Equine Tendon Recovery | Photizo Vetcare
Red Light Therapy for Horses
Tendon recovery, on the yard
Tendon and ligament injuries can mean months of careful rehabilitation. Photizo Vetcare gives you a simple, drug-free way to support recovery at home or on the yard, as part of the rehabilitation plan set by your vet.
Shop Photizo VetcareCommon Uses
- SDFT & DDFT Strains
- Suspensory Lesions
- Post-Surgical Recovery
Designed for the yard
- 31-second pre-programmed dose
- Portable and rechargeable
- 633nm red + 850nm near-infrared
How Light Therapy Works on Tendons
The cellular science behind the daily yard routine
Dual-Wavelength PBM
Photizo Vetcare delivers 633nm red and 850nm near-infrared light to the treatment area. These wavelengths are used in photobiomodulation, where light interacts with biological tissue and cellular processes involved in recovery.
Tendon remodelling
Research into photobiomodulation has explored its effects on collagen organisation and the cellular processes involved in tendon repair. Tendon and ligament remodelling can continue for many months, which is why rehabilitation is normally managed over time with repeat veterinary assessment.
Part of the rehab plan
Photizo Vetcare is designed to sit alongside veterinary treatment, controlled exercise and the rest of your horse's rehabilitation programme, not replace them.
31 seconds per area
One press delivers one pre-programmed 31-second dose. Move the device point by point across the treatment area according to the Photizo treatment guidance and your vet's rehabilitation plan.
What the Research Shows
Peer-reviewed studies on PBM in equine soft tissue injury
Tendon and ligament healing
In a controlled study of surgically induced suspensory branch lesions in 12 Warmblood horses, laser-treated lesions scored significantly better than controls for fibre alignment (p=0.003), fibre structure (p=0.02) and nuclei shape (p=0.02) on histology at four weeks.
Pluim M, Heier A, Plomp S, et al. Equine Vet J, 2022;54(6):1114-1122.Clinical follow-up in 150 sport horses
A retrospective study followed 150 sport horses with diagnosed tendon or ligament injuries treated with high-power laser therapy. Lameness and ultrasound scores improved during follow-up, and median time to controlled exercise was six weeks. Because the study had no untreated control group and some horses received additional therapies, the results cannot show how much of that improvement was attributable to laser treatment alone.
Pluim M, Martens A, Vanderperren K, et al. Res Vet Sci, 2018;119:232-238.A note on the evidence: these studies investigated high-power, multi-wavelength Class IV laser systems, not Photizo Vetcare. They contribute to the wider research on photobiomodulation in equine soft-tissue rehabilitation, but they should not be interpreted as evidence that a lower-powered LED device will produce the same outcomes.
Owners & Yards Report
We're delighted with the Photizo Vetcare machine. It's a brilliant device, easy to use, well made and very effective. The horses respond really well to it, standing relaxed during treatments and seeming very comfortable afterwards, which has been great to see. It's become a valuable part of our routine for supporting recovery and general wellbeing, and we've found it both practical and reliable around the yard.
— Liam H., Verified PurchaseIndividual results vary. Owners report outcomes based on their own experience with their horses. Always involve your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
When during rehabilitation can I start using Photizo Vetcare?
Timing depends on the injury and your horse's individual rehabilitation plan. Ask your vet when they want you to introduce Photizo Vetcare following diagnosis or surgery, particularly during the early stages of an injury.
Does coat thickness affect treatment?
For best light delivery, follow Photizo's instructions and place the device directly against the treatment area. Keep the area clean and dry and ensure the probe has good contact. If your horse has a particularly heavy coat, ask your vet or contact us if you are unsure about positioning.
How does it fit into a rehab programme?
Most yards use Photizo Vetcare once or twice daily over the lesion during controlled walking and trotting phases. Your vet will set the timing alongside re-scans, work increases, and adjunct treatments such as shockwave or PRP.
Is it safe over bandages or poultices?
No. PBM works best on clean, dry skin in direct contact with the unit. Remove bandages and poultices before each session. Replace the dressing after treatment if your vet has prescribed it.
Does it replace cold therapy or controlled exercise?
No. Photizo Vetcare is intended to complement, not replace, the rehabilitation programme prescribed by your vet. Continue any controlled exercise, cold therapy or other treatment exactly as advised.
Is it safe on pregnant mares or foals?
Do not use over the abdomen of a pregnant mare without vet approval. For foals, vet guidance applies for timing, dose frequency, and contraindications. Always involve your vet first.
What other equine injuries has it been used for?
Owners and vets report use on suspensory lesions, check ligament strains, proximal sesamoidean ligament injuries, back soreness, stifle injuries, and post-surgical wound healing. Your vet is the right person to confirm suitability.
The rehab tool that lives on the yard
Ships from Ireland. CE-marked. Backed by a 2-year guarantee.
Shop Photizo VetcarePhotizo Vetcare is CE-marked and fulfils the requirements of the relevant European product directives, for home use on animals. Content on this page is for informational purposes and does not replace veterinary advice. Always involve your vet in your horse's diagnosis, rehab plan, and return-to-work decisions. Individual results vary.