Conclusion: Precision in Practice Laser therapy is defined not by the device, but by the practitioner’s ability to apply accurate, evidence-based parameters. The CWIDER framework offers Veterinary Physiotherapists a structured, clinically grounded, and research-aligned guideline for safe and effective treatment. By understanding how CWIDER interacts, practitioners can move beyond assumptions, presets, or manufacturer defaults and instead deliver treatments with intention, consistency, and therapeutic relevance.
Hamblin, M.R. (2016) Handbook of Low-Level Laser Therapy. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. Hamblin, M.R. (2018) ‘Mechanisms and dose–response of photobiomodulation therapy’, Photochemistry and Photobiology, 94(2), pp. 199–212. Hawkins, D. & Abrahamse, H. (2006) ‘Effect of multiple exposures of low-level laser therapy on the cellular responses of wounded human skin fibroblasts’, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 24(6), pp. 705–714.
CWIDER empowers Veterinary Physiotherapists to deliver PBM that is safer, more consistent, and more effective, ultimately improving outcomes and enhancing animal welfare. As formalised education becomes embedded across the profession, laser therapy progresses from a simple adjunct to a core component of modern veterinary rehabilitation practice.
Hashmi, J.T., Huang, Y.Y., Sharma, S.K., Kurup, D.B., De Taboada, L., Carroll, J.D. & Hamblin, M.R. (2010) ‘Role of dose and penetration depth in photobiomodulation therapy’, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 28(S1), pp. S147–S156.
For practitioners wishing to deepen their clinical reasoning and refine parameter-based decision making, further resources and training can be found at:
Huang, Y.Y., Chen, A.C., Carroll, J.D. & Hamblin, M.R. (2009) ‘Biphasic dose response in low level light therapy’, Dose-Response, 7(4), pp. 358–383.
Precision Animal Laser Academy (Level 4 OFQUAL Qualifications & CPD)
IEC (2014) Safety of Laser Products – Part 1: Equipment Classification and Requirements. Geneva: International Electrotechnical Commission.
Social Education - @EmilyAshdown-TheLaserTrainer
Hode, L. & Tuner, J. (2014) The New Laser Therapy Handbook. Grängesberg: Prima Books.
By integrating CWIDER into everyday practice, you ensure each treatment is delivered with precision, purpose, and best-practice clinical standards.
Jenkins, P.A. & Carroll, J.D. (2011) ‘How to report low-level laser therapy (LLLT) dose parameters’, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 29(12), pp. 785–787.
References
Joensen, J., Demmink, J.H., Johnson, M.I. & Iversen, V.V. (2012) ‘The depth of penetration of 810 and 904 nm lasers in a rat model’, Lasers in Medical Science, 27(2), pp. 373–378.
Anders, J.J., Lanzafame, R.J. & Arany, P.R. (2016) ‘Comparison of light penetration of continuous wave 810 nm and superpulsed 904 nm laser light through soft tissues’, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 34(8), pp. 418–424. Anders, J.J., Wu, X., Taboada, L.D. & Santiago, L.Y. (2016) ‘Comparison of light penetration of continuous wave 810 nm and superpulsed 904 nm laser light through animal tissue’, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 34(9), pp. 418–424. Brondon, P., Stadler, I. & Lanzafame, R.J. (2005) ‘Bacterial infrared laser penetration enhanced by skin contact’, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 36(2), pp. 159–164. Chung, H., Dai, T., Sharma, S.K., Huang, Y.Y., Carroll, J.D. & Hamblin, M.R. (2012) ‘The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy’, Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 40(2), pp. 516–533.
Karu, T.I. (1999) ‘Primary and secondary mechanisms of action of visible to near-IR radiation on cells’, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 49(1), pp. 1–17. Karu, T.I. & Pyatibrat, L.V. (2011) ‘Cellular membranes in photobiomodulation’, Photochemistry and Photobiology, 87(5), pp. 1233–1243. Kolari, P.J. (1985) ‘Penetration of unfocused laser light into the skin’, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 5(1), pp. 49–55. Miller, E., et al. (2020) ‘Photobiomodulation therapy protocols and outcome in canine degenerative myelopathy: a retrospective analysis’, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Coates, J.R. (2006) ‘Cold laser therapy in veterinary medicine’, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 36(6), pp. 1207–1220.
Mordon, S., Brisot, D. & Fournier, N. (1999) ‘Using laserinduced autofluorescence to predict the efficiency of laser treatments: influence of skin pigmentation’, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 25(3), pp. 288–293.
de Freitas, L.F. & Hamblin, M.R. (2016) ‘Photobiomodulation and mitochondria’, Photochemistry and Photobiology, 92(2), pp. 256–261.
Riegel, R.J. & Godbold, J.C. (2017) Laser Therapy in Veterinary Medicine: Photobiomodulation. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Blackwell.
The magazine of the Professionals in Animal Therapy I Four Front
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