Low Level Laser Therapy (Class 4 Laser) is become the standard of care as a non-pharmacologic equine treatment option to most conditions that are painful, swollen, or not healing. LLLT targets the inflammatory process to reduce pain and to improve soft tissue healing.
Did you know that LLLT has been shown to be an effective equine treatment option for:
- bowed tendons and suspensory injuries
- sore backs
- hock, knee stifle, and fetlock problems
- sutured or granulating wounds
- laminitis
LLLT uses an on-contact applicator for deep tissue or non-contact for superficial tissue healing. Horses experience a pleasant massaging, warming sensation and do not require sedation. It is common for horses to lick, chew and even fall asleep during laser therapy treatments.
Treatment times vary depending on affected area. A small treatment area takes 5-10 minutes, whereas a large area like the back can take up to 30 minutes. The majority of cases show significant improvement in three treatments, and dramatic improvement in six treatments.
Resource: Four important things to know about laser therapy: November 20, 2018By: Jeff Smith, DVM, CCRP