Let there be light
So, I am an Equine Bodyworker. I use my hands to apply therapeutic massage to different muscles and connective tissue of the horse. Massage is believed to increase blood flow, promote muscle and mental relaxation, and increase suppleness. It is effective and I don’t need any other tools, or so I thought. Enter… light! And, not just any light, really cool laser or LED light. Properly called Photobiomodulation (PBM).
Many horse people have either been exposed to or heard of light therapy. It is certainly highly beneficial in the rehabilitation world. It is being used more and more in general veterinary and body work practices. Why? Well, because it works.
Full disclosure, the reason I even have use of the device is because my husband works for a light therapy company. I confiscated his mobile unit to see what this light thing was all about, and as of late, the mobile unit spends more time with me than in his office. By the way, if you want a good deal, call Randall Bergstedt at Thor Photomedicine…tell him Lisa sent you. I won’t get any commission, but I might get a nice dinner out of it!
Although I have only been working with light therapy for about a year now, I have been quite impressed with its benefits. It is off the charts for wound treatment and edema. It has been proven that light therapy accelerates wound healing, and I have seen that first-hand. I have also used it for ligament and tendon injuries, muscle spasms and general pain. I even used it on a horse that had cervical malformation and compression. Of course, I didn’t expect it to cure the condition, but I did see it help with pain relief. For those that are old enough to remember the “Windex for everything” reference from the movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, well…light is becoming my Windex.
Will I give up bodywork with my measly two hands? No, not anytime soon. However, if you see me marching up to your horse with flashing red lights, I suggest you give me the green light to proceed. Your horse will thank you.
For those those who are interested in learning more about Photobiomodulation, see the explanation and links below:
What is Photobiomodulation (PBM): PBM is the application of light using either a laser or high-powered light emitting diode (LED) to stimulate the natural healing process or relieve pain. Also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT), cold laser, or red light therapy these names all refer to the same therapy.
How does it work: PBM optimizes cellular function which accelerates tissue repair (skin wounds, muscle, tendon, bone, nerves). It can also reduce inflammation and pain in the region where the light is applied. The short biological explanation is that PBM stimulates a protein in mitochondria (cytochrome c oxidase) to increase ATP and reduce oxidative stress. A cascade of mitochondrial and intracellular downstream effects leads to improved tissue repair and reduced inflammation. See reference article
It is generally accepted that PBM is best delivered in the 600nm – 900nm wavelength range which spans from red light to near infra-red light. Lasers fall into one of two classes. Class 3B lasers have power between 5mw and 500mw and Class IV lasers are above 500mw. “Dosage” is calculated by energy [Power (Watts) x Time (seconds) = Energy (Joules)}
PBM can help with analgesia (pain reduction), reduce inflammation, and promote healing on superficial tissue depending on the power of light used and the region of the body where it is applied. For example, PBM therapy can create an analgesic effect on nerve pain or a stimulating effect on superficial wounds based on energy used. Read more about class IV lasers, 3B lasers, LEDs
