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Shoulder bursitis is very unpleasant and often doesn’t go away quickly. That’s why it’s important to recognise it, so that you can treat it yourself. We’ll explain how to tell if you have bursitis and what you can do about it yourself. What is bursitis? Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, also known as a synovial sac. The bursa is a small sac of fluid situated between the bones, muscles and tendons. It ensures there is minimal friction between these body parts, making it easier for you to move. There are several bursae in the shoulder. When these become irritated, they can become inflamed. This is often caused by overuse, excessive pressure, repetitive movements or poor posture. How do you know if you have shoulder bursitis? You can recognise a shoulder bursitis by several symptoms: Pain that is often sharp or nagging, especially when moving Restricted movement, for example, difficulty lifting your arm or moving it behind your back Swelling or tenderness; the area may feel swollen or be painful to the touch Pain at night whilst lying down Difficulty moving your arm, particularly at the start of the day or after a period of rest Are you experiencing shoulder pain but these symptoms do not apply? Then you may also have other forms of shoulder pain. These could include wear and tear or tendonitis. If the pain does not go away on its own, it is important to see a doctor to identify the cause. Can bursitis resolve on its own? In some cases, this inflammation can heal on its own. This is particularly likely if the inflammation is caused by overuse or minor irritation. However, the recovery process can take weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the inflammation. That’s why it’s important to help your body support the healing process, as bursitis in the shoulder can also worsen without treatment. Further on, we’ll tell you what you can do to treat this inflammation. Source: Pexels   How can you get rid of bursitis? 1. Get plenty of rest Overuse is often the main culprit, so make sure you give your shoulder plenty of rest. Avoid lifting or pushing for a while, and try not to raise your arms too high. 2. Apply ice to the inflamed area If you’re experiencing swelling, apply something cold to your shoulder to reduce it. You can apply an ice pack for 10 minutes, 2–3 times a day. 3. Do the right exercises Once you’ve had enough rest and the pain has subsided, you can start with gentle stretching exercises. There are also exercises you can do to improve mobility. If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact a physiotherapist to draw up a programme. 4. Maintain good posture Pay close attention to your posture, particularly whilst working and exercising. Good sitting posture is important to prevent strain. You should also ensure that you avoid overhead activities for a while. 5. Use red light therapy Red light therapy can be effective for bursitis as it stimulates blood flow. This reduces inflammation and pain and speeds up the recovery process. You can now do this yourself using a personal laser that can also be used for other conditions, such as the PowerCure Pro red light therapy laser. How does red light therapy help with bursitis? In red light therapy, specific wavelengths of red light are directed at the affected area. This is also known as low-level laser therapy. It can help with bursitis in a number of ways: Stimulating the healing process, by stimulating the tissues and cells. This ensures a faster and more effective recovery. Reducing inflammation, as the red light reduces inflammatory processes in the tissues. This also helps to combat swelling and irritation. Pain relief, by improving blood flow and having a positive effect on the mitochondria in the cells. Improving mobility, by improving blood flow. This also helps to prevent stiffness. Red light therapy works best in combination with rest, exercises and other methods for treating bursitis. You can treat yourself with red light therapy, for example using PowerCure. PowerCure red light therapy for bursitis The PowerCure laser is a red light therapy device that you can use yourself to treat your bursitis. In addition, this laser can also be used for many other complaints and conditions. Not only for people, but also for animals! Shop the PowerCure Pro laser

If you have an elderly cat, you’ll no doubt want to ensure it has the best possible quality of life. After all, the reality is that older cats are more prone to health issues. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help your beloved pet. We’ll explain the signs of ageing in cats and what you can do for your pet. How can you tell if a cat is getting on in years? With older cats, you’ll often notice several changes, both physical and behavioural. Below are a number of clear signs that your pet is getting a bit older. Behavioural changes Your cat may be less keen to play and sleep more than before. They may also become more aloof, or conversely, more dependent and meow a lot. An older cat often drinks a lot and may also eat less. Balance problems can also occur as the cat gets older. Physical changes You can also recognise certain signs from your cat’s appearance. For example, your cat may lose tufts of hair or their coat may become slightly thinner. They may lose a little weight or, conversely, put on weight due to reduced activity. Some cats also develop dental problems, eye problems and a loss of muscle mass. Some older cats may also suffer from other health issues. Other health problems Although not every cat is affected by these, the cat may well suffer from certain health problems. For example, kidney or thyroid problems, diabetes and osteoarthritis are common. Many people wonder when to have their elderly cat put to sleep, and this is always the vet’s last resort. