Equine Laser Therapy Quick Start Guide
- Tayla Howerton
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Key Takeaways
The TheraLine is a focused tool. Unlike wearable LED devices that cover large areas, a handheld laser allows you to target specific tissues and smaller areas.
Start simple. Get comfortable with the device and your technique before worrying about advanced applications or treatment protocols.
Keep the laser moving. Slow, controlled movement helps distribute light across the treatment area and allows you to work methodically.
Pay attention to your horse. Your horse's body language and responses can provide useful feedback as you learn where they are holding tension or sensitivity.
Laser therapy works best as part of a bigger picture. It can complement veterinary care, rehabilitation, massage, conditioning, and other supportive therapies.
New to Equine Laser Therapy? Here's How to Get Started
Whether you purchased your TheraLine Class IV Laser to support your own horse or plan to incorporate laser therapy into your equine therapy practice, welcome! Learning to use a therapeutic laser is exciting, but it's also normal to feel a little overwhelmed at first.
The good news? You don't need to memorize anatomy textbooks or complicated treatment protocols to start using your laser confidently. Like massage, grooming, or stretching, using a laser is a skill that becomes more intuitive with practice.
This quick start guide is meant to educate you about the general concepts and technique associated with laser therapy, specifically our TheraLine Class IV Laser. Because this laser is powerful, we aren't able to provide general protocols like we do for our light therapy products. Your best source of information regarding protocols will be your laser-savvy veterinarian or equine therapist, as they will know your horse's situation best. If you're still unsure, you are welcome to contact us and we can help with creating a specific protocol tailored to your horse.
Think Small, Not Whole Horse
One of the biggest differences between laser therapy and wearable LED light therapy is the size of the treatment area.
A red light blanket or therapy pad is designed to comfortably cover broad regions like the back, neck, or hindquarters. A handheld laser, on the other hand, shines when you want to focus on one specific area.
Think about using your laser for things like:
- A sore muscle attachment
- A trigger point
- A tendon or ligament
- A joint
- A localized area of swelling
- A small wound (once appropriate for light therapy)
Trying to "paint" an entire horse with a laser usually isn't the best use of the technology. Let the laser do what it does best: precise, targeted treatment.
Technique Tip: It's best to keep the laser diodes as close to the horse as possible to maximize the amount of light energy reaching your horse. This also minimizes the risk of shining the laser into anyone's eyes.
Start Slow
Your TheraLine features adjustable power settings, so don't feel like you need to start at full power.
Take your time getting comfortable holding the laser, moving it smoothly, and working around different parts of your horse's body.
As your confidence grows, so will your technique.
Keep It Moving
For most applications, use slow, controlled movements instead of holding the laser in one spot for long periods.
Think of it like slowly coloring in an area rather than drawing a single dot.
Moving the laser steadily helps you cover the tissues evenly while also giving you a chance to feel for tension, swelling, or sensitivity with your free hand. It also helps to prevent the skin overheating. The near-infrared diodes produce a small amount of heat that can build up when used in the same spot for extended periods.
Pay Attention to Your Horse
One of the best things about working with horses is that they often tell us how they're feeling.
During a laser session, you might notice your horse:
- Lowering their head
- Blinking softly
- Licking and chewing
- Yawning
- Resting a hind leg
- Relaxing into the treatment
Sometimes they'll also turn to look at the laser when you reach a particularly sensitive area. Be aware that some horses are initially surprised if they see glimpses of the light in their peripheral vision, but usually warm up quickly once they realize that the laser actually feels good!
One Laser, Three Wavelengths
The TheraLine combines three therapeutic wavelengths into one device:
- 660 nm red light supports more superficial tissues.
- 810 nm near-infrared reaches deeper muscles and connective tissue.
- 980 nm near-infrared is absorbed differently by tissues, produces a mild heating effect, and complements the other wavelengths.
Because all three wavelengths work together, you don't have to choose between them. They're delivered simultaneously during treatment.
Safety First
Always wear the included laser safety glasses whenever the laser is operating, and avoid directing the beam toward anyone's (or the horse's) eyes.
A few seconds of preparation is well worth protecting your vision.
Laser Therapy Works Best as Part of a Bigger Picture
Laser therapy is a wonderful tool, but it's just one piece of the puzzle.
Whether you're supporting a horse recovering from an injury or simply helping them stay comfortable, the best results usually come from combining good management with appropriate veterinary care, thoughtful exercise, nutrition, hoof care, and hands-on therapies when needed.
Don't Worry About Being Perfect
If you're new to laser therapy, remember that every experienced practitioner started exactly where you are now.
Spend time getting comfortable with the device. Learn your horse's body. Notice how different tissues feel. Pay attention to your horse's responses.
The more you use your laser, the more natural it will become.
Conclusion
The TheraLine was designed to make professional-quality photobiomodulation accessible to both dedicated horse owners and equine professionals. Whether you're supporting a horse's recovery, complementing massage or rehabilitation work, or simply helping keep your horse comfortable, you'll become more confident with every session.
Take your time, stay curious, and enjoy the learning process. Your horse will be your best teacher.
References & Further Reading
Hochman, L. G., et al. "Photobiomodulation Therapy in Veterinary Medicine: A Review." Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, vol. 33, no. 3, 2018, pp. 67–73.
Bunch, Jessica. "Photobiomodulation (Therapeutic Lasers): An Update and Review of Current Literature." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, vol. 53, no. 4, 2023, pp. 783–799. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.02.010
Hielm-Björkman, A., et al. "A Systematic Literature Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine: Laser Therapy." Animals, vol. 13, no. 4, 2023, p. 667. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040667
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