How to Use Light Therapy in Horses: A Complete Guide to Protocols, Benefits, and Safety

Last Updated: November 28, 2025

Light therapy (or Photobiomodulation/PBM) has graduated from high-end veterinary clinics to becoming a staple in the everyday barn aisle. However, we often see horse owners who own the devices but struggle with the specifics: "How long do I treat a tendon?", "Which setting do I use?", and "What is the real difference between red and near-infrared light?"

At REDDOT LED, we are dedicated to translating complex science into simple recovery solutions. This guide provides you with a science-backed, field-tested protocol to help you use light therapy on your horse safely and effectively.

Photobiomodulation

In short: Light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and act as "fuel" for cellular energy, accelerating healing.

It isn't just about shining a bright light on your horse. The core science revolves around Mitochondria. When specific wavelengths (mainly Red and Near-Infrared) hit the cells, they stimulate the mitochondria to produce more ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). Think of this as "charging the battery" of your horse's cells, enabling them to repair damaged tissue and reduce inflammation more efficiently.

The Science: How Red and Near-Infrared (NIR) Light Works

Not all light is created equal. Research shows that only specific wavelengths deliver therapeutic results:

• Red Light (600-700nm): Primarily targets the skin's surface. It is the best choice for wounds, rain rot, and superficial infections.
• Near-Infrared Light (NIR, 800-900nm): This light is invisible to the naked eye but penetrates much deeper, reaching muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even bone. This is the key to managing back pain and suspensory injuries.

Pro Tip: Our devices typically combine 660nm (Red) and 850nm (NIR). This "dual-wavelength" approach ensures you are treating everything from the skin surface down to the deep tissue in a single session.

The image of light therapy waves penetrating the skin

Preparation Before Phototherapy in Horses

The preparation phase dictates the success of the treatment. If you don't clean the skin, the light might be blocked before it ever reaches the target tissue.

Analyzing the Condition

Before you start, ask yourself: Is this an acute injury (fresh, hot, swollen) or chronic pain (long-term stiffness, arthritis)?

• Acute Phase: The goal is to control inflammation. This usually requires shorter treatment times.
• Chronic Phase: The goal is to promote blood flow and tissue regeneration, often allowing for longer sessions.

Preparing the Area: The Clean Skin Rule

Many owners skip this step, but it is critical: Light cannot penetrate thick mud, sweat crusts, or matted hair.

1. Clean: Thoroughly brush away mud and dander. If treating a wound, clean it according to your vet's instructions.
2. Clip (Optional): While you don't need to shave the horse completely, trimming the hair on the treatment area for heavy-coated breeds (like Cobs or Gypsy Vanners) can significantly improve light transmission.
3. Dry: Ensure the skin is dry. Water droplets can refract light, altering the dosage accuracy.

Safety Check: Contraindications

Always perform a safety check before powering on. Consult your vet if your horse falls into these categories:

• Pregnant Mares: Avoid direct application over the abdominal area.
• Tumors/Cancer: Light therapy stimulates cell growth; therefore, it should NEVER be used over known tumors.
• Photosensitive Medications: Check if your horse is on medication (like tetracycline) that increases light sensitivity.

[Important Clarification] Light Therapy vs. Photosensitization
Many online articles (and even some major pet health sites) cause confusion here.

• Photosensitization is a disease (often caused by liver issues or toxic plants) where the skin blisters under sunlight.
• Light Therapy (PBM) is a treatment.
  The Verdict: If your horse is currently suffering from active Photosensitization dermatitis, pause light therapy until the skin barrier has healed.

Step-by-Step Procedures for Different Body Parts

Different anatomy requires different techniques. Here are our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on REDDOT LED clinical feedback.

Back & Topline: Treating Sore Muscles and Kissing Spines

The back consists of large muscle groups and requires broad coverage.

1. Positioning: Locate the area behind the saddle or any point of stiffness (topline).
2. Technique: Use a large Light Therapy Pad. If using a smaller handheld device, use the "Grid Scanning Method," holding the device over each muscle section for 10-15 minutes before moving to the next spot.
3. Timing: Can be used before or after exercise. Pre-ride helps warm up muscles; post-ride helps flush lactic acid.

Legs & Tendons: Protocols for Bowed Tendons

This is the most common application, specifically for flexor tendons or suspensory ligaments.

