Red Light Therapy for Common Horse Conditions

Red Light Therapy for Common Horse Conditions

Red Light Therapy for Common Equine Conditions: What It Helps and Why

Red light therapy (RLT), or photobiomodulation (PBM), is becoming an essential tool in equine wellness, rehabilitation, and sports recovery. This non-invasive method uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes — but what exactly can it help with?

In this blog, we explore the most common conditions in horses and explain how red light therapy can provide targeted, effective support without drugs or stress.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Red and near-infrared (NIR) light penetrates tissue and stimulates the mitochondria — the “power plants” of the cell — to produce more ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This increase in cellular energy leads to:

  • Improved blood flow

  • Reduced inflammation

  • Faster tissue regeneration

  • Enhanced oxygen delivery

  • Pain relief without medication

These mechanisms form the foundation of how RLT supports a wide range of physical conditions.

Conditions Where RLT Can Help Horses

1. Muscle Strain and Fatigue

Whether it’s post-training soreness or general stiffness, red light therapy can help muscles recover faster by increasing oxygen flow and clearing out metabolic waste like lactic acid.

Useful for:

  • Sport horses in intense training

  • Horses returning after a break

  • Senior horses with reduced mobility

2. Tendon and Ligament Injuries

Tendons and ligaments are slow to heal due to limited blood supply. RLT enhances circulation to these tissues, which can speed up repair and reduce inflammation.

Common injuries supported by RLT:

  • Suspensory ligament injuries

  • Digital flexor tendon strain

  • Check ligament inflammation

  • Desmitis and tendonitis

3. Joint Pain and Arthritis

Red light therapy helps reduce inflammation in joints and surrounding tissues, improving range of motion and comfort.

Useful for:

  • Hock and stifle issues

  • Fetlock stiffness

  • Age-related arthritis

  • Post-injection aftercare

4. Wound Healing

RLT promotes collagen production and improves tissue granulation, speeding up the healing of cuts, abrasions, and surgical wounds.

Ideal for:

  • Skin lacerations

  • Surgical recovery

  • Saddle sores or rubs

  • Persistent scabs or infections

5. Laminitis (Supportive Use)

While RLT does not cure laminitis, it can help support circulation and reduce inflammation in the hoof area, making it a valuable supportive therapy.

Note: Always combine with veterinary treatment.

6. Hoof Abscesses

By improving blood flow and reducing inflammation, RLT may help accelerate the body’s response to internal pressure and infection caused by abscesses.

7. Kissing Spines (Supportive Therapy)

While structural issues need veterinary attention, RLT may help reduce muscular tension and localized inflammation in the back area, improving comfort and allowing better movement.

8. Scarring and Skin Conditions

RLT can help manage skin irritation, support regeneration, and reduce scar tissue over time.

Supports conditions like:

  • Rain rot / dermatophilosis

  • Scarring post-injury

  • Mild photosensitivity

9. Respiratory Support (indirect)

Some practitioners report that using RLT in the chest and throat area can support breathing, particularly post-infection or during allergy seasons, by reducing inflammation. More research is needed, but anecdotal evidence is promising.

10. General Wellness and Recovery

Regular use of red light therapy can help maintain optimal circulation, reduce stiffness, and promote faster recovery after physical effort or stress.

What Areas of the Body Are Treated?

RLT is most commonly applied to:

  • Back and lumbar region

  • Neck and poll

  • Joints (hocks, stifles, knees, fetlocks)

  • Hooves

  • Shoulders and glutes

  • Wound sites or scars

How Often Should You Use It?

For acute conditions:
➡ 1–2× daily for the first week, then reduce as improvement shows

For chronic issues or maintenance:
➡ 3–5× per week

For general recovery and wellness:
➡ 2–3× per week

Always adjust frequency based on the horse’s response and in consultation with your veterinarian.

Conclusion

Red light therapy offers a versatile, evidence-based tool to support horses through a wide range of physical issues — from muscle fatigue and joint pain to wound care and recovery. When used consistently and correctly, it can improve your horse’s comfort, healing time, and overall quality of life.

Whether your horse is a high-performance athlete, a rehab case, or simply in need of extra care, RLT is a safe and powerful solution to add to your routine.

Scientific References (APA style)