Red Light Therapy for Wound Healing in Horses and Equines: Benefits & Studies

Red Light Therapy for Wound Healing in Horses: Benefits & Studies

Meta Description: Learn how red light therapy promotes wound healing in horses by accelerating tissue repair and reducing inflammation. Explore the science, key studies, benefits, applications, and tips for equine owners and vets.

1. Introduction
2. How Red Light Therapy Works
3. Clinical Challenges in Equine Wound Healing
4. Key Research Studies on Light Therapy for Horses
5. Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Horses
6. Applications and Treatment Protocols
7. Alternative Wound-Healing Strategies
8. For Racehorse Owners: How to Use Red Light Therapy
9. For Horse Owners: How to Use Red Light Therapy
10. For Veterinarians: Integrating Red Light Therapy
11. Important Safety Considerations
12. FAQs
13. Conclusion
14. References

Introduction

Horse owners and veterinarians often face the challenge of slow-healing wounds in equines, which can lead to prolonged downtime and complications. Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation or LED light therapy, is a non-invasive treatment harnessing specific wavelengths of light to support the body’s natural healing processes. Popular in human medicine for skin rejuvenation and pain relief, RLT is gaining traction in equine care for accelerating recovery from wounds, cuts, and injuries. This comprehensive guide explores the science, benefits, key studies (including mixed results), applications, alternatives, and safety considerations, drawing heavily from recent research to provide a balanced view for equine enthusiasts, trainers, and vets.

How Red Light Therapy Works

LED light therapy is a non-invasive way to support the body’s natural healing. Specific wavelengths are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase, a key photo-acceptor in mitochondria, which may boost cellular energy and speed recovery. Therapeutic outcomes depend on precise wavelength selection and controlled dosage.

The dual-wavelength approach combines:

• Visible Red Light (660 nm): Absorbed well by superficial skin layers, may stimulate trigger and acupuncture points, useful for surface wounds and infections.
• Near-Infrared Light (850 nm): Reaches deeper tissues, targets tendons, ligaments, bone, joints, and muscle, addresses structural issues beneath the skin.

In vitro studies have shown that visible red and near-infrared light treatments stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and other key components in wound healing.

Clinical Challenges in Equine Wound Healing

Lacerations and deep abrasions in horses often heal slowly and can form excess scar tissue, especially over high-motion areas. Dermal injuries can be slow to heal, cause excessive scarring, and prolong lay-up. Limb wounds may develop proud flesh.

Key Research Studies on Light Therapy for Horses

Research on red light therapy for equine wound healing shows mixed results, emphasizing the importance of protocol optimization.

• A 2020 Swedish study by Michanek et al. tested pulsating red (660 nm) and near-infrared (850 nm) LEDs on induced neck wounds in eight healthy horses over 25 days. One wound per horse received treatment for 4 min 40 s on designated days, while the other served as a control. Assessments via photographs and ultrasound showed no significant differences in wound area or swelling, concluding no clinically relevant positive effect.
• In contrast, a 2012 study by Jann et al. evaluated low-level laser therapy (635 nm) on full-thickness symmetrical skin wounds in eight horses. LLLT influenced healing positively, with treated wounds showing faster closure (p=0.01), full epithelialization by day 80, reduced inflammation, and healing via contraction without proud flesh.
• Other findings include a Mad Barn review highlighting RLT's potential for soft-tissue recovery by stimulating cellular activities, and a 2024 study on solarium light therapy demonstrating beneficial impacts on blood parameters and antioxidant status in recreational horses. A preliminary study on far-infrared treatment noted improvements in muscle balance. Variability may arise from wavelengths, dosages, and wound types.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Horses

Based on research and anecdotal evidence, RLT offers potential advantages for equine wound management:

• Accelerated tissue repair and reduced inflammation by amplifying cellular metabolic activities.
• Faster recovery from soft-tissue injuries, minimizing downtime.
• Decreased swelling and pain in musculoskeletal issues.
• Non-invasive, drug-free option with short sessions.
• Versatility for conditions beyond wounds, supporting overall health.

Equine practitioners report enhanced performance in competitive horses due to shorter recovery times.

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Applications and Treatment Protocols

Combined red and near-infrared light may help manage several equine conditions:

• Soft-tissue injuries and inflammation
• Ligament and tendon problems
• Musculoskeletal discomfort: sore back, neck, shoulder, or hip
• Joint issues: stifle pain, arthritis, general soreness
• Circulatory problems: swelling, salivary gland inflammation
• Surface trauma: wounds, cuts, scrapes, sprains
• Point stimulation: trigger and acupuncture sites

Protocols: Clean the area, apply pads for 5-15 minutes, 3-5 times weekly. Use equine-specific devices for best results.

Alternative Wound-Healing Strategies

Veterinarians continue to evaluate other adjunctive options for equine wounds. These may include topical treatments like manuka honey, bandaging to control proud flesh, stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or hyperbaric oxygen. A study noted that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like phenylbutazone can delay healing. Always consult a vet for tailored approaches.