1. Wrapping: Use a flexible Light Therapy Leg Wrap designed for horses. This ensures 360-degree coverage of the damaged fibers.
2. Time: 15–20 minutes per session.
3. Note: For acute tendon injuries, we recommend applying light therapy after cold hosing (once the leg returns to normal temperature) or before applying cooling gels.

Hooves: Laminitis and Navicular Issues

Light therapy provides excellent analgesic (pain-relief) support for Laminitis and Navicular syndrome.

1. Placement: Position the device around the Coronet Band and the Heel Bulbs. These are the key entry points for blood vessels supplying the foot.
2. Goal: To increase blood perfusion to the hoof and help flush out inflammatory agents.

Wounds & Skin: Accelerating Healing

For open cuts, surgical sites, or rain rot:

1. Mode Selection: Use Red Light Only mode (if your device allows). Red light is superior for dermal repair.
2. Distance: Hold the device 1–2 cm away from the wound, or cover the wound with sterile clear wrap and place the device directly on top.
3. Result: Clinical studies suggest PBM can significantly reduce the formation of proud flesh and scar tissue.

Recommended Treatment Times and Frequency

Dosage is the key to success. Too little does nothing; too much can inhibit healing (the Biphasic Dose Response).

Below is the REDDOT LED General Dosage Guide (Based on devices with ~100mW/cm² irradiance):

Care and Effect Monitoring After Phototherapy

The session ends, but the care continues. Monitoring your horse's response helps you fine-tune the protocol.

Post-Session Routine

• Rest or Stretch: Muscles are relaxed after therapy. This is the perfect time for "Carrot Stretches" to improve range of motion.
• Hydration: Increased cellular metabolism requires water. Ensure your horse has access to fresh water immediately after treatment.

How to Monitor Progress

How do you know it's working? Watch for these subtle signs:

1. Palpation Response: Is the horse less sensitive to touch in the treated area? (e.g., no longer flinching when brushing the back).
2. Swelling Reduction: Are windpuffs or edema reduced the following morning?
3. Behavioral Changes: Is the horse more cooperative during saddling or shoeing?
4. Thermal Imaging (Advanced): If available, a thermal camera should show a reduction in the "hot spots" of inflammation over time.

Choosing the Right Device: Pads, Pens, or Lasers?

As industry insiders, we are often asked: What is the difference between LED Pads and Cold Lasers?

• Laser (LLLT): High concentrated energy, penetrates deeply, but covers a tiny pinpoint area. Risk of tissue heating/burns if handled incorrectly; often requires vet administration.
• LED Light Therapy : Light is dispersed, allowing coverage of entire tendon groups or back muscles. Extremely safe with zero risk of burns, making it ideal for daily use by horse owners.

Key Buying Metrics:

• Irradiance: Ensure the device is powerful enough (look for >50mW/cm²), otherwise, the light won't penetrate thick equine skin.
• Durability: Barns are harsh environments. Your device needs to be dust-proof and able to withstand a nudge from a horse.

Conclusion

Light therapy isn't magic—it's biology. By using the correct protocol—clean skin, correct wavelength, and consistent dosage—you can significantly improve your horse's recovery time and quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use human light therapy pads on horses?
A: Technically, yes, as the physics of light is the same. However, human devices are often too small and lack the durability to survive a barn environment (dust, moisture, trampling). Equine-specific devices are usually built with higher power density to penetrate thicker skin and hair.

Q2: How quickly does light therapy work for horses?
A: It depends on the condition. For acute pain (like muscle soreness), you may see signs of relaxation (licking, chewing, sighing) after just 1 or 2 sessions. For tendon injuries or wound healing, visible tissue repair typically takes 2–4 weeks of consistent use.

Q3: Can you overdo red light therapy on horses?
A: Yes. While you won't burn the horse with LEDs, over-treating can lead to a "diminishing return" or an inhibitory effect, slowing down the healing process. Stick to the recommended dosage table above.

Q4: Is light therapy safe for horses' eyes?
A: Red light is generally safe, but Near-Infrared (NIR) light can cause thermal damage to the retina if stared at directly for long periods. When treating the head or around the eyes, we recommend covering the horse's eyes or ensuring the light is not pointed directly into the pupil.