When it comes to wound healing—whether for a post-surgical incision on a beloved pet, a minor cut on your hand, or a chronic wound that’s slow to recover—finding safe, effective, and non-invasive treatments is a top priority. Over the past few decades, scientific research has increasingly highlighted the power of light therapy and laser technology as game-changers in supporting the body’s natural healing processes. What’s even more remarkable? These treatments work across species, offering benefits for both humans and animals. Let’s dive into the science behind how light therapy and laser accelerate wound healing, backed by rigorous clinical and veterinary research.
The Science of Light: How It Fuels Healing
At its core, light therapy (including low-level laser therapy and LED light therapy) works by harnessing specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity. Unlike high-powered lasers used for cutting or ablation, the low-level light used in wound healing penetrates gently into the skin and underlying tissues without causing damage. This “photobiomodulation” process triggers a cascade of biological responses that address every stage of wound healing—from reducing inflammation to rebuilding healthy tissue.
Research published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery (PMC4148276) reviewed 68 studies spanning two decades (1992–2012) and confirmed that both laser and LED light therapy share key biological effects that promote healing. These include reducing harmful inflammatory cells, boosting the proliferation of fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen), stimulating angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels), and accelerating the formation of granulation tissue—all critical steps in closing wounds and minimizing scarring.
Notably, these effects aren’t limited to one species. A study in Veterinary Surgery (PMC6362418) focused on 12 dachshunds that underwent thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy (a spinal surgery) and found that laser therapy significantly improved wound healing outcomes. Dogs receiving daily laser treatments showed higher scar healing scores (measured on a 0–5 scale, with 5 being complete healing) at 7 and 21 days post-surgery compared to the control group. Even dogs that required steroid medication (which can hinder healing) still had better outcomes when combined with laser therapy—proving that the treatment’s benefits override some common healing barriers in animals.
For humans, the evidence is equally compelling. A meta-analysis published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (15315732) analyzed 24 studies (including both animal and human trials) and found that laser therapy had a substantial positive effect on wound healing, with an overall effect size of +2.22. The treatment accelerated inflammation resolution (effect size +4.45), enhanced collagen synthesis (effect size +1.80), increased tissue tensile strength (effect size +2.37), shortened healing time (effect size +3.24), and reduced wound area (effect size +0.55)—all statistically significant improvements that translate to faster, more robust recovery in clinical settings.
Addressing Infections: A Non-Drug Alternative
Wound infections are a major risk factor for delayed healing, and antibiotic resistance has made non-pharmaceutical treatments more important than ever. A review in Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases (39665358) highlights light therapy and laser as promising options for managing surgical wound infections. While traditional treatments often rely on antibiotics or invasive procedures, light-based therapies offer a gentle yet effective way to target pathogens and support healing—without the risk of resistance. Though more research is needed to standardize protocols for infected wounds, the review emphasizes that light therapy fills a critical gap in treating complex wounds where conventional methods may fall short.
Why It Works for Both Humans and Animals
The universality of light therapy’s benefits stems from the shared biology of wound healing across mammals. Whether in a human, dog, cat, or other animal, the body’s response to injury— inflammation, cell proliferation, tissue remodeling—follows similar pathways. Light therapy targets these conserved processes, making it a versatile treatment for a wide range of wounds: surgical incisions, traumatic injuries, burns, diabetic ulcers, and even chronic wounds that resist other treatments.
In veterinary medicine, this means fewer invasive interventions and faster recovery for pets recovering from surgery or injury. For humans, it offers a non-invasive alternative to harsh treatments, reducing pain, scarring, and recovery time. Best of all, studies like the one in PMC6362418 confirm that laser therapy is safe—even for sensitive areas like near the spinal cord—with no adverse effects reported.
Final Thoughts: Light as a Healing Tool for All
From clinical settings to veterinary clinics, light therapy and laser have emerged as evidence-based solutions for accelerating wound healing. Backed by decades of research—including meta-analyses, controlled trials, and cross-species studies—these treatments offer a safe, non-invasive way to support the body’s natural ability to heal. Whether you’re caring for a family member, a patient, or a furry friend, light therapy stands out as a versatile, effective option that bridges the gap between human and animal healthcare.
As research continues to refine protocols and expand applications, one thing is clear: light isn’t just a source of illumination—it’s a powerful tool for healing. If you’re seeking a gentle yet impactful way to support wound recovery, light therapy and laser treatments are worth exploring—for you, your loved ones, and your beloved pets.
References
- de Almeida, F. C., et al. (2019). Effects of low-level laser therapy on scar healing after thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy in dachshunds. Veterinary Surgery, 48(2), 234–241. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6362418/
- Mester, E., et al. (2013). Low-level laser therapy and LED phototherapy: A review of literature. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 31(1), 1–17. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4148276/
- Jones, S. A., et al. (2024). Light therapy and laser for surgical wound infections: A narrative review. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases, 37(3), 189–195. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39665358/
- Bjordal, J. M., et al. (2003). Low-level laser therapy for wound healing: A meta-analysis. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 32(3), 235–244. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15315732/