Laser therapy for wounds and soft tissue problems

Wouds

Horses can do the craziest things and before you know it they have a big wound. Perhaps the wound can be stitch up, but you are still afraid of scares.

Laser therapy can be used very well in the treatment of wounds. The wound will close faster and the risk of scar tissue is much smaller.

In addition to ‘normal’ wounds, laser therapy can also be used effectively for the recovery of corners of the mouth.

But laser therapy can do more than just repair wounds quickly. All soft tissue responds to laser therapy and can recover faster.

There are nowadays many types of lasers in circulation, from very weak to very strong. For the treatment of wounds and soft tissue it is best to work with a medium class laser. This cannot cause damage to the tissue and does have sufficient energy to penetrate far enough into the tissue to influence the cells.

Tendons are also very often successfully treated with laser therapy. The images below are of a tendon before and after 6 weeks of treatment with laser therapy.

There are five actions of laser light on tissue that you should be familiar with, that should help you to understand what you are doing when you use a laser:

Lasertherapy accelerate tissue repair

The most common example of the conversion of light energy into chemical energy is photosynthesis, where plants manufacture food from carbon dioxide and water. Light energy from the sun is the essential item in that process. No reasonable person disputes photosynthesis, it is a well know process that converts photons of light energy into chemical energy. The action of laser light is quite similar to photosynthesis in plants.

Photons of light from a laser, penetrate deeply into tissue and power the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is a molecule that is a major carrier of energy from one reaction site to another in all living cells. Increases in ATP as a result of laser light increases the energy available to the cell so that the cell can take in nutrients faster and get rid of waste products. In straight forward terms, the cells of tendons, ligaments and muscles are repaired faster as a result of exposure to laser light. How much faster? A good rule of thumb is that the time for healing is reduced by 2/3 ‘s of the time that it normally take with all other factors remaining the same, i.e. rest, nutrition, training.

Rapid Formation of Collagen

Collagen is the most common protein found in the body. It is estimated that 80% of the body is made up of this important fibrous protein. Various types of tissue make up the body. Connective tissue is the most widely distributed. In connective tissue, fibroblast cells produce the ground substance and tissue fiber. The “extra” energy from laser light is used by fibroblasts to increase collagen production. Collagen is the essential protein required to replace old tissue or to repair tissue injuries.

Perhaps the most common example of collagen is the clear sticky substance found around open wounds. Wounds are healed or closed over very rapidly by the application of laser light. There is also less scar tissue found when laser light is applied to the area.

Beneficial effect on nerve cells and the production of ß-endorphins

Laser light has a highly beneficial effect on nerve cells which blocks pain transmitted by these cells to the brain. Studies have shown that laser light increases the activity of the ATP dependent NA-K pump. In this case laser light increases the potential difference across the cell membrane moving the resting potential further from the firing threshold, thus, decreasing nerve ending sensitivity.

A less understood pain blocking mechanism involves the product of high levels of painkilling chemicals such as endorphins and enkephelins from the brain adrenal gland and other areas as a result of exposure to laser light.

Lasertherapy accelerated lymphatic system activity and reduction in edema

Everyone wants to reduce swelling in a leg. The problem is that the veins in the leg are only capable of removing one component of the swelling. Blood vessels can remove the water but not the dirty protein solution that is present. So if you have a treatment modality that accelerates blood flow you have not solved this part of the problem. The lymphatic system is required to take away dirty proteins from edema. Laser studies conducted in 1987 and early 1988, indicate that laser light is capable of doubling the size of lymphatic ducts in the area of exposure and rapidly removing the protein waste.

Another important aspect of the study showed that laser light was capable of “perfect” regeneration of the lymphatic system in the immediate area with no leakage and no confused network of ducts. In the normal regeneration of lymphatic systems, the ducts are leaky and the duct network is complex and confusing , leading tot a tendency to have the same problem occur in the same area.

Formation of new capillaries and increased blood flow

Many types of treatments will increase blood flow. It has been shown that laser light does this extremely well, there is no question about that point. But what is not commonly recognized is that laser light will significantly increase the formation of new capillaries that speeds the healing process, closes wounds quickly and reduces scar tissue.

Pictures below are taken with an interval of 5 days:

Centurion Laser Shower

The Centurion Laser Shower operates by emitting a continuous shower of laser light at multiple frequencies.. This makes that a wide range of problems ranging from superficial wounds to deep seated soft tissue problems may be treated. (like tendons)

It is not necessary to specific frequency selection for a particular problem – as is required by older style laser units. Research has shown that the most effective penetration of laser light is achieved by using laser diodes which operates at 785 NM. This will increase the effective average power directed towards the injured area and allow better penetration of the laser light.

The Centurion Laser Shower is battery operated and each charge will last 10 hours before recharging becomes necessary. The supplied charger is then plugged into the unit and it will be charged overnight, ready for use in the morning.