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help your elderly cat with any symptoms they may have. Not all of these symptoms necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your cat. They are often normal signs of ageing, and your cat will appreciate the support you can offer. Below, you can read about what you can do to make your cat as comfortable as possible. Source: Pexels How to make your elderly cat as comfortable as possible 1. Provide soft and warm spots around the house Elderly cats sleep a lot and often suffer from joint pain or stiffness. So, place several soft cushions or blankets in a quiet spot so they can rest comfortably. 2. Make the litter tray easily accessible Ensure the litter tray is easily accessible for your elderly cat and place an extra litter tray in the house if necessary. A tray with a low entrance can be helpful for the cat, making it easier for them to jump in. 3. Adjust their food and water stations Some cats suffer from dental problems or have digestive issues. Food that is easy to chew and digest can therefore be beneficial for the cat. It is also important that the cat always has plenty of fresh water. 4. Keep the living environment safe Make sure your cat has enough space to move around safely. Tuck loose cables away and check for any thresholds that you can lower. It’s also good to minimise noise in the house so that your cat can retreat if needed. 5. Don’t force exercise, but do encourage it To keep your cat’s muscles supple, it’s important to play or get them moving from time to time. Use soft toys or perhaps a laser pointer to encourage movement. However, don’t force anything, and leave it alone if you notice that your older cat isn’t interested. 6. Monitor their health Always keep a close eye on your cat and watch out for changes in weight, stiffness, dental problems and other issues. If you’re unsure about a particular symptom, always consult a vet. 7. Use red light therapy Red light therapy helps with age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis, stiffness and pain. It improves blood circulation, helping your cat feel more comfortable and supple. You can now do this at home, allowing you to treat your cat yourself. Is red light therapy suitable for older cats?   Yes, red light therapy can be very beneficial and comfortable for older cats. It’s particularly helpful if you want to alleviate their pain, stiffness and mobility issues. These are the benefits of red light therapy for older cats: Pain relief and more supple joints, by improving blood circulation and stimulating cell activity. This can make joints feel more supple and even helps with conditions such as osteoarthritis. Support for recovery and reduction of inflammation, by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. This can be very helpful for age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. PowerCure red light therapy for your older cat The PowerCure laser is a red light therapy device that you can use on cats. It helps your older cat feel more comfortable, right from the comfort of your own home. What’s more, you can use the PowerCure laser not only on cats, but also on other animals and people! Check out the PowerCure Pro laser

Knee pain is an unpleasant sensation and can sometimes come on out of the blue. It is often caused by overuse, but it can also stem from other symptoms or conditions. Here you can read about possible causes of knee pain, and of course how to treat it. What could be causing knee pain? Knee pain can have many different causes. Sometimes there is a clear trigger, such as a fall or a twist. But it may also be that the sore knee suddenly flares up, without you knowing what’s causing it. These are common reasons why people experience knee pain: Overuse: due to sport, a lot of walking or standing for long periods. Weak muscles or poor posture: this puts extra strain on the knee. Injuries: such as a sprain or a tear. Wear and tear: this is particularly common in older people, for example due to osteoarthritis, which causes the cartilage to thin and the knee joint to become more sensitive. Inflammation: for example, due to tendonitis or bursitis, recognisable by warmth, redness or swelling. Old injury: caused by previous damage to the knee that is causing symptoms again. If knee pain develops gradually, there’s a good chance the knee is overloaded. Fortunately, this can be treated effectively. However, it’s important to be sure that this is actually the case. What do you feel when your knee is overloaded? If your knee is overloaded, you’ll usually notice this as a nagging sensation and stabbing pain around the knee joint. The knee may also feel stiff and heavy, and there may be slight swelling. In some cases, you may experience a cracking or grinding sensation when bending or straightening the knee, and you may have reduced strength and feel unstable. This pain usually develops gradually and goes away with enough rest. However, even if your knee pain has a different cause, it’s important to treat it properly. You can read how to do this below. Source: Pexels How to treat your sore knee In many cases, knee pain can be managed effectively at home. However, if there is a clear cause or if the pain is severe, it is important to see a doctor. You can also try the following methods yourself to help your sore knee recover. 