As horses age, they may begin to experience arthritis pain, which can greatly impact their quality of life. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to manage this pain, including laser therapy. In this blog, “5 reasons to use laser therapy for your horse” we will discuss the benefits of laser therapy for managing arthritis pain in older horses, as well as provide links to published studies in horses regarding this treatment. Additionally, we will explain why the Sound RLT laser is the best laser available and why Daniel Equine uses it.
5 reasons to use laser therapy
What is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy, or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive treatment. Laser uses light energy to boost healing and reduce pain and inflammation. The therapy is based on the principle of photobiomodulation. This process uses light energy which is absorbed by cells and stimulates cellular processes to promote healing.
In the case of arthritis pain, laser therapy reduces inflammation and relieve pain in the affected joints. The therapy works by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells, promotes tissue repair, and reduces inflammation.
Benefits of Laser Therapy for Arthritis Pain in Horses
There are several benefits of laser therapy for managing arthritis pain in horses. These benefits include:
- Non-Invasive Treatment:
- Firstly, laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that does not require any surgical incisions or injections. This means that there is no risk of infection or other complications associated with invasive procedures.
- Pain Relief:
- Secondly, laser therapy is effective at reducing pain in horses with arthritis. It works by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow to the affected area, which helps to alleviate pain.
- Reduced Inflammation:
- Thirdly, inflammation is a hallmark of arthritic joints. Laser therapy helps to reduce inflammation by increasing blood flow and promoting cellular processes that reduce inflammation.
- Improved Mobility:
- Fourthly, horses with arthritis often experience reduced mobility and stiffness in the affected joints. Laser therapy can help to improve mobility by reducing inflammation and pain, allowing the horse to move more freely.
- No Side Effects:
- Lastly laser therapy is a safe treatment with no known side effects. This means that it can be used in conjunction with other treatments without the risk of adverse reactions.
Published Studies in Horses Regarding Laser Therapy for Arthritis Pain
There have been several published studies in horses regarding the use of laser therapy for arthritis pain. Here are a few examples:
- A study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science in 2007 found that laser therapy was effective at reducing pain and improving mobility in horses with arthritis. The study concluded that laser therapy should be considered as a treatment option for horses with arthritis.
- A study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science in 2016 found that laser therapy was effective at reducing inflammation and pain in horses with osteoarthritis. The study concluded that laser therapy was a safe and effective treatment for horses with this condition.
- A study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science in 2018 found that laser therapy was effective at reducing inflammation and improving joint mobility in horses with arthritis. The study concluded that laser therapy was a promising treatment option for horses with this condition.
Why the Sound RLT Laser is the Best Laser Available
The Sound RLT laser is the best laser available for managing arthritis pain in horses. This laser is specifically designed for veterinary use and has several features that make it superior to other lasers on the market. Here are a few reasons why the Sound RLT laser is the best laser available:
- Dual Wavelength
- Firstly, the Sound RLT laser uses a dual wavelength system, which allows for greater depth of penetration and increased effectiveness in treating deep tissue injuries.
- Customizable Treatment
- Secondly, the Sound RLT laser has customizable treatment settings, which allows for individualized treatment plans based on the specific needs of each horse. This means that the treatment can be tailored to the severity and location of the arthritis, as well as the age and breed of the horse.
- Easy to Use:
- Thirdly the Sound RLT laser is user-friendly, with a touch-screen interface and pre-set treatment protocols. This makes it easy for veterinarians and horse owners to use the laser without the need for extensive training.
- Portable:
- The Sound RLT laser is lightweight and portable, which makes it easy to transport between locations. This is great for horse owners who need to treat their horse at different stables or competitions.
- FDA Cleared:
- Lastly, the Sound RLT laser is FDA cleared for veterinary use, meaning that it has undergone rigorous testing and has been proven to be safe and effective for treating arthritis pain in horses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment for managing arthritis pain in older horses. Importantly, the therapy works by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow to the affected area, which helps to alleviate pain and improve mobility. Also there have been several published studies in horses that support the use of laser therapy for arthritis pain, and the Sound RLT laser is the best laser available for this treatment. Its dual wavelength system, customizable treatment settings, portability, and FDA clearance make it the ideal choice for veterinarians and horse owners looking to provide their horses with the best possible care. Lastly, if you have an older horse with arthritis, consider talking to your veterinarian about the benefits of laser therapy and whether the Sound RLT laser may be right for your horse.