The History

The use of light for healing dates back to discoveries by E. Mester, B. Szende, and P. Gartner in 1986, who identified the positive effects of laser light on tissue. However, a major breakthrough came in 1998, when NASA researchers, led by Dr. Whelan, studied plant growth in microgravity. They discovered that blue and red light not only promoted plant growth in space, but astronauts working under the lights experienced faster wound healing.

This insight led NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center to investigate the effects of low-level laser (LLL) light on living tissue, especially wavelengths from 450–900nm. By 2002, the findings (later called the NASA LEDs) confirmed that these wavelengths could accelerate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance recovery in living organisms.

How it Works

Light therapy works at the cellular level, where photons from specific wavelengths are absorbed by the mitochondria, the energy centers of the cell. This boosts production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the fuel for cell repair and regeneration.

The result is:

  • Faster tissue healing and cell regeneration (up to 200% improvement)
  • Reduced pain, soreness, and inflammation
  • Better circulation and oxygen delivery
  • Accelerated recovery after exercise, injury, or surgery

Because the treatment works with the horse’s natural biology, it is non-invasive, drug-free, and safe for daily use.

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The Benefits of Different Wavelengths

Blue Light (450nm)

  • Targets surface-level tissues and skin
  • Helps fight bacteria and reduce the risk of infection
  • Supports faster wound closure and healthier healing
  • Used in human therapy for acne, scar reduction, and diabetic wound care

Red Light (660nm)

  • Penetrates into muscles, tendons, and ligaments
  • Stimulates cell growth and repair by up to 200%
  • Reduces wound size and scar tissue formation
  • Relieves soreness, stiffness, and inflammation
  • Shown in studies to improve musculoskeletal recovery and reduce pain

Near-Infrared Light (850nm)

  • Reaches deepest into soft tissue, joints, and bone
  • Enhances circulation and oxygen delivery to hard-to-reach areas
  • Proven to reduce muscle fatigue and shorten recovery time after intense exercise
  • Accelerates healing of both acute and chronic injuries
  • Provides rapid pain relief, often within the first 1–2 sessions

LLLT vs Laser Therapy – Brief Explanation

LLLT stands for Low Level Laser Therapy, which is the LED light used in the LTS device. It is also known as cold laser or therapeutic laser. This form of light therapy uses visible red or near-infrared LED light that penetrates tissue without heating it. It is used to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.

Equine LTS and LED Light

• Equine LTS uses specially designed high-power LED light that is gentle yet effective.
• It stimulates blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and promotes the healing of muscles, tendons, and joints.
• Treatment time is 2–3 minutes on legs and 5-10 minutes on larger muscle groups.

Lasers Used by Veterinarians

• Veterinarians often use therapeutic lasers that also emit low-energy light.
• These are more concentrated than LED and have a shorter treatment time (seconds), but serve the same purpose: to accelerate healing, reduce pain, and improve tissue repair.
• Lasers usually require specific training to be used safely and correctly, while Equine LTS can be used safely without special training.

Research about it: Photobiomodulation: Lasers vs Light Emitting Diodes? - PMC

Practical Applications for Horses

Wound healing: Faster closure, less scarring, and improved hair regrowth.

Fungal and bacterial issues: Blue light reduces harmful microbes.

Blunt trauma: Decreases swelling, bruising, and soreness.

Muscle recovery: Speeds up healing and reduces downtime.

Ligament and tendon injuries: Supports tissue repair and minimizes scar tissue.

Research Articles & Studies

Explore the latest scientific research and studies in our field