LASER Therapy for Horses

Although I am a strong believer that manual therapies should always be the cornerstones of physiotherapy treatment, LASER therapy has a large scientific evidence base and is a incredibly useful in a variety of cases.

LASER is an acronym for Light Emission by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, and has many therapeutic benefits, including;

• analgesic (pain relieving) effects

• anti-inflammatory effects

• improved rates of tissue healing

• increased blood flow

• reduced oedema (swelling)

• reduced trigger points & muscular spasms

• improved joint range of motion

• improved muscular flexibility

• increased synovial fluid within joints.

LASER light is predominantly absorbed in highly vascular tissues (tissues with high blood flow), and is therefore mostly utilised in muscular tissue to reduce tension, spasm and trigger points. With its pain relieving effects, it can be used prior to manual therapies to encourage relaxation, particularly in the more sensitive horses. It is also useful in horses with degenerative joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis, to increase the production of synovial fluid within the joint and therefore improve the range of motion.

I supplement all of my manual therapies with LASER as and when appropriate. If you have any questions regarding LASER therapy, or any of my treatment techniques, please do get in touch. I would love to hear from you!

Ellie x