How Infrared Light Heals Hock Injuries

One of the most dreaded conversations an owner can have with his or her vet concerns problems with the hocks of their horse.  Hock issues can vary from mild to severe, but none the less, they always affect the comfort of our equine friends, and quite often the fluidity of their gaits.  This can mean constant expensive treatments or supplements, as in the case of older horses, or it can mean the end of an entire show career!

 Hock injections are expensive and only last for a certain period of time, and some injuries, such as a kick, can be the beginning of a much more serious problem.  

If your horse is suffering from discomfort because of hock issues, infrared light therapy may be the answer you have been looking for.  This type of therapy can accelerate healing and quickly reduce inflammation with just short daily treatments.  It is non-invasive and works with the body’s own healing abilities to achieve quick results.  Circulation is greatly improved as it stimulates the blood flow, thereby increasing oxygen and nutrients to the injured area. This in turn, creates rapid healing to the site. 

Horses that have these kinds of problems are often kept from moving a lot, and thus, the problem of stocking up is always an addition concern to an already difficult situation.  Stocking up is when the horse's legs become puffy due to lack of movement, and the all important circulation to the legs, has been compromised.  With the use of light therapy, stocking up is no longer a problem. Stimulating circulation also helps to diminish inflammation and promotes the flow of the lymphatic system. It helps to protect against permanently capped knees and hocks as well.  Infrared light also has a natural analgesic effect, helping to make horses with these painful injuries more comfortable with fewer medications.

But how exactly does light therapy increase circulation?  The infrared lights help to form or create new capillaries.  Waste products from the cells are whisked away, while nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the starving injured cells.  Replenishing collagen is also a benefit, and since it is an essential protein for replacing old or damaged tissue, less scar tissue will form at the site of the injury.  This is especially important for damage to the hock area, as movement is limited when large amounts of scar tissue develop.

Adensosine Triphosphate or ATP, is also increased by light stimulation.  It is the main supplier of energy to all of the cells in the body.  It also is responsible for the all important chemical reactions within the cell.  The ATP helps the cells acquire nutrients more quickly, as they rapidly carry away the waste.    

Another surprising advantage is that as infrared light helps to accelerate healing is it increases RNA and DNA synthesis which causes the damaged cells to be replaced more rapidly.  It also triggers acupuncture points that keep the flow of energy running through the affected area.

So if you want optimal results and you have an equine friend that suffers from hock problems, use light therapy to help heal the situation quickly, naturally and non-invasively.  

Author:  d. overman