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| Staff Writer |
In the high-stakes world of horse racing, where fractions of a second can make the difference between glory and defeat, trainers and owners are constantly seeking innovative ways to optimise their equine athletes' performance. One such method gaining significant traction in stables across the UK is laser therapy, a non-invasive treatment that's proving to be a game-changer for many horses. This cutting-edge approach is not just a fleeting trend, but a scientifically backed method that's reshaping equine care.
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Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is more than just a flashy new gadget in the trainer's toolkit. Recent studies have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing pain and inflammation in horses, providing a solid foundation for its increasing adoption in the racing industry.
A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science found that cold laser therapy produced a significant reduction in back pain in horses. This research, conducted by Haussler et al., not only highlighted the effectiveness of laser therapy but also revealed that when combined with chiropractic care, the results were even more impressive in treating back pain and trunk stiffness.
Michelle Hayward, an Equine Sports Massage and Laser Therapist with 20 years of experience at the Balding’s yard , explains the benefits.
"Equine massage and laser therapy help increase both blood flow and lymphatic drainage, aiding in the elimination of toxins from the body. It helps to identify the location of and to breakdown muscle adhesions and scar tissue, thereby maintaining muscle integrity and mobility and helping to relieve muscle pain."
The mechanism behind laser therapy's effectiveness lies in its ability to stimulate blood flow, which jumpstarts the healing process. As explained in the research, the laser emits light as photonic energy that is absorbed by cellular mitochondria, generating ATP. This energy fuels physiological responses resulting in normal cell morphology and function.
While the benefits of laser therapy are becoming increasingly clear, measuring its impact accurately has been a challenge. Traditional methods like pressure algometry (PA) have shown limitations due to variables such as the individual's age, body mass, and even the time of day the measurement is taken.
Enter acoustic myography (AMG), a novel technique that's revolutionising how we assess muscle function in horses. AMG measures the pressure waves generated by physically active muscles as they contract, providing real-time data on muscle performance. A study utilising AMG found significant improvements in muscle function 24 hours after laser therapy treatment, particularly in the longissimus and gluteus medius muscles - key areas for equine athletes.
The AMG results showed a decrease in muscle firing frequency across various gaits (walk, trot, and canter) and on both left and right circles. This change in muscle behaviour is commensurate with what one might expect to occur as the result of pain relief, providing objective evidence of laser therapy's effectiveness.
While pain relief is a crucial aspect of laser therapy, its benefits extend far beyond just alleviating discomfort. The research suggests that regular laser therapy treatments can help prevent injuries by improving range of motion, enhancing muscle flexibility, increasing circulation, and breaking down adhesions within soft tissues.
Hayward emphasises this preventive aspect.
"Regular sports massage can help to prevent injury by improving range of motion and movement in the limbs, by improving muscle flexibility, increasing circulation, decreasing muscle tension and by helping to break down adhesions within the soft tissues."
This preventive approach is particularly valuable in the racing industry, where keeping horses in peak condition is paramount. By maintaining muscle integrity and mobility, laser therapy can potentially extend a horse's racing career and improve overall performance.
Moreover, the study indicates that laser therapy can be beneficial for horses recovering from injuries or surgery. The increased blood flow and cellular energy production promoted by the treatment can accelerate healing processes, potentially reducing recovery times and getting horses back to training sooner.
One of the most intriguing aspects of laser therapy revealed by the research is its adaptability to different equine disciplines. Just as human athletes in various sports require specialised training and treatment, horses competing in different racing disciplines can benefit from tailored laser therapy approaches.
Hayward's approach aligns with this research.
"I will always treat each animal as a whole, and work on and through the whole body, but I can tailor treatments to suit specific equine disciplines according to the recruitment of specific muscle groups," she explains. "A racehorse that specialises in sprint distances will have different areas of muscle tension and bulk than a horse that races over a longer distance, much like human athletes."
