1. What Is Laser Therapy for Horses?

Equine athletes, pleasure horses, and senior companions all face musculoskeletal challenges throughout their lives. From tendon injuries and joint problems to post-surgical recovery, modern veterinary care seeks innovative tools to accelerate healing and minimize discomfort. Equine laser therapy—also known as cold laser therapy or photobiomodulation—is one of the most widely adopted non-invasive techniques in equine rehabilitation.

1.1 Definition

1.1.1 Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

This refers to the use of low-intensity lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate healing without producing heat. It is also called “cold laser therapy” because the devices operate at low power levels that do not burn or cut tissue.

1.1.2 Photobiomodulation (PBM)

PBM is the scientific term for the biological effects caused when light interacts with cells. This includes improved mitochondrial function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced tissue repair. PBM is the foundation of modern equine laser therapy.

1.1.3 Class IV / High-Power Laser Therapy

Unlike LLLT, Class IV lasers use higher wattage, often between 0.5 and 15 watts, allowing deeper tissue penetration. These devices are especially popular for equine applications because horses often suffer from deep musculoskeletal injuries in tendons, ligaments, and joints.

1.2 How It Works

Laser therapy works by delivering specific wavelengths of light into tissues. When cells absorb this light energy, several physiological changes occur:

• Cellular Stimulation: Photons interact with mitochondria, boosting the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells. This accelerates cell repair and regeneration.
• Enhanced Circulation: Laser therapy promotes vasodilation, which improves oxygen delivery and nutrient flow to damaged tissues.
• Inflammation Reduction: The therapy modulates inflammatory responses by influencing cytokine production, thereby decreasing swelling and pain.
• Nerve Modulation: Light stimulation can alter nerve conduction speeds, leading to analgesic effects and reduced pain perception.

1.3 Types of Equine Lasers Used

Cold Lasers (LLLT devices): Safe, shallow-penetrating lasers used for surface wounds and skin healing.

Hot Lasers / Surgical Lasers: High-powered lasers capable of cutting tissue but less common in therapeutic equine settings.

MateLaser/Class IV Lasers: Popular among veterinarians for their deeper penetration, ideal for musculoskeletal problems.

SmartRLT Systems: Advanced regenerative laser tools that combine multiple wavelengths and photo-acoustic stimulation to enhance tissue regeneration.

2. Benefits of Laser Therapy for Horses' Healing

When evaluating equine therapies, veterinarians and owners look for measurable outcomes—faster healing, pain reduction, and improved quality of life. Laser therapy delivers on all three.

2.1 Accelerated Tissue Repair & Healing

One of the most cited benefits is its ability to accelerate healing of equine injuries. Horses with tendon strains or ligament damage often face months of stall rest. Laser therapy shortens recovery times by:

Stimulating Collagen Synthesis: Collagen is essential for tendon and ligament repair. Laser therapy boosts fibroblast activity, resulting in stronger connective tissues.

Faster Healing of Injuries: Controlled studies show reductions in healing times of wounds, cuts, and strains.

Reduced Scar Tissue Formation: By enhancing organized tissue regeneration, laser therapy minimizes fibrosis, leading to more functional healing.

2.2 Pain Relief & Inflammation Reduction

Pain management is a central concern for injured horses. Laser therapy provides:

• Endorphin Release: Laser exposure can trigger the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.
• Decreased Inflammation: Reduced levels of prostaglandins and cytokines calm inflammatory responses.
• Vasodilation: Improved circulation clears out inflammatory waste products, further lowering pain and swelling.

2.3 Improved Blood Flow & Cellular Energy

Circulation Enhancement: Laser therapy encourages new capillary formation and improved blood supply to injured areas.

ATP Increase: More ATP means more energy available for cellular repair.

Metabolic Activity Boost: Tissues under stress heal faster when their metabolism is supported by laser-driven energy production.

3. Evidence-Based Results: Injuries & Surgical Recovery

Skepticism often surrounds alternative therapies, but equine laser therapy is supported by controlled studies showing its benefits in specific conditions.

3.1 Tendon & Ligament Lesions: Clinical Studies

Soft tissue injuries are among the most difficult to treat in horses. Research highlights include:

• High-Power Laser Therapy Studies: Trials show improved healing rates in tendon and ligament lesions when treated with Class IV lasers.
• Collagen Remodeling: Histological analysis of treated tissues shows improved collagen alignment, suggesting stronger, more resilient repairs.
• Performance Outcomes: Horses treated with laser therapy often return to training sooner than expected.

3.2 Wound & Surgical Site Healing

Laser therapy is frequently used after surgical procedures such as arthroscopy or wound suturing.

Accelerated Wound Closure: LLLT promotes faster epithelialization, reducing infection risks.

