nm: Hemoglobin
- 970nm: Water
3- Pulsing frequencies
During a laser therapy session, specific pulsing frequencies are used to target different tissue types in a given area/volume. A good therapy laser should offer treatment protocols with different phases at different frequencies:
- Bone/cartilage: Continuous Wave (CW) and very low frequencies
- Connective tissues (tendon/ligament): Low frequencies
- Muscles: Medium frequencies
- Open wound: High frequencies
- Nerves: Very high frequencies (up to 20,000Hz)
4- User interface and veterinary protocols
In order to enhance the user experience and to give your staff the opportunity to consistently deliver the optimal treatments, a clear and easy but complete interface is necessary. This interface should offer specific veterinary protocols according to the animal’s coat darkness, weight, and treated area.
5- Ability to update
The ability to update the software of your laser is an important topic because laser therapy evolves a lot. When more efficient protocols are created you definitely want to be able to use them for your patients. A serious laser company should be able to provide you with the latest protocols in their new software for you to download and install on your laser through the Wi-Fi interface of the laser.
6- Usage Tracking of the laser treatments
In order to manage your patients better and understand the financial return of your investment, an online interface is very useful to track the usage of your laser. Thanks to Wi-Fi modern lasers are now connected and update your treatment history in real-time.
7- Warranty on the laser
Check out what is really covered by the warranty and how long the warranty lasts. The industry standard is 1 or 2 years. Top-quality lasers like K-laser will offer 4-years.
8- Where is the laser made?
The quality of a laser is given by the quality of its components and the technology used. Most lasers are actually made in developing countries which helps to reduce the price but as a general rule of thumb: You get what you pay for.
9- Does the laser have a Medical version?
The Veterinary industry is not regulated like the Medical industry when equipment is concerned. The best way to ensure that you are getting quality equipment is to purchase the Veterinary version of Medical equipment especially if this equipment is sold in the EU. The EU requires extremely strict certifications for Medical equipment therefore the Veterinary version of Medical equipment will be engineered to the same high standards. It is recommended to avoid equipment that does not satisfy EU standards.
10- Training, education, and support
A laser is an important investment for a Vet practice. A good laser is an expensive device but it is certainly one of the most profitable if implemented correctly in your practice. For this reason, it is important to choose a laser that comes together with a great staff and marketing training option. Then your team will know how to use the laser to its full potential, how to prescribe it and how to offer it to your pet owners so your patients can benefit the most of its amazing capabilities.