Features Centurion Laser Shower:

Visible infrared light
Multi-frequency spectrum
Pre-programmed frequency range from 20 till 20.000 Hz
785 nM wavelenght
Continues wave for strong average power
Wide angle head applicator (7 diodes)
Point applicator
Acupuncture pointfinder (optional)
Built-in digital timer

The Ultra Wide Head emits laser light at 785 nanometers from seven laser diodes and is utilized over large treatment areas.

The Superfine Head emits laser light at 785 NM from a single laser diode and is used for small treatment areas and to stimulate acupuncture points.

The superfine head applicator can be replaced by an acupuncture pointfinder. This applicator automatically finds acupuncture point and simultaneously triggers the laser light

Your Centurion Laser Shower unit contains the following items:

Carrying bag
Laser generator unit
Two applicators

Technical data:

Aluminium Galium Arsenide Laser 10 Watt
Peakpower 9.4 MW
Average power 4.7 MW
Timer 1 – 15 min
Dimensions – 45,7 x 40,6 x 33 cm
Weight: 4,5 kg

Try it out yourself?

Curious about the influence of laser therapy on the injury of your horse? Then start the rental today and see for yourself. Buying is also possible of course. We always deduct the first three months’ rent from the selling price. In this way you can experience for yourself how the laser works without extra costs and without having to make a big decision.

Try it out yourself?

Start renting the laser today

Use of the Laser on a horse or a dog

Use laser wideangle head on the tendon

gebruik van de douchekop van de laser op een pees

Use of the pointlaser on the tendon

Use of the pointlaser on the neck

Use of the windeangle head on the back

Behandeling van de rug met de laser douchekop

Use of thepointfinder on the back

Gebruik van de laser pointfinder op de rug

Use of the windeangle head with a dog

Behandeling van een hond met de laser douchekop

Use of the pointfinder on the hock

Gebruik van de laser pointfinder op het spronggewricht

Use of the pointfinder

Use of the laser on a footpad of a dog

Gebruik van de laser op een voetkussen van een hond

We came across the following in the newsletter from the veterinary clinic Bodegraven:

Laser therapy

Horses can sometimes be a bit unclean and seriously injured themselves in a fraction of a second. Fortunately, our veterinarians have sufficient knowledge and experience to restore this as well as possible. Sometimes laser therapy is used.

The laser therapy is especially used in large wounds or wounds that heal slowly. This may also take into account with wounds in the pastern area or at corners of the mouth, which are usually very difficult to cure.

With laser therapy, blood supply to the damaged tissue is increased, growth factors are activated and bacteria killed. Swelling and the formation of hypergranulation tissue are minimized. The wound healing goes 2-3 times as fast as normal. This is not only limited the costs of dressing materials and medicines, but the horse can also be back to work earlier. In short, the laser stimulates the natural healing process.

Laser therapy already has some familiarity among the horse men. A number of animal physiotherapists use a laser for the treatment of muscle injuries. We use the laser specifically for wound healing.

The results are amazing:

Books about Laser therapy

To get a beter understanding on how to use the laser we made some books in cooperation with Anja Füchtenbusch. TIn these books you will find basic treatments with the laser as well as a detailed describtion of the treatment of lot of problems. Treatments are both with the wide angle applicator for the local treatment and acypuncture with the point aplicator.

Books are available in both English and German.

There are three versions:

horses
human
dogs and cats

You can order them in the webshop

Experiences of Centurion Laser users

On Sunday I took my stick and stick lame horse from the pasture, she would actually prefer not stand on her right hind leg. Called the vet and he thought of a sore hoof, we packed the foot with wet end in the hope the next day the location of the abscess could be found. Blacksmith there, there was no abscess......... Putting her on painkillers and made an appointment to scan the leg in the stable (X-rays and ultrasound), it seems to be a tenosynovitis and a not very nice tendon (the latter would be "negligible" and that did not cause the pain).

The advice was; injecting with cortico steriods. After doubting decided for the injection with cortico steroids, but there was no effect and the leg and remained the same (painful and slightly swollen). Since she could not without the painkillers, I opted for a second opinion at a horse clinic. They did another scan where something else came out; She had a hole in her ligament just above the fetlock, this "disease" they rarely see. Option was an exploratory operation, they would then clean and cut the ligament, the chances of recovery remained "reserved". In consultation with the vet we decided todo her 24/7 on the meadow to walk, expanding the walk and still try to build off the painkillers. So we could give her during he summer the chance to recover on he own. According to the vet if she had not improved after 2 months we had to consider surgery.

