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Veterinary Acupuncture & Laser Therapy
Gentle, integrative care for pain, mobility, and recovery.
VMC offers veterinary acupuncture and companion laser therapy alongside the rest of the care we provide. For a lot of pets, these therapies help take the edge off pain and make moving around easier, often with less medication.
A Whole-Patient Approach
How Integrative Care Fits In
Every pet is different, and so is every recovery. Acupuncture and laser therapy give us a few more non-invasive tools to manage pain, bring down inflammation, and support healing. They usually are not a stand-alone fix. They work best as part of a plan, alongside your pet's diagnosis and the rest of their care, which is why we use them together with our general practice, surgery, and emergency services.
Both are gentle and well-tolerated. It is common for a pet to settle in and rest through a session.
Veterinary Acupuncture
An Old Therapy With Real Uses Today
Acupuncture uses very thin, sterile needles placed at specific points to stimulate the nervous system, improve circulation, and support the body's own ability to manage pain and heal. It has been used for thousands of years and is now a common part of integrative veterinary medicine. The needles are tiny, the process is gentle, and a lot of animals get calm or sleepy during treatment. Acupuncture can help pets dealing with:
Companion Laser Therapy
Targeted Light That Supports Healing
Laser therapy uses focused light to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and support healing at the cellular level. It is non-invasive, painless, and needs no sedation. Most sessions take a few minutes with no downtime afterward.
Laser therapy is often used for: Arthritis and joint pain, Post-surgical incision healing, Wounds, hot spots, and skin conditions, Sprains, strains, and soft-tissue injuries, Inflammation and swelling, Ear infections, and other localized pain
It pairs easily with acupuncture and the rest of your pet's care.
What to Expect
Trying something new for your pet can feel unfamiliar, so here is what happens.
The first visit starts with a consultation. Dr. Goldrick reviews your pet's history and current medications, talks through what you are hoping to help with, and figures out whether acupuncture, laser therapy, or both makes sense. Because these work best alongside a diagnosis, we coordinate with your regular veterinarian so the full picture guides the plan.
Sessions happen in a calm, quiet setting. Most pets relax during treatment, and you are welcome to stay with them. Many conditions do best with a short series of visits that space out as your pet improves.
Frequently Asked Questions
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For most pets, the needles go in with little to no discomfort, and once they are placed, there should not be any. Many pets relax or fall asleep during a session.
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Yes, when it is done by a trained veterinarian as part of a real diagnosis. It is used to support your pet's medical care, not replace it.
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It depends on the problem. Something acute may respond quickly. A chronic issue like arthritis often does better with a series of visits over time.
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Yes. These therapies are meant to work alongside your pet's current treatment, and we coordinate with your veterinarian.
Kenneth Goldrick, DVM
General Practice & Integrative Medicine
Dr. Ken Goldrick provides acupuncture and integrative care at VMC. He has training in veterinary acupuncture and is known for a patient, hands-on approach, the kind of veterinarian who gets down on the floor to work with a nervous pet.
Is Acupuncture or Laser Therapy Right for Your Pet?
If your pet is dealing with arthritis, chronic pain, a nerve condition, or a slow recovery, these therapies may help them feel more comfortable and move more easily. We are glad to talk through whether they are a good fit and what a plan might look like.
Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch
15205 Garnet Trail, Bradenton, FL 34211
Phone: (941) 739-1800
Hours: Open 24 hours a day