Last month, Juliet’s arthritis was getting worse. I noticed it when she couldn’t climb the one step to the porch after she’d finished doing her business and that was worrying because having arthritis was bad enough but more decline was really bad. A chance meeting with someone at an event brought me to Sydney Chik, certified canine rehab practitioner who recommended laser therapy as well as physiotherapy sessions, stretching and massage would no doubt be of benefit to poor Juliet.

Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser therapy is the use of specific wavelengths of light to treat painful and debilitating conditions. How it works is that light energy (photons) enter the damaged cells and stimulates inter-cellular activity. This reduces pain in the area and speeds up recovery of the damaged cells. This treatment is used for conditions such as tendonitis, arthritis, muscle strain or sprain, wounds, disc disease, lameness.

During the laser therapy, Sydney applied the laser to Juliet’s hind legs which are creaky and weak. Sydney said that Juliet would feel a warm and comforting sensation. Juliet needs pain relief fast as I could tell it was bothering her at night when she would find it difficult to turn over. It’s sad to watch your pet suffering.

The laser treatment lasts about 15 minutes and then Sydney did some stretching and massage for Juliet. This is also something I can do for her on a daily basis. I could tell Juliet was in good hands. Sydney has been at this work for the past 3 years so has plenty of experience with dogs who have the same condition as Juliet.

Sometimes medication for arthritis is not enough and I am glad to have found out about Sydney as it brings my geriatric dog some level of comfort. I don’t expect Juliet to ever run around again but it’s nice to see her being more comfortable.