KEEPING HIM COMFY l RED LIGHT THERAPY
Equine photonic red light therapy is a useful tool that therapists swear by, saying that it stimulates healing and helps to alleviate various ailments. Emily Bevan finds out all about it
EXCITEMENT EXISTS AROUND the potential of equine photonic red light therapy (RLT), a relatively recent discovery in therapeutic techniques that is proving to be a useful aid in the treatment of disease and injury, as well as in the advancement of self-healing and in the reduction of pain via the application of light.
“Red light therapy stands as an innovative and promising addition to equine healthcare. Its non-invasive nature, coupled with its demonstrated efficacy in promoting healing and managing various conditions, makes it a valuable tool in enhancing the wellbeing and performance of horses,” says Alison Gregg, an equine therapist at Meadowbrook Equine Therapy.
“As research continues to unfold, red light therapy holds immense potential in revolutionising equine care, offering a gentle yet powerful approach to supporting these magnificent animals.”
RLT, which is also known as low level light laser therapy or photobiomodulation, emerged as a concept in the late 20th century, although its origins can be traced back thousands of years to the use of sunlight for therapeutic applications.
Following advancements in light therapy science and technology, the publication of pioneering clinical research and an increased curiosity around natural health, interest in RLT has spiked over the last few decades and it is proving to be a popular treatment method.
“Red light therapy has garnered attention for its ability to stimulate healing and alleviate various ailments in both humans and animals. When applied to equine care, this non-invasive treatment has demonstrated remarkable potential in supporting the wellbeing and recovery of horses,” continues Alison.
Red light therapy works by using low level wavelengths of red light and infrared light to penetrate through tissue depth and activate the mitochondria in cells, increasing blood flow and stimulating them to produce more energy, regenerate and recover more quickly.
CASE STUDY 1
Red light therapy was instrumental in helping Fiver, Christine Brailsford’s Falabella pony, recover from surgery to rectify the recurring dislocation of his near hind stifle joint.
Fiver received twice daily applications of RLT to his stifle joint and to the surgical site using a handheld unit over an eight-week period while he was on rehabilitation livery with Alison Gregg in September 2021.
“Fiver’s journey of box rest and controlled exercise, supplemented by red light therapy, resulted in
