Laser therapy in postoperative rehabilitation in horses

The postoperative period following surgery is a challenging time for both horse and owner. During this phase, it is crucial to support healing and minimize pain to promote a rapid and complete recovery. One method receiving increasing attention in this context is laser therapy . In this blog post, you’ll learn how laser therapy is used in equine rehabilitation and its potential benefits.

What is laser therapy?

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment method that uses light energy to support the body’s healing processes . The targeted application of laser light can potentially improve cell function and reduce inflammation. This form of therapy is increasingly used in veterinary medicine , particularly in the treatment of horses after surgical procedures. Laser therapy is based on the application of specific wavelengths of light that penetrate deep into the tissue and stimulate biochemical processes there.

Potential benefits of laser therapy in equine rehabilitation

Laser therapy can offer several benefits for the post-operative rehabilitation of horses:

Accelerated healing: Laser therapy can promote cell regeneration and improve blood flow in the treated area, which can contribute to faster healing. Increased blood flow allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach the damaged tissues.
Pain relief: By potentially reducing inflammation and promoting endorphin production, laser therapy can relieve pain . Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers that increase well-being and reduce pain.
Improved mobility: Horses undergoing laser therapy often show a faster recovery of mobility. This can facilitate a return to normal activity and improve the horse’s quality of life .

Areas of application of laser therapy after surgical procedures

Laser therapy can be used for a variety of post-operative conditions, including:

Wound healing after surgery: Laser therapy can support the healing of surgical wounds by promoting cell regeneration and reducing the risk of infection.
Treatment of scar tissue: The application of laser light can minimize the formation of scar tissue and improve skin elasticity.
Reduction of swelling and inflammation: The anti-inflammatory effects of laser therapy can help reduce swelling and speed up healing.
Promoting the healing of bone fractures: Laser therapy can support bone healing by stimulating cell activity and improving blood circulation.

How does laser therapy work?

Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate deep into tissue. This light energy is absorbed by cells and converted into biochemical energy that can improve cellular function. This leads to increased production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cellular energy carrier, which can accelerate healing processes. ATP is crucial for cell regeneration and the repair of tissue damage.

The process of a laser therapy session

A typical laser therapy session lasts approximately 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area to be treated and the severity of the injury. The veterinarian or therapist uses a specialized laser module to target the affected areas. The treatment is painless and well tolerated by most horses. During the session, the horse can stand or lie down in a relaxed position, and the therapist slowly moves the laser module over the area to be treated.

Conclusion: Laser therapy as a valuable support in horse rehabilitation

Laser therapy offers a potentially effective way to support healing and relieve pain after surgical procedures in horses. Horse owners and veterinarians can benefit from this modern technology to optimize their animals’ recovery. The non-invasive nature of the treatment makes it a safe and comfortable option for horses. However, it is important to note that laser therapy is not yet scientifically recognized in Germany and is considered a complementary therapy. If you would like to learn more about the possibilities of laser therapy in post-operative equine rehabilitation, speak to your veterinarian. Together, you can decide if laser therapy is the right choice for your horse and how it can best be integrated into the rehabilitation plan.