red light therapy

LED light therapy is really a way to help the body heal itself. The lights have specific wavelengths that are absorbed by a photo acceptor, cytochrome c oxidase within the mitochondria of the cell. The energy (photons) from the lights increases the energy within the cell and that speeds up the healing process. The lights must be specific wavelengths and must be delivered at a specific dosage. Using both red and infrared lights is beneficial because the wavelengths are absorbed by different depths of tissue. 

 The Equine Light Therapy Pads use two specific wavelengths that research has shown to dramatically increase the rate of healing. The two wavelengths are in the visible red and near infrared spectrums. The visible red is effective for stimulating acupuncture points, releasing trigger points, treating wounds and infections. The infrared wavelength (not visible), which penetrates deeper, has been shown to be effective in helping heal soft tissue injuries, joints and muscles.

 The combination of the two work in concert to provide benefits for soft tissue injuries, inflammation, ligament soreness, tendon problems, sore backs, splints, strains, stifle issues, sprains, swelling, shoulder pain, hip pain, sore backs, sore necks, salivary gland problems, wounds, cuts, scrapes, arthritis pain and for trigger points and acupuncture points.  Visible red light (660nm) is absorbed by skin layers very efficiently and is best for uses such as stimulating trigger and acupuncture points and for treating wounds and infections. Near infrared light (850nm) penetrates to a deeper level has been used to treat concerns of tendons, ligaments, bones, joints and muscle. 

Now, why should you use it?

Many studies have reported great results with LED therapy for the following equine and canine concerns:

General: Arthritis pain, bursitis, bruising, burns, edema, deep muscle problems, hematomas, inflammation, tight or sore muscles and infections.

Hoof Problems: Abscesses, bone spurs, inflammation, navicular, ringbone and laminitis.

Leg and Body: Ankle problems, bone chips, hock problems, inflammation, ligament soreness, tendon problems, sore backs, splints, strains, stifle issues, sprains, swelling, shoulder pain, hip pain, sore backs, sore necks, salivary gland problems, wounds, cuts, scrapes and for stimulating trigger points and acupuncture points.

But how does it work and why?

There have been many impressive studies that included the following:

**The LEDs at specific wavelengths are reported to increase circulation by increasing the formation of new capillaries. New capillaries speed up the healing process by carrying more oxygen as well as more nutrients needed for healing and they can also carry more waste products away.

**Collagen is the most common protein found in the body and the essential protein used to repair damaged tissue and to replace old tissue. Studies cite that LEDs stimulate the production of collagen. It has been reported that by increasing collagen production, less scar tissue is formed at the damaged site.

**LED therapy is reported to stimulate the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the major carrier of energy to all cells and provides the chemical energy that drives the chemical reaction of the cell. Increases in ATP allow cells to use nutrients faster and get rid of waste products faster by increasing the energy level in the cell.

**Increases lymphatic system activity. Edema has two basic components, liquid and protein. Research has shown that the lymph vessel diameter and the flow of the lymph system can be doubled with the use of light therapy. This means that both parts of the edema can be eliminated at a much faster rate to relieve swelling.

**Reduces the excitability of nervous tissue. The light energy stimulates the release of endorphins which are the body's own long-term pain fighting chemicals.

**May improve peripheral neuropathies by stimulating nitric oxide production.

**Increases RNA and DNA synthesis which helps damaged cells to be replaced more quickly.

**Increases the process of scavenging for and ingesting dead or degenerated cells by phagocyte cells for the purpose of clean up. This is an important part of the infection-fighting process. Destruction of the infection and clean-up must occur before the healing process can take place.

**Stimulates fibroblastic activity that aids in the repair process. Fibroblasts are present in connective tissue and are capable of forming collagen fibers.*

**Stimulates tissue granulation and connective tissue projections, part of the healing process.

**Stimulates trigger and acupuncture points.

**Helps relax muscles.

There are  no reports of adverse side effects regarding LED therapy. It is repeatedly reported that when the cell is "reenergized" it accepts no more energy, so you cannot cause harm and it is reported to have no effect on healthy tissue. The body will not absorb what it cannot use. 

Caution is urged for those taking photosensitive drugs.

It is possible that a temporary increase in pain or discomfort may be observed after treating chronic conditions. 

Contraindications

Never use over a malignant tumor on any animal unless instructed by a qualified veterinarian. (There are studies that report the benefits of light therapy outweigh the risks in this area, but until we know more, we prefer to err on the side of caution.)
Do not use on pregnant mares abdominal area, not because it is harmful, we have found no studies citing use on pregnant mares, so prefer to err on the side of caution.
Don't shine the lights directly into the eyes of any animal (or person). Prolonged use of the lights directly into the eye may cause problems.
Caution must be used if photosensitive drugs such as, but not limited to, tetracycline are being administered. 

Help your animal friends feel better much faster.