1. Get plenty of rest Especially at the start, it’s important to get plenty of rest, particularly if the pain is caused by overuse. Make sure you don’t jump, run or perform any other strenuous movements until the pain has eased. 2. Cool the knee In the first 24–48 hours after the pain starts, it’s a good idea to cool the knee frequently. Use an ice pack or, if necessary, wrap something from the freezer in a cloth. This helps to reduce or prevent swelling and often relieves the pain. 3. Do gentle exercises Once the rest period is over, it’s a good idea to do certain exercises. Strengthening the muscles around the knee helps to reduce the strain on it. You should also do some stretches to make the area a bit more flexible. 4. Apply heat to the knee After cooling during the first 48 hours, it’s actually beneficial to apply heat. This promotes good blood circulation and relaxes the muscles around the knee. A warm bath or a cosy blanket may be all you need. 5. Other support If your knee remains unstable or weak, it may help to use a knee brace or tape. This helps to stabilise the joint and prevents the knee from being put under further strain. 6. Use red light therapy Red light therapy helps to reduce pain and speed up the healing process. It stimulates blood flow and supports tissue repair. You can use this at home, for example with the PowerCure Pro laser. Does red light therapy help with knee pain? Red light therapy helps with knee pain caused by various factors. These include overuse and stiffness, as well as conditions such as osteoarthritis. Here’s exactly what the red light does: It stimulates blood flow: this means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the damaged tissues. It supports tissue repair: red light stimulates the mitochondria in the cells, enabling muscles, tendons and cartilage to recover more quickly. It reduces inflammation and pain: it inhibits the production of inflammatory substances and pain signals in the nerves. Red light therapy is non-invasive and completely safe. Particularly when combined with rest and certain exercises, it helps to treat or even prevent knee pain. PowerCure red light therapy for painful knees The PowerCure laser is a red light therapy device that you can use for knee pain. The laser’s red light offers the benefits mentioned above, enabling you to treat or prevent your painful knee. What’s more, it helps not only with knee pain, but also with many other complaints and conditions – in both humans and animals! The great thing about this laser is that you can simply use it at home, so the whole household can benefit. Check out the PowerCure Pro laser

Hip pain is a nuisance and can sometimes have no obvious cause. Naturally, you’ll want to get rid of it as quickly as possible. That’s why we’re setting out the possible causes of hip pain, along with ways to treat it. What causes hip pain? 1. Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is common in people over the age of 50. It involves the wear and tear of the hip cartilage, making movement painful. You may experience discomfort after something as simple as sleeping on your side. 2. Bursitis Bursitis, also known as inflammation of the bursa, is an inflammation of the bursa. This normally cushions the friction between the muscles and the bone. When it becomes inflamed, you may experience a nagging pain in your hips, often on the side. 3. Tendinitis Tendinitis involves inflammation of the tendons around the hip. This is usually caused by overuse or a particular sport. You’ll usually feel it when you move, and it can sometimes cause pain in your buttocks as well. 4. Muscle injuries A muscle strain or tear can also cause hip pain. For example, do you experience hip pain after running? This may be due to a muscle injury. This is common among people who exercise a lot. It’s also possible that your hip is bruised, for example following a fall. 5. Internal causes If you have pain in your hips and perhaps even in your lower back, this may also be due to an internal cause. For example, you may experience hip pain during the menopause or if you are pregnant. It is also possible that the pain is radiating from your back, groin or even your kidneys. 6. Overuse or poor posture In a large proportion of cases, hip pain is caused by overuse or poor posture. This can be caused, for example, by standing for long periods, exercising or lying down, which can lead to hip pain whilst in bed. Whatever the cause, in many cases there is something you can do to tackle the pain in your hips. We’d be happy to tell you what you can do yourself! Source: Pexels What should you do if you have sore hips? It’s important to know what’s causing your hip pain. Once you know this, you’ll also know what you can do to reduce or even prevent the symptoms. Below, you’ll find some things you can do yourself to ease the pain. 1. Get plenty of rest Avoid activities that cause pain for a while. It’s also important not to sit or lie in the same position for too long. This helps reduce stiffness and prevents further strain. 