Benefits Of Red Light Therapy For Horses
Red light therapy has garnered substantial popularity as a non-invasive therapeutic method for addressing various health issues. Its applications span from facilitating wound healing to mitigating muscle inflammation, exhibiting benefits for humans and animals. Among these beneficiaries, equine red light therapy has emerged as a prominent practice in supporting horse saddlery australia globally.
It’s virtually inevitable that most horses will experience injuries at some point. These injuries range from minor cuts to more severe soft tissue damage, affecting tendons or ligaments. Frequently, horses endure injuries or persistent discomfort in their joints and muscles, stemming either from acute injuries or prolonged athletic careers.
So for horse owners, red light therapy is a valuable resource, providing a secure and user-friendly solution for equine well-being. As caretakers of these majestic animals, we continually seek avenues to expedite healing and optimize their overall condition.
Laser light therapy for horses presents an effective avenue for horse owners to extend relief and address problems within their daily regimen. So, what exactly does red light therapy entail for horses, and how can it contribute to your horse’s vitality and well-being?
What is Red Light Therapy used for?
In human health, light therapy addresses a diverse range of medical conditions. These encompass back pain, arthritis, bursitis, muscle strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ), tendonitis, wounds, sciatica, and surgical incisions.
How Does It Work?
Infrared light therapy involves the utilization of specific light wavelengths directed toward areas of the body affected by injuries. These wavelengths are absorbed by photoreceptors within cells. Once absorbed, the energy from the light kickstarts a sequence of metabolic processes, initiating various natural cellular activities within the body.
A heightened blood flow to parts of the body facilitates the transportation of oxygen and nutrients to cells. Consequently, this therapy enhances the restoration of impaired tissues, reducing pain and eliminating dead or degenerated cells.
Equine red light therapy comprises two distinct medical-grade wavelengths: visible red light (660 nm) and invisible near-infrared light (850 nm). Together, these wavelengths penetrate varying tissue depths, positively influencing areas such as tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints, and soft tissue.
The amalgamation of these dual light therapies significantly enhances blood circulation in the illuminated regions. This results in amplified oxygen dispersion throughout the body, an increase in collagen, endorphin secretion, and capillary production. This intricate process is pivotal in removing waste substances from the body and facilitates localized healing.
Essentially, this therapy assists the body’s innate healing mechanisms, accelerating the healing process naturally and efficiently. Red light therapy for horses is beneficial for an array of conditions, including soft tissue injuries, inflammation, muscle tension, soreness, tendon or ligament problems, back and neck discomfort, joint pain, arthritis, as well as cuts, scrapes, and wounds.
What Red Light Therapy Does For Horses?
Red light therapy for horses absorbs multiple layers of the horse’s soft tissue, which speeds up the formation of new capillaries, resulting in increased circulation and blood flow. Collagen is also increased when using light therapy, which can result in reduced scar tissue build up during the healing process.
Common injuries that can benefit from red light therapy for horses are:
- Arthritis
- Laminitis
- Navicular
- Tendon Injuries
- Bone Bruising
- Splits
- Abscesses
- Muscle Strains and Swelling
- Inflammation
- Sore Backs
- Wounds, Abrasions, Cuts
Endorphins are also released during light therapy use which can help not only relax muscles and fight pain. However, some riders have reported it to have a natural calming effect on their horse, which is especially beneficial before training or competition.
Side Effects
Red-light therapy for horses is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, like any therapeutic modality, there are potential considerations and side effects to be aware of:
- Skin Sensitivity: Some horses might exhibit mild skin sensitivity or irritation after red-light therapy sessions. This is often temporary and can be managed by adjusting the intensity or duration of the therapy. Checking the horse’s skin before and after sessions can help monitor adverse reactions.
- Overexposure: While red-light therapy is generally safe, excessive or prolonged exposure to the light might have unintended effects. Following recommended treatment guidelines and not overusing the therapy can help prevent any potential adverse reactions.
- Heat Generation: Red-light therapy can lead to a slight increase in skin temperature due to the absorption of light energy. While this is usually minimal, it’s essential to monitor the horse’s comfort during the therapy to avoid overheating.
- Eye Protection: For the horse and the handler, it’s essential to ensure that the red light doesn’t shine directly into the horse’s or human’s eyes. Appropriate eye protection can mitigate any risk of eye discomfort or damage.
- Interaction with Medications: It’s advisable to consult a veterinarian before using red-light therapy alongside any medications the horse might be on. While interactions are rare, it’s always best to ensure no contraindications.
- Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, some horses might develop allergic reactions to the materials used in the red-light therapy devices, such as gels or pads. Monitoring the horse for any signs of irritation or allergic responses is essential.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Horses with certain pre-existing conditions, such as light sensitivity disorders, might need special consideration when undergoing red-light therapy. Consulting a veterinarian familiar with the horse’s medical history can help tailor the therapy to the individual’s needs.
How Often Should You Do Infrared Light Therapy?
The beauty of light therapy for horses lies in its versatility, as it can be administered daily. It is generally recommended to conduct 20 to 30-minute sessions once or twice daily.
- Before Exercise: Incorporate it into your pre-training routine to limber up tight muscles, tendons, and joints. Suppose your horse tends to experience stiffness, tension, or discomfort in areas like the back or neck, for instance. In that case, red-light therapy for horses can help them achieve a state of suppleness and readiness before entering the training arena.
- After Exercise: Integrate it post-exercise to aid their recovery from rigorous training, exercise, or competition. Using this light therapy for horses, you can facilitate their recuperation, preemptively alleviate soreness, and maintain a state of relaxation while keeping inflammation in check.
- Therapy Sessions: Incorporating red-light therapy into your horse’s regimen before a massage or other therapeutic interventions can enhance the effectiveness of those sessions. It assists in optimizing their overall well-being, relieving any potential discomfort, and promoting a relaxed state while counteracting inflammation.
Conclusion
The potential of red light therapy for horses is a remarkable avenue for equine care and well-being. The multifaceted benefits encompass accelerated healing of injuries, reduction of inflammation, mitigation of discomfort, and even the promotion of relaxation.
As with any therapy, careful consideration of individual needs and proper adherence to guidelines are crucial. Consulting with a knowledgeable veterinarian and monitoring the horse’s response to the therapy ensures a safe and optimized experience.
As the equestrian community continues to explore innovative ways to enhance horse health and performance, red light therapy offers a holistic and natural approach to supporting our equine companions on their journey to optimal well-being.