Reduced Scar Formation: Horses treated with laser therapy after surgery show smoother, less restrictive scars.

Improved Cosmetic Outcomes: Particularly important for show horses, laser therapy minimizes visible scarring.

3.3 Return to Function & Study Limitations

Positive Outcomes with HILT (High-Intensity Laser Therapy): Clinical trials show improved pain scores and healing rates.

Limitations: Some studies highlight variability in treatment outcomes depending on wavelength, dosage, and practitioner experience.

Evidence Gaps: While many studies support its use, more controlled trials are needed to prove faster return-to-function definitively.

4. Applications in Equine Rehabilitation & Post-Surgery Care

Laser therapy is not only about acute injury treatment. It plays a growing role in long-term equine rehabilitation programs.

4.1 Soft Tissue & Surgical Recovery

Post-Surgical Healing: Used after orthopedic and soft-tissue surgeries to speed recovery.

Infection Risk Reduction: Improved circulation reduces the chance of wound infections.

Improved Comfort: Horses often tolerate post-surgical rehabilitation better with reduced pain.

4.2 Chronic Pain & Lameness Management

Laser therapy is increasingly used for chronic equine conditions:

Lameness: Horses with recurrent lameness show reduced flare-ups after consistent treatment.

Osteoarthritis & Degenerative Joint Disease: Laser therapy reduces joint pain and stiffness.

Laminitis & Chronic Wounds: Improves circulation to hooves and supports tissue healing.

4.3 Hoof, Joint & Back Issues

Hoof Disorders: Laser improves circulation, aiding hoof wall repair.

Joint Injuries: Beneficial for stifle, hock, and fetlock issues.

Back Spasms & Muscle Pain: Laser therapy reduces muscle tension, improving mobility and performance.

5. Advanced Technologies & Protocols in Equine Laser Therapy

The field of equine rehabilitation continues to evolve, and so does the technology behind laser devices.

5.1 Class IV & Multi-Frequency Protocols

Deep Tissue Penetration: Class IV lasers reach depths of 5–10 cm, ideal for large equine muscles.

Multiple Wavelengths: Combining 808 nm and 980 nm wavelengths treats both superficial and deep tissues.

Treatment Protocols: Horses often receive daily or bi-weekly sessions depending on injury severity.

5.2 Emerging Home and Portable Devices

Portable Class III Devices: Allow owners to supplement veterinary treatments at home.

Hybrid Systems: Devices combining cold and hot laser features are becoming more accessible.

Tele-Veterinary Integration: Portable devices make it easier for vets to prescribe home protocols monitored remotely.

6. Integrating Laser Therapy into Equine Care Plans

To maximize benefits, laser therapy should be part of a holistic rehabilitation strategy tailored to each horse.

6.1 Combined Therapies: Holistic Rehabilitation Plans

Laser + Physical Therapy: Combining stretching and controlled exercise with laser therapy yields stronger recoveries.

Acupuncture & Chiropractic Care: Many equine practitioners integrate these alongside laser sessions.

Pharmacologic Treatments: Laser can reduce reliance on anti-inflammatories, lowering side-effect risks.

6.2 Safety, Dosage & Practitioner Credentials

Proper Diagnosis Required: Not every lameness issue benefits from laser therapy; veterinary assessment is essential.

Avoiding Burns: High-power lasers require careful dosage to prevent tissue overheating.

Qualified Practitioners: Certified veterinarians or technicians should operate Class IV systems.

6.3 Horse-Specific Treatment Planning

Custom Dosage: Based on horse size, coat color, and injury type.

Frequency & Duration: Acute injuries may require daily sessions, while chronic cases need long-term, spaced treatments.

Monitoring Progress: Adjustments are made based on clinical improvement and owner feedback.

Laser therapy for horses represents a significant advancement in equine medicine. By harnessing the principles of photobiomodulation, veterinarians can accelerate tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and manage pain effectively—without drugs or invasive procedures. From tendon lesions and ligament tears to post-surgical wounds and chronic laminitis, laser therapy has shown remarkable promise in controlled studies and real-world practice.

While more research is needed to standardize protocols and prove long-term outcomes, the integration of laser therapy into equine rehabilitation offers horse owners a safe, scientifically supported option for improving their animals’ health and performance. As advanced technologies such as SmartRLT and multi-frequency Class IV lasers continue to develop, the future of equine recovery looks brighter than ever.

7. References

High-Power Laser Therapy Improves Healing of the Equine Suspensory Branch in a Standardized Lesion Model

Short- and long term follow-up of 150 sports horses diagnosed with tendinopathy or desmopathy by ultrasonographic examination and treated with high-power laser therapy