2. Use ice or heat If you have acute pain or swelling, it’s best to apply a cold compress. Use an ice pack for about 10 minutes at a time, several times a day. If you have stiff muscles or chronic pain, heat can actually help to loosen up the area. 3. Do some stretches and move gently There are exercises for a painful hip that you can do at home. These help to reduce tension and pain. You can also exercise your hips by walking, cycling or swimming. 4. See a doctor or physiotherapist If your hip pain persists or you suspect there is a serious underlying cause, it is important to see a doctor or physiotherapist. This will enable them to draw up a suitable treatment plan or prescribe specific exercises. 5. Use red light therapy Red light therapy helps to reduce pain and treat or prevent inflammation. You can use this at home to treat your hip effectively. Does red light therapy help with painful hips? Red light therapy helps if you suffer from painful hips. The red light stimulates processes within your body, effectively encouraging your body to kick-start the recovery process itself. Here’s what the red light does: Reduces inflammation, as the light penetrates the tissues Stimulates blood flow, allowing nutrients and oxygen to reach the affected area more quickly and promoting the healing process Accelerates tissue repair by increasing energy production in the cells, so that muscles, tissues and tendons recover more quickly Relaxing the muscles, which is particularly useful for hip pain caused by overuse or poor posture It can also help with conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendinitis and bursitis. You can treat yourself at home, for example with the PowerCure laser. PowerCure red light therapy for sore hips The PowerCure Pro laser is a red light therapy device that you can use for sore hips. You can use it yourself at home. It can also be used for other physical complaints and conditions, for both humans and animals. This means you can use the laser for the whole household! Shop the PowerCure laser

If your cat has dry skin, you’ll naturally want to help them. After all, it can cause a lot of itching, pain and other discomfort. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you, as the owner, can do to help your cat. Read on to find out what you can do to treat your cat’s dry skin. Why does my cat have dry skin? The causes of dry skin in your cat can vary widely. These are some common reasons: A diet lacking in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids Not drinking enough water Cold or dry air in the home Allergies, for example to food or dust Parasites or an allergy to fleas Age, which causes the skin to produce less oil Washing with shampoo too often Medical causes or conditions Stress or reduced self-grooming Fortunately, solutions can be found for many of these causes. We’ll tell you more about these a little further on in this article. Is dry skin in a cat a serious condition? In most cases, dry skin isn’t necessarily serious straight away. However, it’s important to identify the cause, as it is a sign that something is wrong. If your pet suddenly develops bald patches, is bleeding, is losing weight or is shedding a lot of fur, it’s important to consult a vet. As long as the symptoms aren’t serious, there are plenty of things you can do yourself to help your pet. Source: Unsplash What to do if your cat has dry skin? 1. Provide the right diet Check whether their current diet contains enough omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These help to support the skin barrier and keep the coat healthy. If this isn’t the case, you can buy specialised food designed for this purpose. 2. Ensure plenty of options for hydration Many cats don’t drink enough, and this affects their skin. Make sure there’s plenty of water available, and consider offering wet food or broth without salt or onion. 3. Maintain a good level of humidity in the home It is important to maintain a good level of humidity in the home. In winter in particular, the dry air caused by the heating can dry out the skin. You might want to consider a humidifier or other ways of improving the humidity. 4. Brush the coat Sometimes you can give your cat a helping hand by brushing its coat. This stimulates blood circulation in the skin, promotes healthy coat growth and helps prevent the skin from drying out. 5. Check for fleas and other parasites Parasites such as fleas can irritate the skin and cause allergies. You should therefore check the coat regularly and use preventative treatments if necessary. 6. Don’t bathe your cat too often Only bathe your cat when it’s really necessary. Shampoos, even special cat shampoos, disrupt the skin’s natural oils. 7. Visit the vet If your cat not only has dry skin but also itching, bald patches, scabs or symptoms that persist for a long time, there may be an underlying condition. The vet can diagnose this and determine the best course of treatment. 8. Use red light therapy Red light therapy improves blood circulation, reduces inflammation and promotes skin health. Will red light therapy help my cat’s dry skin? Red light therapy is an effective method for treating dry skin in cats. Here’s what red light can do. 1. Improving blood flow Red light stimulates microcirculation in the skin. This helps oxygen and nutrients reach the right areas more effectively, which speeds up the skin’s healing process. 