Although therapeutic lasers have been used on equine athletes since the 1970s, the original lasers used until a few years ago lacked the necessary power for proper healing, usually had improper wave lengths and the application of a therapeutic dosage was insufficient to promote healing within the horse's tissues and limbs.
Better horse health
Class IV therapeutic lasers have now become an essential tool in modern equine practice.
This lack of success changed with the innovative technology developing within the industry, and class IV therapeutic lasers have now become an essential tool in modern equine practice.
The application of deep-penetrating therapeutic laser therapy works through a "stimulated photo biochemical cascade of events at the cellular level," resulting in relief of pain, a reduction in inflammation and an increase in micro circulation. The result is an accelerated restoration of function or healing within the tissues of the horse's body and limbs.
By combining deep-penetrating laser therapy with traditional therapeutic regimens recovery time of many common lameness disorders in horses is now accelerated.
Combined with pharmacological approaches and rehabilitative physical therapy techniques, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy and underwater treadmills, complement each other to reach the unique therapeutic goal for each equine patient.
The top clinical applications for deep penetrating laser therapy cover four broad areas where photobiomodulation is of great benefit to the equine athlete by:
- Accelerating rehabilitation and healing of many common lameness disorders.
- Maintaining peak performance within any equine athletic discipline.
- Preventing the occurrence or recurrence of athletic injuries.
- Working as an essential component of stem cell and PRP treatment protocols.
Several of the most common applications of laser therapy for the treatment of lameness disorders include:
- Tendon and suspensory injuries such as tears, tendonitis and desmitis
- Synovitis and tenosynovitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Back disorders
- Wound healing
To be used effectively laser therapy is performed in a calm environment on a calm horse. Sedation is usually not necessary or recommended due to the vascular effects of sedation. Protective eyewear is worn by all, including the horse if the laser is being used around its face.
The light is applied perpendicular to the skin surface. The entire circumference of the area of interest is treated. Often the area is put through a range of motion or a massage ball is used to make sure the treatment is successfully.
Records are kept on treatments given and the area of injury is worked up as needed for both diagnostic and response to treatment purposes.
Use of the class IV laser is now a scientifically proven healing modality favored by many equine veterinarians. Laser therapy brings another tool to the veterinarian's practice for disorders such as chronically sore backs or repetitive cases of lameness, as well as wound healing and other horse health problems where quicker is better, and sustained relief is important.