Red light therapy for laminitis in horses
Laminitis in horses is an unpleasant condition that requires proper treatment. Red light therapy can help speed up the recovery process and relieve pain. Read here to find out exactly how it works and how you can treat your horse.
What is laminitis?
Laminitis is an inflammation of the lamellae in the hoof. These are the structures that connect the hoof bone to the hoof wall. When the lamellae become inflamed, they swell and can detach. This can cause the hoof bone to tilt or sag. This causes a lot of pain and can make walking difficult or even impossible.
The main causes of laminitis are obesity, a diet with too much sugar or a metabolic problem. Sudden overexertion can also be a culprit.
Symptoms of laminitis
The most common symptoms of laminitis in horses are pain, stiffness, warmth and throbbing hooves. The horse may also be restless, sweat more, breathe faster and the hooves may change position. The symptoms of mild or early laminitis are often subtle. However, it is important to take immediate action if you notice anything, as this can be a serious condition if left untreated.
How can red light therapy help with laminitis?
Red light therapy can effectively support the recovery process in laminitis. The treatment reduces inflammatory reactions and improves microcirculation in the hoof structures. The red and near-infrared light penetrates the tissues and stimulates the mitochondria in the cells, leading to increased ATP production and improved cellular metabolism. This allows the lamellar tissues to recover more quickly and optimises blood flow in the hoof capsule.
Improved microcirculation ensures that oxygen and nutrients are supplied more efficiently and waste products are removed more effectively. This helps to reduce oedema, relieve pain and promote tissue regeneration.
Is red light therapy for laminitis in horses scientifically proven?
Research into musculoskeletal disorders and wound healing in animals shows that red light therapy has an anti-inflammatory effect, accelerates tissue repair processes and reduces pain signals. Although specific research into laminitis is still limited, many vets and horse owners are seeing positive results: less pain, improved mobility, and faster recovery. Red light therapy is therefore a valuable complementary treatment within a broader veterinary approach to laminitis.
Which device is best to treat laminitis?
The PowerCure Pro laser is the best way to treat laminitis. The device is designed for use with multiple complaints, in both animals and humans. You can use the device yourself from the comfort of your own stable.
Treatment protocol PowerCure for laminitis
