This is another status update on Sherman’s torn ACL. I have had wonderful feedback from interested readers about sharing Sherman’s journey with his injury, so I will continue to share as long as it is welcomed.
Geesh, it’s already been just about 5 months since Sherman tore his cruciate ligament in his right knee and at the same time we learned that he had a partial tear in his left knee. You can read all about it here, here, here AND here.
Last week Sherman had his 5th laser treatment and the awesome news is that the good vet said that both knees are now stable, range of motion is great and the swelling is gone!
We will still continue the laser treatments but instead of having them done every 7-10 days we will do them every 3-4 weeks and see how things go.
Just to reiterate here is what we are looking for the laser therapy to do with Sherman:
- Reduce pain and discomfort in a natural way
- Speed healing
- Increase mobility and motion in his joints
- Reduce swelling
How does it work?
- The laser sends a beam of light energy deep into the tissues of the body.
- This energy has several effects – it reduces inflammation and stimulates the immune system, and it increases blood flow to the area being treated, all of which speed healing.
- The light energy also causes the body to produce endorphins – the body’s natural pain relieving chemicals.
- Some laser machines, like the one that is being used for Sherman, also have an attachment which can direct a fine beam of light energy. Vets may use this to stimulate acupuncture points, and use it as an alternative to acupuncture needles.
The laser therapy will NOT repair his torn ACL. It is torn and will remain that way. What is happening is that scar tissue is forming outside of the joint which is helping to stabilize the knee. The laser treatment is suppose to be assisting in that process by making the tissue heal quicker and stronger, with hopes that the arthritis in the knee will be kept to a minimal for quite some time.
