How Infrared Can Heal Stifle Injuries

One of the worst injuries that a horse owner can face is a stifle injury.  Sometimes these physical problems occur because of an accident, for example when a horse becomes cast.  Other times they happen because the horse is involved in a strenuous sporting event.  None the less, the amount of time it takes for recovery and the many hours spent tending to the injury can be overwhelming.

The joint that makes up the stifle is multifaceted and large.  It works in a similar way as the human knee.  The femoral-tibal joint works to interconnect the large bone of the upper leg, the femur, with the smaller bone or tibia, below.  The femoral-patella joint communicates through the patella, or kneecap, to the femur, and a thin capsule encases the whole stifle joint.  Fluids help to reduce shock absorption and lubricate the tissues as needed.

Stability is increased with ligaments that help to keep the leg from bending too far in either direction.  These are called collaterals, and they can be damaged if a horse loses its footing or falls.  An X inside the joint is created by two crossing ligaments, these are called Cruciate ligaments, and they attach the femur and tibia.  Damage to these is similar to a knee injury in humans.  A large muscle called the quadricep, attaches the kneecap to the tibia, the lower smaller leg bone. The menisci are important as they help reduce the amount of wear on the cartilage surface of the joint.  These can be torn during falls or other injuries. Because the stifle joint is so complex, it can be difficult for a veterinarian to evaluate and diagnose.  The tearing of the support ligaments is obviously a fairly easy diagnosis, but bruising and sprains can be much more difficult to evaluate.

However, no matter what the prognosis, there is hope for a quick recovery time.

Infrared Light Therapy has become increasingly popular for healing joints and sore or injured muscles.  Its non-invasive curative powers leave no side effects behind. 

But how does it work?

It produces electronic photons which, when applied to the surface of the skin, cause the cells to grab the light energy.  This promotes natural healing and encourages the torn muscles to repair themselves by increasing circulation.  The increased circulation brings new cells and oxygen to the site of the injury.  The Lymphatic system is also stimulated, so that swelling is greatly reduced.

 Surgery on the other hand, is very invasive and often a horses’ body will react adversely to the intrusion, and pain relieving pharmaceuticals are not without their side effects. 

Infrared Light Therapy is completely non-invasive and because it increases the circulation to damaged muscles, and stimulates the lymphatic system, thereby removing damaged cells and excess liquid, it also helps to alleviate the pain caused by the injury.

So, the next time your horse has a stifle injury consider using Infrared Light Therapy.