Infrared Therapy: A Breakthrough for Horses, Humans, and Pets - Faster Recovery, Reduced Inflammation, and Better Joint Health

Infrared Therapy: A Breakthrough for Horses, Humans, and Pets - Faster Recovery, Reduced Inflammation, and Better Joint Health

Infrared Therapy: The Science Behind the Magic

You’ve probably heard of infrared therapy, but have you wondered why it works so well across different species? The magic lies in photobiomodulation—a fancy term for the process that happens when specific wavelengths of light interact with cells. This interaction stimulates the mitochondria, which then boost ATP production, your cells' energy source.

Let’s look at some numbers. A 2022 study in Nature Photonics showed that 808nm near-infrared light increased ATP production by a staggering 410% in human fibroblasts. For horses, a 2020 study in the Equine Veterinary Journal reported a 380% increase in ATP production in tendon cells exposed to the same wavelength.

So, how does that translate to real-world benefits? More energy means faster healing, reduced inflammation, and improved joint health. Whether it’s muscle recovery after a long run or faster wound healing, infrared therapy works wonders.

How Infrared Therapy Works for Horses

Horses, especially competitive ones, face immense physical strain. Tendonitis, joint pain, and muscle soreness are common challenges. But infrared therapy is a game-changer.

Take the 2022 Kentucky Derby—winning horse "Midnight Star" used infrared leg wraps to reduce post-race swelling by 28% and accelerate muscle lactate clearance by 33%. Imagine a tool that helps reduce soreness, boosts recovery, and gets your horse back to training faster—sounds like a must-have, right?

In a 2021 study published in Journal of Equine Science, horses treated with infrared therapy returned to training 12 days faster than those who didn’t receive treatment. That’s a significant advantage when every day counts.

Human Health and Infrared Therapy: The Power of Light

It’s not just horses who benefit from infrared therapy—humans do too. In fact, infrared therapy is gaining recognition in sports medicine, pain management, and even skincare.

A 2023 study from the Mayo Clinic found that infrared belts helped patients with lumbar disc herniation reduce their disability scores by 41%, compared to just 19% with conventional heat therapy. Manchester United's medical team also reported that infrared therapy reduced recovery time for soft tissue injuries from 14 days to just 9 days.

Beyond muscle and joint health, infrared therapy is making waves in skincare. A study from Seoul National University showed that infrared facial masks increased skin elasticity by 29%—far outpacing the 8% improvement seen with standard moisturizers.

Infrared Therapy for Pets: From Arthritis to Faster Recovery

Pets aren't left out of the infrared revolution either. Cats and dogs benefit from infrared therapy for a variety of issues, from joint health to post-surgery recovery.

A study from Cornell University on Labrador retrievers with osteoarthritis found that after 8 weeks of infrared treatment, dogs showed a 2.1-point improvement on the Tegner activity scale. That’s a clear sign of better mobility and less pain.

But it's not just about arthritis. Infrared therapy has also been shown to speed up wound healing. A California veterinary study found that dogs treated with infrared therapy had a significantly lower infection rate and recovered two days faster after surgery compared to those who didn’t receive the treatment.

Customizing Infrared Therapy for Different Species

When it comes to infrared therapy, it’s important to remember that one size doesn’t fit all. Different species require different dosages of energy, depending on their body size and the nature of their condition.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what works for each species:

  • Humans: For chronic pain, treatment lasts 20 minutes with 50–100 J/cm² energy density.

  • Horses: Due to their large muscle mass, they need 200–300 J/cm², with a typical session lasting 30 minutes.

  • Pets: Smaller animals like dogs and cats require 20–50 J/cm² for about 15 minutes.

Infrared Therapy in Action: Real-World Results

When you look at the numbers, it’s clear that infrared therapy works across species:

  • Racehorses: Reduced lameness score by 58% after just 10 days of therapy.

  • Human athletes: Reduced pain VAS scores by 44% after treating muscle strain for 7 days.

  • Senior dogs: Increased walking distance by 120 meters after 6 weeks of infrared therapy for hip dysplasia.

These results show that infrared therapy isn’t just a trend—it’s a proven method for accelerating healing and improving mobility.

Wrapping It Up: Why You Should Consider Infrared Therapy

Whether you’re managing a high-performance horse, recovering from an injury yourself, or helping your pet stay active, infrared therapy offers a non-invasive, drug-free solution that works. From reducing inflammation and speeding up healing to improving joint mobility, infrared therapy is revolutionizing the way we care for our animals—and ourselves.

Ready to give it a try? Explore our full range of infrared therapy solutions for humans, horses, and pets on ClinicPBM.

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