Cold Laser Therapy for Horses

Cold laser therapy, often called light therapy or low-level laser therapy, is increasingly being used to treat a variety of injuries and medical conditions in horses of all ages.

  1. Definition

    • Although many people think of lasers as cutting or surgical instruments, those for therapy use much lower power and a different wavelength. The term "cold therapy" is often used because these lasers do not heat up the surrounding tissues. Laser therapy usually makes use of light in the range of 400 to 1,200 nanometers, according to Foxden Equine. This means the light used for cold laser therapy is usually in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

    Uses

    • Cold laser therapy has proved useful in treating such conditions as pain and inflammation from arthritis, bruising, deep muscle problems, sprains, cuts, swelling and soreness, according to the Equine Light Therapy website. Hoof abscesses, bone chips, navicular problems and laminitis have also responded to this therapy.

    How It Works

    • It is believed that the energy produced by cold therapy is absorbed by the enzymes of the affected cells. These cells then show increased protein synthesis, activity in the cell nucleus and activation of cellular enzymes. This leads to increased collagen and epithelial production as well as reduced pain and inflammation.