2. Supporting the production of new skin cells Red light activates the mitochondria in the cells, which aids skin regeneration. This helps dry and flaky patches heal more quickly. 3. Reducing inflammation and itching Red light has a soothing effect on inflamed skin tissue. It can therefore reduce itching, meaning the cat will scratch less and the skin can heal more effectively. Red light therapy is completely painless and safe. For dry skin in cats, it works best in combination with a good diet, coat care and addressing the underlying cause. The red light supports the natural healing process and therefore works best when combined with the right care. PowerCure red light therapy for cats The PowerCure is a red light therapy device that helps with dry skin in cats. You can use the laser at home on the areas of the skin that need it. What’s more, the laser isn’t just for cats – it also helps other animals and people! This means you can treat your whole household with red light therapy. Shop the PowerCure laser here

If your knee is overloaded, you’ll probably find this causes you discomfort during your daily activities. It’s often an unpleasant sensation that’s constantly present in the background. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do yourself to treat overloaded knees. In this blog, you’ll find out how to recognise an overloaded knee and what you can do about it. How do you recognise an overloaded knee? If your knee is overloaded, this often develops gradually. You can develop an overloaded knee through activities such as running or cycling, but also, for example, by frequently sitting in a particular position. You can recognise an overloaded knee by the following: Pain during or after exercise, for example whilst walking Stiffness after rest or in the morning Slight swelling or a swollen knee Warmth or tenderness Reduced stability, making it feel as though the knee is giving way If you’re experiencing these symptoms, there’s a good chance you’ll need some time to recover. Further on, you’ll read about the best way to treat this so that you can be symptom-free again as soon as possible. How do you know if your knee ligaments are strained? As well as the joint itself often being overloaded, overloaded knee ligaments are also very common. You’ll usually notice this as sharp or nagging pain on the sides, tenderness to the touch and pain when twisting. The symptoms listed above may also apply. If you have an overloaded knee ligament, it’s also important to take it easy. Source: Pexels How to recover from a strained knee 1. Rest and take the weight off your knee Avoid movements that make the pain worse, as this can exacerbate the symptoms. Allow yourself plenty of time to recover. However, it is a good idea to remain gently active so that the joint does not stiffen. 2. Apply cold therapy If you’ve strained your knee and are also experiencing swelling or irritation, it can help to apply an ice pack. Do this for 10–15 minutes at a time, several times a day, until the symptoms subside. 3. Do gentle stretches If your knees are overloaded, it’s a good idea to keep stretching to relieve tension around the knee. You can also gently stretch the thigh muscles to help the surrounding area. 4. Do muscle-strengthening exercises Do exercises for your overused knee, for example targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings and hip muscles. If the muscles around the knee are stronger, they will also be under less strain. 5. Wear good shoes Good shoes with sufficient cushioning and stability are important for supporting your joints. This helps absorb shocks and prevents further strain. 6. Use red light therapy Red light therapy helps to reduce inflammation, stimulate blood flow and promote tissue repair. This enables you to recover more quickly from a strained knee and helps prevent it happening again in the future. Does red light therapy help with overuse injuries? Yes, red light therapy is effective for knee overuse injuries. The light acts on the tissues, thereby stimulating the recovery process. Here’s exactly how it works: Reduces pain and inflammation by stimulating the cells. Acceleration of tissue repair by stimulating the mitochondria within the cells. This repairs damaged muscles, tendons and tissues. Improved blood flow, allowing nutrients and oxygen to reach the knee more quickly, which aids recovery and mobility. Supporting movement and rehabilitation by reducing pain and stimulating recovery. Red light therapy works best as a complement to other treatments, such as sufficient rest and exercises. PowerCure red light therapy for a strained knee The PowerCure is a red light therapy laser that you can use if your knee is strained. The device is designed for localised use so that you can target the symptoms specifically. It also helps with many other symptoms and conditions, in both humans and animals. View the PowerCure Pro laser