I spoke to an acquaintance on the phone and did the whole story, which she said, if I were you I would apply laser therapy. Never heard of it, but it was worth trying, I finally had nothing to lose! Icontacted Arja from MagnaCare and 2 days later I had the laser in the stable! In 10 days the leg is 2.5 cm thinner in size and she could do without pain relief! I did not know what I was going through! The first 10 days I have treated the leg 2x per day with the laser and after that 1x per day. I have done this for 4 months, the last month I have completely phased out.
In total the leg shrunk about 3 cm leg and it is now the same size as her other hindleg. The area is still shrinking, it is soft, not painful and is absolutely sound (in all courses!).
And that at her age, 21 years! We are already 3 months without laser and it stays good!

I am very grateful to my acquaintance that she has told me about the laser and Arja very grateful because the laser was with 2 days at my house and gave me the instructions given how I had to apply.
In short, very happy with the laser, a fantastic result! I recommend everyone, if dealing with such problems call Arja leg for advice and which treatment fits there, it really works!

My dog has one week for its UV test, his paws faltered. Frontpaws a flap that was loose, behind just broken. With an UV test your dog runs 20 km beside your bike with 2 x break. After 20 km the soles should look good. So it was very frustrating that he had broken his pads. I have had he dog's pads lasered two times and he has taken his UV exam with gloss !!

We have been using the laser for several months, great for injuries or just nice for the muscles. We are lyrical about it .
Service is really great !!

Very satisfied with the result of the laser device !! I had rented these for a month for our injured pony and the result is amazing!

Last Friday my horse / trotter Echo Oldeson won a race in Germany.

Everyone was amazed at his reappearance, because they knew about his tendon injury.

I wanted to thank you again for using / renting the laser device, it was in February 2019 … when I rang the bell with you.

Echo was caught in his tendon, the most important one too.

A hole of 7 cm turned out later, I have been about to euthanize him, but my feeling said to give it a shot.

Been using the laser every day for months and that helped, you don’t even see where the hole was “

My 8 year old gelding kept a bulge above the bullet on the outside after a fall in the horse walker. So, after 10 days of taking it easy, the bump stayed, hop, to DAP Bodegraven. My horse was not lame, but after a scan made by Sander de Blaauw, it turned out that the intermediate branch of the tendon was 30% damaged, he also calls this the shin. He often sees these kinds of injuries after, for example, turning the bullet. So this was in line with my story of the fall in the mill.

The tendon was injected directly with PRP and I had to walk it for 6 weeks. In my case among the man because he is very busy on the hand. Under the saddle I regularly had lessons from Solange Schrijer (physiotherapist and equine chiropracter). From her I learned to let my horse walk through the body, erect, low for a long time, etc. In this way he kept on working well, loosely through his body and he lost little muscle mass.

In addition, Solange Schrijer regularly advised me to laser the tendon. She herself has the Centurion laser from Magnacare. I rented the medium laser through Magnacare and I lasered my horse's leg daily for a month. I held the so-called "shower head" in one place for 30 seconds and went down the entire lower leg. This took me 15 minutes every day and very honestly, anyone can do it. The laser is easy to set up and handle.

Besides the PRP and the Centurion laser, my horse has also been in the Aquatrainer of Horses in Hands twice a week. This to support the muscles, for variety and you immediately cool the tendon.

After six (long) weeks the time had come, my horse was scanned again by Sander de Blaauw at DAP Bodegraven. And it turns out: the tendon is completely healed and this without scar tissue! What a quick and good recovery of the tendon!

I am convinced that in addition to the PRP, the laser has done an incredible job and I can recommend it to everyone.

Now slowly build up and after the summer again pick up our work and back into the competition ring!

Special thanks to DAP Bodegraven - Sander de Blaauw, Magnacare, Solange Schrijer and Horses in Hands.

Prices

€ 350 a month

inclusive VAT
for a short-term injury
to try out first
the first 3 months of rent are deducted from the purchase

start today

€ 425 a month

inclusive VAT
to try out yourselves
also for acupuncture
the first 3 months of rent are deducted from the purchase

start today

MagnaCare Therapies

To cure and to prevent injuries with horses, dogs and human

Laser therapy for wounds and soft tissue problems

Wouds

Lasertherapy accelerate tissue repair

Rapid Formation of Collagen

Beneficial effect on nerve cells and the production of ß-endorphins

Lasertherapy accelerated lymphatic system activity and reduction in edema

Formation of new capillaries and increased blood flow

Centurion Laser Shower

Try it out yourself?

Try it out yourself?

Use of the Laser on a horse or a dog

Use laser wideangle head on the tendon

Use of the pointlaser on the tendon

Use of the pointlaser on the neck

Use of the windeangle head on the back

Use of thepointfinder on the back

Use of the windeangle head with a dog

Use of the pointfinder on the hock

Use of the pointfinder

Use of the laser on a footpad of a dog

We came across the following in the newsletter from the veterinary clinic Bodegraven:

Laser therapy

Books about Laser therapy

Experiences of Centurion Laser users

Prices

Renting a laser

Renting a Laser with pointfinder