About COLD LASER

How Does LLLT Work?

​

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also called photobiomodulation (PBM), uses low levels of light to interact with the horse's tissues and support normal cellular function.

During treatment, a small device is placed over the area being treated. The light penetrates the tissue without cutting or damaging the skin and is designed to produce little to no heat.

Unlike surgical lasers, which use much higher energy to cut or remove tissue, LLLT uses specific wavelengths and energy levels to create a biological response within the tissue.

​

A Cellular Boost

Think of the horse's cells as tiny working units that need energy to function properly. Inside each cell are structures called mitochondria, which help produce the energy the cell needs in the form of ATP.

When specific wavelengths of therapeutic light are absorbed by cellular components, they may influence mitochondrial activity and cellular signaling. This can support the production and use of cellular energy and may help the body's natural processes involved in tissue repair, circulation, inflammation, and recovery.

LLLT has been studied in a variety of tissues, including muscle, tendons, ligaments, nerves, connective tissue, and cartilage.

​

Why the Wavelength Matters

Not all therapeutic light is the same. Different wavelengths penetrate tissue differently and can produce different biological effects.

​

Red and near-infrared wavelengths are commonly used in photobiomodulation because they can reach tissues beneath the skin and influence cellular activity.

​

Some therapeutic devices also use other wavelengths for specific applications. The wavelength, energy delivered, treatment time, and location of treatment all influence the response.

​

What Does This Mean for Your Horse?

​

LLLT is not simply about putting a light on a sore area. It is about using specific light energy to communicate with the body's cells and support their natural function.

​

Because the treatment is non-invasive and non-thermal, the horse remains awake and comfortable during the process.

​

The goal is to help create an environment in which the horse's own tissues can function, recover, and heal as effectively as possible.