Therapeutic Laser Treatment
Therapeutic laser treatment is a beneficial addition to any appointment for your horse. This modality has been used for decades for both humans and animals. Sometimes called “cold laser,” these lasers use light energy to affect tissue at the cellular level, increasing blood flow and the production of cellular energy.
The end effect is decreased pain and more rapid recovery and healing. Unlike other technology such as Class IV lasers, the Multi Radiance laser used at Epona Equine doesn’t create damaging heat. This laser also treats deeper into the tissue than other popular grade IV lasers. The Pro Laser Shower has very short treatment times because it can treat large areas at once. The best plus side of this regenerative therapy is that horses LOVE their treatments!
Most patients stand quietly and have a soft, relaxed expression. Many horses partially close their eyes and nearly fall asleep. Others even lick and chew, particularly when their trigger points or specific areas of soreness are being treated.
Laser Therapy Technology
The therapeutic laser used at Epona Equine is the Multi Radiance Pro Laser Shower. This medical device is the only laser approved by FEI and USEF events for same day use. Horses can be treated an hour before competition to help loosen muscle and relieve trigger points, as well as after competition to aid muscle recovery. Competitors are getting amazing performances from their horses with the help of laser therapy. It is also the official laser of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) and International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP), both of which are renowned experts in equine performance and therapeutics.
Technology used by Multi Radiance has over 30 studies proving its effectiveness. It was invented to be used in space by astronauts because they needed a device that was small, effective and safe to use on spacecraft!
Conditions helped by Laser Therapy
- Muscle spasms – especially in the back and neck.
- Arthritis
- Soft tissue injuries to tendons, ligaments, and muscles
- Swellings such as swollen joints, cellulitis, or areas of trauma (such as a hematoma from a kick)
- Skin infections such as pastern dermatitis (scratches, rain rot, or greasy heel)
- Wounds
- Nerve injury
- Acupuncture points
Laser Therapy FAQs
What is the difference between laser and a red light?
While one of the wavelengths used in the Pro Laser Shower is visible as red light, this device also has 2 laser wavelengths. These wavelengths are very powerful and not seen by the naked eye. These 3 wavelengths used in combination provide a much greater healing effect than a red light alone. The laser wavelengths with super pulsed 200 Watt power provides many, many more photons of energy to heal tissue. An analogy would be watering your lawn. Watering your lawn with a red light would be like watering it with a squirt gun. Watering it with the laser shower would be like using an underground sprinkling system. Both are getting water on your lawn, just one is incredibly more efficient.
Can I ride my horse before the treatments? What about after?
Yes, you can ride your horse before or after treatment. In fact, laser therapy has been used to help warm up and prepare large muscle groups on horses immediately prior to competition. It is also used immediately after competition to aid in muscle recovery. It is currently the only laser allowed by FEI and USEF for same day treatment.
If my horse has to be sedated, can we still do a laser treatment?
Yes. Horses can receive laser treatment before, during, or after sedation. The beneficial effects will not be altered with sedation. It is recommended to avoid sedation the same day as a spinal manipulation session though.
Will the laser get hot on my horse’s skin?
No, this laser is a cold laser. It’s wavelengths penetrate deeper into the tissue, meaning less energy is absorbed at the skin. Coat color doesn’t affect absorption either, as it does with class IV lasers.
How soon will I see results?
At least some degree of pain-relieving results are typically seen immediately after treatment. Tissue healing such as tendons or wounds takes longer, but it generally occurs faster with the laser than without laser treatment. Some of the best studies showing that laser therapy is effective were on tendon injuries.
How often should I have my horse treated with laser?
It depends on what conditions are being treated. A treatment at the time of adjustment is enough for most horses to see great benefit. If there is more severe back pain, laser treatments can be used in between spinal manipulation and acupuncture treatments. Tendon, ligament, and wound treatment should be done at least weekly, if not more frequently. Some severe tears or very bad wounds should be treated every other day.
Book an Appointment
All services are by appointment only.
Serving the greater Milwaukee area in Wisconsin with seasonal availability in the Northwoods Wisconsin. Serving clients in Dodge, Jefferson, Washington, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Walworth, Ozaukee and Racine counties.
Available Monday – Friday from 9am to 5pm
Please avoid a $50 cancellation fee by rescheduling or cancelling your appointment 1 full business day in advance.
Please call for availability or fill out the contact form..
414-379-2464
