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Red light therapy for horses

Red light therapy for horses is an accessible way to support the body’s natural healing process. It is also known as photobiomodulation and uses red and near-infrared light to influence cellular processes.


This form of light therapy for horses can be used, amongst other things, for muscle recovery, injuries, joint problems, wounds and post-exercise recovery. On this page, you can read about how red light works, what the science says about it and how you can use it on your horse.

Why is red light therapy good for horses?

Red light therapy can help horses recover from physical effort, injuries and certain complaints or diseases. The light can be used to support and help recover muscles, tendons, joints, wounds and different tissues.

Horses are subjected to physical strain whilst exercising and moving. Especially sport horses need to have a good recovery. Light therapy helps to stimulate the biological processes in the body that are involved in energy production and the recovery process of the cells. Of course, red light therapy can also help for leasure and elderly horses.

How does red light therapy work?

Red light therapy uses red and near infrared light (NIR) to stimulate the cellulair processes in the body. The red light is absorbed by the cells and can influence the biological processes. A very important component are the mitochondria, the cells' power stations.

When the red light influences the cellulair processes, it influences the energy production of different processes that are involved with the natural recovery of the body. This is also known as photobiomodulation. The PowerCure Pro lasers uses red ad near-infrared light. These wavelengths have unique properties, enabling the red light to stimulate the tissues at different depths.

Red light VS near-infrared light

Red light: has a shorter wavelength and is absorbed more superficially within the tissue.

Near-infrared: has a longer wavelength and penetrates deeper into the tissues.

Both types of light can stimulate cellular processes and are therefore used during laser sessions. The PowerCure Pro laser combines red and near-infrared light, enabling different tissues within the treatment area to be targeted in a single session.

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What does science say about red light therapy for horses?

Numerous scientific studies have been carried out into the effects of red light therapy and photobiomodulation in horses. These studies show particularly promising results. Most studies focus, amongst other things, on the recovery of muscle function, tendons, ligaments, joints, pain, wound healing and inflammatory processes.


Most studies test different wavelengths, dosages, treatment durations and methods. Are you curious about specific studies? You’ll find these a little further on in this article.

What is red light therapy used for in horses?

This form of light therapy is used on horses to aid recovery from ailments, conditions and physical strain. It can be used, for example, on muscles, tendons, joints and wounds. In veterinary medicine, photobiomodulation is also used to treat pain, inflammation and to aid skin repair. You can use laser therapy on horses for the following conditions.

1. Muscles and muscle recovery

For tired muscles, tension, overexertion and recovery following injuries or physical exertion.

2. Problems with joints, ligaments and tendons

The treatment of various injuries in horses. These include tendon and ligament injuries, joint problems, stiffness, recovery from long-standing issues, as well as conditions such as kissing spines and osteoarthritis.

3. Injuries, swelling and bruises

Red light therapy can also help with general injuries and complaints, such as bruises, swelling and overexertion.

4. Recovery after training and exercise

This form of light therapy is well suited to supporting recovery following exercise, training and competitions in sport horses.

5. Wounds and skin repair

Red light also helps to restore the skin barrier. It can therefore aid the healing process for wounds and certain skin conditions.

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How do you use red light therapy on your horse?

Photobiomodulation is easy to use on horses. You can apply the PowerCure Pro to the area of the body that requires treatment. In addition, the laser can even be used before exercise to prevent injuries and stiffness. You can also use the Multifunctional Laser, which is designed for professional use. This is a powerful red light therapy device that delivers a potent and professional treatment.

How do you use the PowerCure Pro for your horse?

The PowerCure Pro can be used to treat a wide range of ailments and conditions in horses. For example, it can not only provide support for injuries, but also aid with wound healing or age-related issues. Below you can read about various ways in which you can use the PowerCure Pro. In addition, the PowerCure Pro can also be used for conditions not listed here. If you’re unsure whether you can use the PowerCure for your horse’s condition, please get in touch with us.

Laminitis

Information and a treatment protocol for the PowerCure Pro for laminitis.

Kissing spines

Information and treatment protocol for the PowerCure Pro for kissing spines.

Scientific studies on horses

Since 1980, various studies have been published about the effect of photobiomodulation on horses. We've put a number of important studies below.

1. Research into photobiomodulation and muscle function

A 2021 study demonstrates that low-level laser therapy improves muscle function. The study involved testing the back and gluteal muscles of eight horses.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33663728/

2. Research into recovery after exercise and the performance of sport horses

In this study, twelve Quarter Horses were examined to assess the effect of laser therapy before or after exercise. The results showed changes in cortisol levels and other physiological parameters, leading the researchers to conclude that low-level laser therapy may be beneficial for the performance of sport horses.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7697320/

3. Research into tendon and ligament injuries

A clinical study has shown that high-power laser therapy produces positive results and promotes healing in tendon and ligament injuries. In this study, 12 warm-blooded horses were treated with this form of laser therapy.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7494822/

4. Research into chronic back pain in horses

In an earlier study from 1987, 14 horses with chronic back pain were treated with a near-infrared laser. After a number of treatments, the clinical signs of back pain had improved in 10 of the 14 horses. Nine of the ten horses that were still training and competing continued to perform at an acceptable level in the following year.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2976547/

FAQs about horses

Yes. You can easily apply red light therapy on your horse. The PowerCure Pro is developed for self-use on humans and animals.

How often you use red light therapy always depends on the application. In most cases, daily used is advised, gradually reducing this to a few times a week. Always follow the recommended treatment protocol for the specific application.

Yes. Red light therapy can be part of the recovery proces around training or exercise. You can use the PowerCure Pro both before and after physical effort.

Yes. Red light therapy can be used to support muscle recovery following exercise, overexertion or an injury. Research on horses shows that photobiomodulation affects various aspects of muscle function.

Yes. Red light therapy can be very effective for elderly horses as support for stiffness, joint complaints and other age-related ailments.

Yes. Photobiomodulation is used in horses to treat, amongst other things, muscle, tendon, ligament and joint injuries.

Red light therapy can be used for, amongst other things:

  • Tendon injuries
  • Ligament injuries
  • Muscle injuries and strains
  • Bruising
  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Overuse
  • Laminitis
  • Swelling
  • Wounds
  • Back injuries
  • Kissing spines
  • Joint injuries
  • Tendonitis
  • Osteoarthritis and joint wear and tear
  • Stiffness after exercise or injury

Are you not sure if you can use red light therapy for the injury or complaint of your horse? Please don't hesitate to contact us.

Yes. Red light therapy can be used as a complementary treatment alongside other treatments or medication. It is not a substitute for treatment recommended by a vet. If you are unsure whether you can use red light therapy alongside other treatments, please consult your vet or contact us.

Red light therapy and laser therapy both fall under the umbrella of photobiomodulation. The differences lie, amongst other things, in the type of light source, the wavelength and the power of the device.

Yes. The PowerCure Pro can also be used as part of a regular recovery routine following training and physical exertion.

Safety and responsible use of red light

Red light therapy for horses is easy and non-invasive to administer. However, it is important to use the laser correctly:

  • Avoid the eyes – both your own and the horse’s – and use the safety goggles provided if necessary.
  • Use the correct settings and follow the recommended protocol. If you are unsure about the correct treatment protocol, please check the applications section or contact us.
  • This form of light therapy is used as a complementary treatment. This means it can also be used alongside other treatments or medication. It is not a substitute for treatment recommended by a vet.