This personalised approach extends to addressing specific issues as well. The research highlights how laser therapy can be particularly effective for treating conditions like tendon and ligament injuries, where blood flow is typically lower and healing is naturally slower. The ability of laser therapy to penetrate 10-13 centimeters deep allows for extensive treatment of these problematic areas.
Interestingly, the research also touches upon the potential psychological benefits of laser therapy. While difficult to quantify, observations suggest that regular treatments can have a calming effect on horses, particularly those prone to anxiety or tension.
Hayward has observed this effect firsthand.
"I have treated many quite highly strung horses over the years who are intrinsically quite hard on themselves in day-to-day training and would rarely let themselves down or relax even when back in their stable. But I have seen really beneficial relaxation effects with some of these types after a series of massage treatments, making them more manageable and able to take their day-to-day training better."
This psychological aspect could be crucial in high-pressure racing environments. A more relaxed horse is likely to perform better, recover more quickly from exertion, and potentially have a longer, more successful racing career.
One of the strengths of laser therapy is its ability to complement traditional veterinary care. Hayward notes, "Equine massage works well alongside traditional veterinary care and other therapies by aiding the multifactorial approach to treating horses. There have been instances where I have found particular areas of muscle tension or soreness that following further veterinary investigations have highlighted underlying skeletal issues such as kissing spines or hairline fractures of the pelvic region."
This integrative approach ensures that horses receive comprehensive care, addressing both obvious and underlying issues that could affect performance.
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The effectiveness of laser therapy and associated treatments is perhaps best illustrated by real-world success stories. Hayward shares her experience with Simple Verse, winner of the St Leger in 2015.
"She was a really tough filly who struggled a little with some training issues but responded well to her regular massages and with a great team effort from all involved won several high-profile races that season."
Another notable success story is Many Clouds, the 2015 Grand National winner. "He had the heart of a lion but wasn't always very trusting of many people and had a tendency to be a little anxious which sometimes led to him holding on to muscular tension throughout," Hayward remembers. "He was a real gent to work with and I think really benefitted from his regular treatments as they helped him to release those tensions that he would sometimes hold on to."
As the racing industry continues to embrace innovative therapies, the future looks bright for equine laser therapy. The research suggests that as our understanding of the therapy's mechanisms and benefits grows, so too will its applications in equine care.
One exciting area of development is the combination of laser therapy with other treatment modalities. The study by Haussler et al. demonstrated that combining laser therapy with chiropractic care produced additive benefits in treating back pain and trunk stiffness. This synergistic approach could pave the way for more comprehensive and effective treatment protocols in the future.
Hayward is at the forefront of these developments.
"The world of equine therapies is constantly evolving and developing which is of course exciting. New modalities are often popping up and I currently also use a low-level laser machine in my day to day work."
However, she emphasises that technology should complement, not replace, the human touch. "I always find that in the first instance, nothing beats a hands-on approach to get a real feel of the animal and any muscle anomalies/ heat/ pain/ swelling/ tension etc."
Moreover, ongoing research is likely to refine our understanding of optimal treatment parameters. Questions around the best wavelengths, pulse durations, and treatment frequencies for different conditions and horse types are ripe for further investigation.
In conclusion, laser therapy represents a significant leap forward in equine care, offering a non-invasive, drug-free approach to enhancing performance and maintaining the health of racing horses. As more trainers and owners recognise its benefits, backed by robust scientific evidence, we can expect to see an increase in its adoption across the racing industry.
In the horse racing industry, where every advantage counts, laser therapy is emerging as a powerful tool in the trainer's arsenal. With continued research and refinement, it may well become a standard part of equine care, helping to keep our equine athletes at the top of their game for years to come. As Hayward aptly puts it, "Every horse I work with is special in their own way and I am very lucky to be able to do a job I love and help play a small part in helping to (hopefully!) keep them on the road to success." The future of equine therapy is indeed bright, and the winners' circle may just be shining with a new, laser-powered glow.