Red and infrared light therapy for equine poll relief and headshaking

Written By Sarah Birkby

Spring is the season of change and this year the exceptionally warm dry weather has resulted in more tree pollen being released and, with low rainfall, not being washed out of the atmosphere. 

So while we’re all busy sneezing, what does it mean for our horses?

Bright sunlight, insects, wind and high pollen counts can be triggers for seasonal headshaking (uncontrollable shaking, flicking, or striking of the head), and for horses with diagnosed neuropathic headshaking, pollen is just one of many stimulants that can trigger a response.  

Headshaking in response to nerve sensitivity - either to the face or muzzle - or as a result of dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve, is a pain response and represents a significant welfare concern for horses, so it’s important to talk to your vet about management and care. These conditions can severely impact a horse's quality of life and performance. 

Among emerging treatment options, red and infrared light therapy (photobiomodulation) has gained attention for its potential to provide non-invasive pain relief and tissue healing.

So, in this month’s blog, we explore the science behind light therapy and its applications for equine poll pain and head shaking.

Understanding equine head shaking and poll pain

Head shaking syndrome manifests as involuntary, repetitive head movements, often accompanied by nasal rubbing, snorting, and evident distress. While historically it has been hard to identify a cause in many cases, research increasingly points to neuralgia of the trigeminal nerve as a primary cause (Roberts et al., 2017). 

This nerve exits the horse's skull near the base of the ear and travels all the way down to the muzzle. Poll pain, affecting the atlanto-occipital joint region, can result from various conditions including arthritis, muscle tension or trauma and may contribute to head shaking behaviours.

The science behind red and infrared light therapy (photobiomodulation)

Photobiomodulation (PBM), using specific wavelengths of red (635-670 nm) and near-infrared light (810-850 nm), works through several well known cellular mechanisms:

  1. *Cytochrome C Oxidase Activation: Light therapy stimulates mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, enhancing ATP production and cellular energy.

  2. *Anti-inflammatory Effects: Studies show red and infrared light therapy reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and increases anti-inflammatory mediators 

  3. *Pain Modulation: Light therapy affects nerve conduction velocity and reduces pain signal transmission, potentially alleviating neuropathic pain like that implicated in head shaking.

Clinical applications in equine medicine

So while research on the use and application of red and infrared light therapy in horses is still in its infancy, emerging research supports light therapy's efficacy for equine musculoskeletal conditions. 

We’ve seem this ourselves, using Optimus Lumina to soothe sore muscles and relieve joint pain in chronic conditions. 

And while studies specifically targeting head shaking are limited, the neurophysiological effects of red and infrared light therapy do suggest there could be benefits.

 

CASE STUDY: SARAH AND KANGA

Dressage trainer Sarah Hawkins approached us to see if we could help her horse Kanga, who was suffering from extreme sensitivity in his face that was particularly evident on cold, damp winter days. And while there are limited studies in this area, we were happy for Sarah to try and see if it could make a difference for Kanga.

Starting last December, Sarah began to use Lumina daily.

“The relief on Kanga's face is palpable. He is much more relaxed and comfortable  - you can see it in his eyes. I have used the Lumina before and after riding on cold mornings and the head shaking has reduced significantly."

And the treatment fits neatly into their schedule.


“He normally rests his head on me when we use it. He likes it. He got so used to it as I used it every single time I rode, Put the saddle on, treat with Lumina, then put the bridle on and off we go.”


- Sarah Hawkins, Dressage Trainer


How to treat your horse for headshaking using red and infrared light therapy

Whatever red light therapy device you choose to use (there are many on the market), it’s important to use a device with the right wavelength and power.

  • Wavelengths: 635-670 nm (red) and 810-850 nm (near-infrared)

  • Power density: 30-50 mW/cm²

  • Treatment duration: 5-10 minutes per site

  • Frequency: 3-5 times weekly during active treatment

Light therapy devices should be applied to the poll region, including the atlanto-occipital joint, and along the pathways of the trigeminal nerve branches.

In Kanga’s trial, Sarah found benefit from using her Lumina on the nasal bone.

Incorporating red and infrared light therapy with conventional treatments

For optimal results, light therapy works best as part of a comprehensive management strategy. Berger et al. (2021) found enhanced outcomes when combining light therapy with appropriate pharmaceutical management and physical therapy techniques like craniosacral therapy.

Sarah and Kanga have seen this too and work closely with a local cranial equine osteotherapist.

Key takeaways

While clearly, more controlled clinical trials are needed, the evidence we have available to us right now, suggests photobiomodulation offers a really promising, non-invasive approach for managing poll pain and potentially reducing head shaking in horses.

As research continues to evolve, red and infrared light therapy, could just be a valuable addition to you and your vet’s therapeutic toolkit, helping to improve quality of life for affected horses through a safe, drug-free intervention that targets the underlying physiological mechanisms of pain and neurological dysfunction.

Note: Always consult with an equine veterinary professional before implementing any new treatment approach for horses experiencing head shaking or poll pain.

Sarah Birkby https://www.nurtureconsulting.co.uk
Next

An introduction to canine conditioning