| Why Light Therapy?
Equine Light Therapy pads have become
a "must have" for many horse owners. Why?
They are safe, easy to use, affordable and effective.
Since the early '80s, light therapy has been used in
the horse world for treating equine concerns and helping
owners and trainers keep their horses in top shape.
The first light therapy that was widely used on horses
was laser therapy, also called low level laser therapy
(LLLT) or cold laser therapy. It has since been reported
that light therapy using LEDs produces many of the same
benefits as LLLT, but is less costly and much safer.
A 1989 study entitled "Low-Energy Laser Therapy:
Controversies and New Research Findings", Jeffrey
R. Basford, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic’s Department
of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation suggests that
the coherent aspect of laser may not be the source of
its therapeutic effect. Thus any effects produced by
low-energy lasers may be due to the effects of light
in general and not to the unique properties of lasers.*
LEDs do not deliver enough power to damage the tissue,
but they do deliver enough energy to stimulate a response
from the body to heal itself. LEDs provide a much gentler
delivery of the same  healing
wavelengths of light as does the laser.
The tissues and cells of the body absorb light at specific
wavelengths and not at others. The key factor is using
specific wavelengths. We use these specific wavelengths
in the red and infrared spectrum. Visible red light
is absorbed by skin layers very efficiently and is best
for uses such as stimulating trigger and acupuncture
points and for treating wounds and infections. Infrared
light penetrates to a deeper level has been used to
treat concerns of bones, joints and muscle.
Equine Light Therapy uses both of these specific wavelengths.
We spent nearly three years researching and testing
our Equine Light Therapy pads and they have been used
on many horses and dogs, including our own with no adverse
side effects.
Our Equine Light Therapy pads are available in two sizes;
9" X 8-1/2" with 71 LEDs, and our new Large
pad which is 13" X 18" with 176 LEDs! We use
specific wavelengths, high quality LEDs and our Equine
Light Therapy pads are manufactured by the leading innovator
and manufacturer of light therapy products right here
in the United States. We have been asked why we didn't
manufacture a battery operated pad. We experimented
with a battery operated pad, but felt we could not accurately
control the continuous strength of the lights. As you
know, when you use a flashlight, the light fades over
time and use, the same is true for battery operated
LEDs. For this reason, we opted to use a power pack
to provide greater energy delivery and to insure consistency.
To insure safety for both the horse and his human, the
cord is not hard wired into the pad, it plugs into the
pad and quick releases, if needed.
Now, why should you use it?
Many studies have reported great
results with LED therapy for the following equine and
canine concerns:
General: Arthritis pain,
bursitis, bruising, burns, edema, deep muscle problems,
hematomas, inflammation, tight or sore muscles and infections.
Hoof Problems: Abscesses,
bone spurs, inflammation, navicular, ringbone and laminitis.
Leg and Body: Ankle problems,
bone chips, hock problems, inflammation, ligament soreness,
tendon problems, sore backs, splints, strains, stifle
issues, sprains, swelling, shoulder pain, hip pain,
sore backs, sore necks, salivary gland problems, wounds,
cuts, scrapes and for stimulating trigger points and
acupuncture points.
But how does it work and why?
We found many impressive studies
that included the following:
**The LEDs at specific wavelengths
are reported to increase circulation by increasing the
formation of new capillaries. New capillaries speed
up the healing process by carrying more oxygen as well
as more nutrients needed for healing and they can also
carry more waste products away.
**Collagen is the most common protein
found in the body and the essential protein used to
repair damaged tissue and to replace old tissue. Studies
cite that LEDs stimulate the production of collagen.
It has been reported that by increasing collagen production,
less scar tissue is formed at the damaged site.
**LED therapy is reported to stimulate
the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is
the major carrier of energy to all cells and provides
the chemical energy that drives the chemical reaction
of the cell. Increases in ATP allow cells to use nutrients
faster and get rid of waste products faster by increasing
the energy level in the cell.
**Increases lymphatic system activity.
Edema has two basic components, liquid and protein.
Research has shown that the lymph vessel diameter and
the flow of the lymph system can be doubled with the
use of light therapy. This means that both parts of
edema can be eliminated at a much faster rate to relieve
swelling.
**Reduces the excitability of nervous
tissue. The light energy stimulates the release of endorphins
which are the body's own long term pain fighting chemicals.
**May improve peripheral neuropathies
by stimulating nitric oxide production.
**Increases RNA and DNA synthesis
which helps damaged cells to be replaced more quickly.
**Increases the process of scavenging
for and ingesting dead or degenerated cells by phagocyte
cells for the purpose of clean up. This is an important
part of the infection fighting process. Destruction
of the infection and clean up must occur before the
healing process can take place.
**Stimulates fibroblastic activity
that aids in the repair process. Fibroblasts are present
in connective tissue and are capable of forming collagen
fibers.*
**Stimulates tissue granulation
and connective tissue projections, part of the healing
process.
**Stimulates trigger and acupuncture
points.
**Helps relax muscles.
We have found no reports of adverse
side effects regarding LED therapy. It is repeatedly
reported that when the cell is "reenergized"
it accepts no more energy, so you cannot cause harm
and it is reported to have no effect on healthy tissue.
The body will not absorb what it cannot use. Caution
is urged for those taking photosensitive drugs. Please
do not use on pregnant mares unless you are being advised
by a veterinarian who is familar with light therapy,
we have found no studies citing use on pregnant mares.
We have been told that a temporary increase in pain
or discomfort may be observed after treating chronic
conditions. When we began using our first prototype,
I was fortunate to speak with a trainer of racehorses
who started using light therapy back in the mid '80s.
He said," If he gets sore, don't stop, that means
it's working." He uses light therapy not only for
injuries, but as a regular part of his daily training
program.
Many of our clients incorporate the use of "Gospel's"
Equine Light Therapy pads as a regular part of their
daily training program. It is another tool to help keep
your partner in top shape. Click
here to see
what some of our clients have to say about Equine Light
Therapy!
:: According to "Gospel"…
:: EQUINE LIGHT THERAPY ::
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