For Racehorse Owners: How to Use Red Light Therapy

For racehorse owners, red light therapy can be a game-changer in minimizing downtime from wounds and injuries, helping maintain peak performance. Here's a step-by-step guide to using it effectively:

1. Consult a Veterinarian: Before starting, get professional advice to assess the wound and ensure RLT is suitable, especially for racehorses under high stress.
2. Choose the Right Device: Opt for equine-specific LED pads or wraps with dual wavelengths (660 nm red and 850 nm near-infrared) for optimal penetration. Devices like flexible pads are ideal for limbs or larger areas common in racing injuries.
3. Prepare the Area: Clean the wound thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, or bandages, ensuring the light can penetrate the skin directly.
4. Position the Device: Place the device 6-12 inches from the affected area or directly on the coat if designed for contact. For deeper wounds, focus on near-infrared settings.
5. Set Session Parameters: Start with 5-10 minute sessions, 3-5 times per week. For acute wounds, treat twice daily with at least 6 hours between sessions to support healing without overuse.
6. Monitor Progress: Track changes with photos, noting reduced swelling or faster closure. Watch for any adverse reactions like increased heat or discomfort, and adjust as needed.
7. Integrate with Training: Combine RLT with rest, nutrition, and vet-approved therapies to accelerate return to racing, potentially reducing scar tissue and re-injury risk.

Consistent use at home can support natural healing, but always prioritize veterinary oversight for competitive horses.

For Horse Owners: How to Use Red Light Therapy

Start by consulting a vet to ensure suitability. Use equine-specific devices with appropriate wavelengths, positioning them 6-12 inches from the wound. Begin with 5-minute sessions to monitor tolerance, increasing to 10-15 minutes. Track progress with photos and notes on swelling or closure. Maintain hygiene to avoid infection, and combine with bandaging if needed. Owners in studies noted improvements within weeks, but discontinue if irritation occurs.

For Veterinarians: Integrating Red Light Therapy

Assess wound severity and avoid in photosensitive cases. Incorporate with dosages like 20-30 J/cm², monitoring reduction in size and inflammation. Combine with standard treatments. Stay updated via journals like Equine Veterinary Journal.

Important Safety Considerations

Consult a veterinarian for any significant wound. Large wounds with heavy bleeding or tissue loss need immediate care and are veterinary emergencies. Avoid overuse to prevent irritation.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about red light therapy for wound healing in horses:

• Is red light therapy safe for horses?
  Yes, it's non-invasive and safe when used correctly, with no known harm to horses. It's painless and doesn't produce heat that could cause burns.
• How often should I use red light therapy on my horse's wound?
  Typically 3-5 times per week for 5-15 minutes per session, or up to twice daily with 6-hour intervals for maximum benefit. Always follow device guidelines and vet advice.
• Can red light therapy reduce scarring in horses?
  Yes, it may minimize scar tissue formation and proud flesh, promoting faster healing with less visible scarring, especially in limb wounds.
• What types of wounds benefit most from red light therapy?
  It's effective for cuts, abrasions, surgical incisions, tendon injuries, and soft-tissue trauma, accelerating tissue repair and reducing inflammation.
• Does red light therapy work for all horses?
  While generally suitable, consult a vet for pregnant mares, horses with photosensitivity, or severe infections. Results vary by wound type and protocol.
• How soon can I see results?
  Improvements like reduced swelling may appear in 1-2 weeks, with full healing benefits over 4-12 weeks, depending on the injury severity.
• Can I use human red light devices on horses?
  Possibly, but equine-specific devices cover larger areas and are designed for animal use. Ensure wavelengths match (660-850 nm).

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Conclusion

Red light therapy holds promise for accelerating equine wound healing, though research shows mixed results. By leveraging dual-wavelength technology and integrating with veterinary care, it can potentially reduce recovery times and complications. Explore innovations and consult experts for optimal use.

References

• Michanek P, et al. Effect of infrared and red monochromatic light on equine wound healing. Equine Vet J. 2021;53(1):143-148.
• Wound Healing in Horses: Research on Light Therapy. Kentucky Equine Research. 2022.
• Red Light Therapy for Horses: Benefits, Applications & Limitations. Mad Barn. 2025.
• Jann HW, et al. Equine wound healing: influence of low-level laser therapy on an equine metacarpal wound healing model. Photon Lasers Med. 2012;1(2):117-122.
• Kolodziejczak A, et al. The effect of solarium light therapy on selected biological and hematological parameters of blood in horses. Front Vet Sci. 2024;11:1379194.
• Michanek P, et al. Effect of infrared and red monochromatic light on equine wound healing. ResearchGate. 2020.
• Research – Equine & Canine Light Therapy. Equine Light Therapy. Accessed 2025.
• Podcast – Red Light and Wound Healing. Ask Animal Web. 2023.
• Michanek P, et al. Effect of infrared and red monochromatic light on equine wound healing. SLU Publications. 2020.