Light Therapy for Kissing Spine in Horses Benefits and Techniques Explained
- Tayla Howerton
- Jun 12
- 5 min read
Kissing spine is a common and painful condition affecting many horses, causing discomfort and limiting their performance. Traditional treatments often involve medication or surgery, but alternative therapies like red light and near-infrared light therapy are gaining attention for their potential to relieve pain and promote healing in a non-invasive, low risk way. This post explores how these light therapies work, their benefits for horses with kissing spine, and practical advice for owners considering this treatment.
Understanding Kissing Spine in Horses
Kissing spine, also known as overriding dorsal spinous processes, occurs when the bony projections atop the horse’s spine come too close or touch each other. This causes inflammation, pain, and sometimes nerve irritation. Horses with kissing spine often show signs such as:
Back pain and sensitivity
Reduced performance or reluctance to move
Behavioral changes like irritability or resistance to saddling
The condition can result from genetics, poor saddle fit, trauma, or repetitive strain. Managing kissing spine requires a combination of pain relief, corrective exercise, and sometimes surgery. Light therapy offers a non-invasive option that supports healing and reduces discomfort.
How Red Light and Near-Infrared Light Therapy Work
Red light therapy (RLT) and near-infrared light therapy (NIR) use specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and tissues. These wavelengths stimulate cellular processes that promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Red light typically ranges from 620 to 700 nanometers and penetrates the skin to a shallow depth.
Near-infrared light ranges from 700 to 1100 nanometers and penetrates deeper into muscles and joints.
Both types of light stimulate mitochondria in cells, increasing production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy source for cellular repair. This process enhances blood flow, reduces oxidative stress, and encourages tissue regeneration.
Benefits of Light Therapy for Kissing Spine
Several studies and expert opinions highlight the potential benefits of red and near-infrared light therapy for horses with musculoskeletal issues like kissing spine:
Pain relief // Light therapy reduces inflammation and modulates nerve activity, which can decrease pain signals. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science found that horses treated with near-infrared light showed significant reductions in back pain, muscle tension, and trunk stiffness.
Improved healing // By boosting cellular energy, light therapy accelerates repair of damaged tissues, including ligaments and muscles around the spine.
Non-invasive and drug-free // Unlike medications, light therapy has minimal side effects and can be used alongside other treatments.
Enhanced blood circulation // Better blood flow helps remove waste products from inflamed areas and delivers nutrients essential for healing.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Light Therapy
Research on light therapy is growing. Some notable examples include:
A 2016 study in J Biophotonics showed that near-infrared light improved muscle mass gains and reduced oxidative stress after exercise.
Clinical reports indicate that horses with back pain respond well to regular sessions of red and near-infrared light therapy, showing improved range of motion and reduced sensitivity.
While more large-scale studies are needed, current evidence supports the use of light therapy as a safe and effective tool for managing kissing spine symptoms.
Practical Tips for Horse Owners Considering Light Therapy
If you are thinking about using red or near-infrared light therapy for your horse’s kissing spine, here are some important points to keep in mind:
Choosing the Right Device
Look for devices specifically designed for veterinary or equine use.
Ensure the device emits wavelengths in the red (620–700 nm) and near-infrared (700–1100 nm) ranges.
Consider a broad-coverage device that can treat the muscles along either side of the spine, which often become hypertonic and sore in horses with kissing spine. The GlowLine Core Large Light Therapy Pad and GlowLine+ XL Blanket are made specifically to alleviate soreness and tension in horses with back dysfunction.
Application Methods
Clean the horse’s back area before treatment to remove dirt or sweat.
Apply the light therapy device directly over the affected spinal area, and ideally the epaxial muscles on either side of the spine.
Treatment sessions typically last 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the specifications of the device and the horse's condition severity.
Frequency can range from 2 to 5 times per week, but follow your veterinarian or equine therapist's advice
Safety Precautions
Avoid shining the light directly into the horse’s eyes.
Monitor the horse for any signs of discomfort during treatment.
Do not use light therapy on open wounds or infected areas without veterinary guidance.
Always follow manufacturer instructions and consult your vet before starting treatment.
A Holistic Approach Is Best
Light therapy is a highly versatile tool that can easily fit in as part of a broader management plan. For best results, consider combining it with:
Proper saddle fitting to reduce spinal pressure
Controlled therapeutic exercise and rest periods
Pain management medications if prescribed
Equine bodywork modalities like massage, chiropractic, and/or acupuncture
What to Expect During Treatment
Once horses are accustomed to the device, they often show signs of visible relaxation during red light therapy sessions. Long term, owners often notice gradual improvements in their horse’s comfort and mobility after consistent light therapy. The treatment is painless and non-invasive, making it well-tolerated by most horses. Keep a treatment log to track progress and share observations with your veterinarian.
Light Therapy for Kissing Spine - Conclusion
Red light and near-infrared light therapy offer promising benefits for horses suffering from kissing spine. By reducing pain and supporting tissue repair, these therapies provide a gentle, drug-free option that complements traditional veterinary treatments. Horse owners interested in this approach should consult with their veterinarian or equine therapist to develop a safe and effective treatment plan, as your horse's care team will know your horse's situation best.
This article was written by Tayla Howerton, ESMT. Tayla Howerton is a certified equine sports massage therapist, and founder of Northeast EquiWellness. She works with sport horses, pleasure horses, rehabilitation cases, and horses experiencing back dysfunction throughout New Jersey and the Hudson Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can red light therapy cure kissing spine?
No. Red light therapy does not change the position of the dorsal spinous processes. However, it may help address secondary muscle tension, discomfort, and soft tissue dysfunction associated with the condition.
How often should I use light therapy on a horse with kissing spine?
Most horses with kissing spine benefit from red light therapy 3–7 times per week, depending on the severity of their symptoms and stage of rehabilitation. Many owners start with daily treatments for 2–4 weeks, then reduce frequency as the horse becomes more comfortable. Red light therapy works best when used consistently and as part of a holistic plan that may include veterinary care, corrective exercise, bodywork, and saddle fitting.
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