Infrared light therapy is a non-invasive, painless, and natural treatment that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to treat pain and inflammation in the body. It uses low-intensity red or near infrared (NIR) light (600nm–1000nm) that can penetrate the skin’s inner layers, up to 7 centimeters deep, and even bone.
Grace Equine utilizes a Photonic Health light with a wavelength of 660nm. “When applied, it illuminates the damaged tissues, stimulating cells. The cells in an animal’s body, as well as stem cells, have functioning mitochondria. Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell as it is responsible for the production of energy, or ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Inside the mitochondria, there is an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase. This is a chromophore (meaning light absorbing molecule). When cytochrome c oxidase is exposed to light, it releases nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a chemical that has a general effect of vasodilation (opening of the blood vessels). By increasing blood flow to any given area of injury or imbalance, the body can heal itself. This can also benefit the absorption and circulation of nutrients, supplements and medications throughout the body.”
https://photonichealth.com/what-is-photonic-health-therapy/
An article published in 2024 from Animal Therapeutics explains: “Infrared light therapy uses certain wavelengths of light that are delivered to sites of the body that have injuries. The light is absorbed by the photoreceptors in cells and once absorbed, the light energy kickstarts a series of metabolic events, triggering several natural processes of the body on a cellular level, one of them being an increase in blood flow.
The increase in the blood flow to the different parts of the body makes it possible for oxygen and nutrients to reach the cells, enabling them to function properly and effectively. Hence, this therapy stimulates the regeneration and repair of injured tissues, reducing pain and inflammation and clears out the dead or degenerated cells.”
For more information, check out the full article here: https://animaltherapeutics.com.au/red-light-therapy-for-horses/
