About fifteen years ago, when I was attending school for equine acupressure (which is like acupuncture but without needles), I discovered another non-invasive modality known as red light therapy. Because red light therapy is commonly used in conjunction with acupressure, my interest was piqued. I eventually bought a red light tool and began using it as part of my acupressure services.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light is low-intensity light, used mainly at one wavelength (660nm). It’s emitted from super-luminous light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that painlessly penetrate the skin in order to bring about specific physiological responses in the body.
Red light therapy is a form of phototherapy, which has been used since the late 1800s. In fact, Danish doctor Niels Finsen won the 1903 Nobel Prize for his work in treating smallpox and lupus with phototherapy.
Much of Finsen’s work was forgotten after the discovery of antibiotics. Still, by the 1960s, red light therapy and other forms of phototherapy re-emerged in Europe for treating chronic pain, arthritis, joint problems, soft-tissue injuries, as well as other medical ailments in people. It soon gained popularity in the U.S. for treating joint and soft tissue injuries in horses as well.
How is Red Light Therapy Used?
Red light therapy is commonly used by both professionals and horse owners alike. Anyone can purchase a red light tool, and there are several different brands to choose from on the market. Red light wraps and blankets are also popular now, though pricey. Horses seem to find red light therapy soothing and tolerate it well. This therapy can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments.
Red light therapy is known to decrease healing time, reduce inflammation, and lead to higher production of collagen. One study showed that red light therapy helped to speed healing in horses with bowed tendons, for example.
Equine conditions commonly treated with red light therapy include:
- Sore muscles
- Muscle injuries
- Navicular
- Laminitis
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Arthritis
Red light therapy shouldn’t be viewed as a cure-all, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t benefit horses and people.
Have you used red light therapy for your horse or yourself? If so, feel free to share your experience in the comments!
Enjoy this blog post? We think you may like Have You Checked Your Horse’s Vital Signs Recently? by Brittany Madonia.