Shoulder pain is an unpleasant sensation and can be quite debilitating throughout the day. That is why it is important to identify the cause. Read on to find out the possible causes of your shoulder pain and how best to treat these symptoms. What could be causing your shoulder pain? Shoulder pain can have various causes. For example, you might experience shoulder pain after sleeping due to poor posture or a fall in which you landed on your shoulders. Here are some other causes of shoulder pain: Joint problems such as osteoarthritis or a frozen shoulder Postural problems, which can also cause shoulder pain even after rest Muscle or tendon problems such as overuse, strain or inflammation It is important to identify the cause so that you can choose the right treatment method. This is crucial for treating the pain effectively, particularly in the case of inflammation. What does inflammation in the shoulder feel like? You can usually recognise inflammation by its typical signs. These include shoulder pain and neck pain, as the pain can radiate to other areas. You’ll also often experience stiffness, warmth, swelling and pain after rest. Fortunately, there are various ways to treat shoulder pain, including that caused by inflammation. Source: Pexels 4 ways to treat shoulder pain 1. Rest and adjust your posture If you’re suddenly experiencing a lot of discomfort, it’s important to take it easy. Do keep moving gently to prevent stiffness, but don’t put too much strain on the area. For example, if you have pain between your shoulders, this may be due to overuse; in that case, pay attention to the posture you often adopt when sitting or standing. 2. Use ice or heat For acute swelling or pain, you can use ice to reduce inflammation. For nagging pain or stiffness, heat can actually help to relax the muscles. 3. Do shoulder pain exercises and, if necessary, see a physiotherapist Do stretching exercises to keep your shoulder supple and strengthen the muscles. A physiotherapist can advise you on the best exercises for your specific condition. 4. Use red light therapy Use red light therapy to reduce pain and inflammation. This is particularly beneficial for long-term symptoms or injuries. It stimulates tissue repair, improves blood flow and can therefore enhance mobility. These days, you can easily use this treatment yourself at home. Does red light therapy help with shoulder pain? Red light therapy helps with shoulder pain. It is particularly effective if the pain is caused by muscles, tendons or inflammation. Here’s what red light can do: Pain relief: the red light penetrates the skin and tissues, thereby stimulating cell repair and the release of endorphins. This reduces pain signals. Anti-inflammatory effect: it reduces local inflammation and swelling. This is particularly beneficial for conditions such as tendinitis. It speeds up the recovery process: red light improves blood circulation, ensuring that muscles and tendons receive more oxygen and nutrients. It improves mobility: stiffness is reduced and shoulder mobility is enhanced. To get the most out of red light therapy, you can use it in combination with other exercises. It is also always important to pay attention to your posture and to identify the underlying cause of the pain. PowerCure red light therapy for painful shoulders The PowerCure laser is a red light therapy device that you can use for shoulder pain. The device is designed for self-use, so you can treat your own symptoms. What’s more, it’s not only suitable for treating symptoms in people, but even in animals! This means your whole household can benefit from the red light therapy device. Shop the PowerCure laser

Knee pain is always an unpleasant sensation. It can have various causes, and it’s important to address it straight away. Here’s what you can do if you’re experiencing knee pain. What causes knee pain? Pain in the knee joint can have many different causes. This often depends on how active you are, your health and your age. These are the most common causes of knee joint pain: Overuse due to excessive exercise or poor posture Wear and tear or osteoarthritis Inflammation in the joint or the bursa Injuries such as a torn meniscus or cruciate ligament Being overweight, which puts extra pressure on the knees Once you know the cause, you can take steps to treat it properly. This will help prevent further damage and reduce pain and other symptoms. How do I know if my joint is causing pain? You’ll usually notice clear signs that you’re experiencing joint pain in your knee. For example, you might feel a nagging ache, stiffness or swelling. You may also find that your knee clicks or cracks, and that your range of movement is restricted. Knee pain when bending or climbing stairs are also signs that something is wrong. If you have knee pain at rest, there may be something else going on other than overuse. Source: Pexels What to do if you have a painful knee joint? 1. Get plenty of rest It’s important to give your knee a chance to recover. You should therefore temporarily avoid (heavy) strain. However, do avoid sitting still for too long, as this can actually make the joint stiffer. 2. Cool the knee If you’ve just started feeling pain, it’s a good idea to cool the area straight away. Use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling and pain. 3. Do light exercises Once you’re able to, it’s important to start moving again. Begin with light exercises such as specific stretches to keep the muscles around the knee supple. You could also go for a walk or a cycle if this doesn’t cause you any discomfort. 