Effects of High Intensity Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Tendon and Ligament Injuries in Performance Horses.
Authors: Zielińska Paulina, Nicpoń Jakub, Kiełbowicz Zdzisław, Soroko Maria, Dudek Krzysztof, Zaborski Daniel
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: High Intensity Laser Therapy for Equine Tendon and Ligament Injuries Tendinopathy remains a significant challenge in performance horse management, and whilst structured rehabilitation is standard practice, adjunctive therapies that accelerate recovery warrant investigation. This randomised controlled trial compared 26 horses with naturally occurring tendon or ligament injuries treated with high intensity laser therapy (HILT)—fifteen sessions delivered at standardised parameters—against controls receiving identical rehabilitation alone, with clinical and ultrasonographic assessment at baseline, day 13–15 and day 38–40. HILT-treated horses demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain, swelling and lameness scores (p = 0.023, 0.008 and 0.044 respectively) and showed greater lesion percentage reduction both during and after treatment (p = 0.038 and p = 0.019), though no meaningful differences emerged in lesion echogenicity between groups at either timepoint. For practitioners seeking to accelerate functional recovery and manage the inflammatory phase of tendinopathy—particularly pain and effusion—HILT appears a clinically worthwhile addition to conventional rehabilitation; however, the lack of difference in tissue echogenicity suggests the improvements reflect analgesia and anti-oedematous effects rather than fundamental changes in lesion architecture, meaning long-term outcome data on re-injury rates remain essential before definitive recommendations can be made.
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Practical Takeaways
- •HILT shows promise as an adjunctive therapy for tendon and ligament injuries in performance horses, demonstrating measurable pain reduction and swelling control within the treatment period
- •While HILT improved clinical signs and lesion percentage on ultrasound, it did not alter tissue echogenicity patterns, suggesting pain and oedema relief may occur independently of structural tissue changes
- •HILT combined with standard rehabilitation protocols may accelerate clinical recovery; consider as complementary tool alongside conventional management rather than as standalone treatment
Key Findings
- •HILT significantly improved pain, swelling, and lameness compared to control group (p = 0.023, 0.008, and 0.044 respectively)
- •HILT reduced lesion percentage during and after treatment (p = 0.038 and p = 0.019 respectively)
- •No significant difference in lesion echogenicity between HILT and control groups during or after treatment (p = 0.188 and p = 0.070)