4. Use supports and braces A knee band or brace provides extra stability whilst moving. This can help protect your knee against twisting or overexertion. 5. Watch your weight If you’re overweight, this puts extra pressure on your knee joints. It’s therefore important to pay attention to your diet and lifestyle. This will help reduce pain and slow down wear and tear. 6. Use red light therapy Red light therapy devices such as the PowerCure laser help the knee to recover more effectively. It relieves pain and promotes blood circulation. These days, you can easily use this treatment yourself, from the comfort of your own home. Does red light therapy help with painful knees? Red light therapy is a way of reducing pain and discomfort in your knee joint. It is sometimes regarded as a natural painkiller for joint pain. The red light penetrates your tissues and stimulates cells to recover more effectively. This improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation. This results in less pain and a more supple knee joint. Benefits of red light therapy for knee pain: Stimulates the natural repair of tissues Improves blood flow and oxygen supply to the painful area Reduces inflammation and swelling Relieves pain With a device such as the PowerCure laser, you can target the treatment and thus support your knee joint in its recovery and pain relief. Shop the PowerCure laser

Mud fever in horses can cause a great deal of discomfort. It is a troublesome condition, but fortunately it responds well to treatment. Read on to find out how to treat this condition in your horse! What is mud fever in horses? Mud fever is a collective term for inflammation of the skin on a horse’s lower legs. It often starts with redness, flaking and scabs. In some cases, it can also lead to swelling and sores. Sometimes you can recognise mud fever in a horse by a thickened leg. The symptoms often include: Red and irritated skin Flaking or scabs in the pastern area Cracks or sores Swelling and tenderness Lameness, in severe cases Early-stage mud fever in a horse can often be recognised by mild symptoms such as red skin. These skin problems can quickly worsen if not treated properly. What causes mud fever? This condition is caused by a compromised skin barrier. The skin on the lower legs is naturally thin and sensitive. If this skin remains damp for a prolonged period or comes into contact with mud, urine or manure, bacteria and fungi can easily penetrate it. This is why it is sometimes also referred to as wet mud fever. What causes mud fever in horses? This condition arises when the horse’s skin barrier becomes compromised. The skin on the lower legs, particularly in the pastern area, is naturally thin and sensitive. If this skin remains damp for a prolonged period or comes into contact with mud, urine or manure, bacteria and fungi can penetrate more easily. It can also be caused by parasites or hypersensitivity to certain types of ground or ointments. Source: Pexels What can be done to treat mud fever in horses? 1. Clean and dry the legs Rinse off mud and dirt immediately whenever possible. Use lukewarm water and then dry the legs thoroughly with a clean towel. Avoid leaving the skin wet for long periods to prevent the condition from worsening. 2. Keep the stable clean Keep the stable and the horse’s other living areas dry. Replace wet straw and ensure the horse avoids muddy areas. 3. Trim excess hair For horses with a lot of leg hair, it is advisable to trim the hair around the pastern area. This allows the skin to breathe and dry more effectively. 4. Support the horse’s immune system However clichéd it may sound, healthy skin starts from within. Therefore, ensure the horse gets enough vitamins, minerals and omegas. Also, minimise stress as much as possible. 5. Apply a gentle ointment Use a gentle ointment to soothe, protect and repair the skin. Zinc ointment can be very helpful for mud fever, but use it with care depending on the stage of the condition. Avoid harsh products that dry out the skin. 6. Use red light therapy Red light therapy helps to stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation and accelerate the skin’s natural healing process. Red light therapy devices such as the PowerCure laser can be used to treat your horse’s mud fever. Does red light therapy work for mud fever in horses? Red light therapy is a valuable adjunct to the treatment of mud fever. It works best alongside good hygiene and wound care, thereby helping to speed up the skin’s healing process. The red light penetrates the skin and stimulates the cells to produce more energy (ATP). This enables the body to combat inflammation and repair the damaged skin more quickly. These are the benefits of this form of light therapy for mud fever: Reducing inflammation and swelling Accelerating wound healing Stimulating blood flow and oxygen supply Relieving pain and irritation Supporting the body’s natural defence mechanisms Many horse owners find that red light therapy leads to faster recovery and calmer skin, especially when combined with good care. PowerCure red light therapy for your horses The PowerCure is a red light therapy laser that can be used to treat mud fever in horses. The device is specially designed for self-use, not only for horses, but also for other animals and people! Click here for user reviews of the PowerCure laser. Shop the PowerCure laser here