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This therapy involves the location of muscular problems and tissue irregularities by using a machine to scan the horse’s entire body. Once scanned and the areas of compromise located and marked, treatment takes place using LEDs (light emitting diodes), which are a mixture of red and infrared lights. Extensive research over the last 40 years has shown this is extremely beneficial for rehabilitation all the way down to cellular level.

Red light has been found to be beneficial in treating problems closer to the surface such as wounds, cuts, scars, trigger and acupuncture points - it penetrates to 8-10mm. Infrared light is effective for treating problems such as bone, joint and muscle problems - it penetrates to 30-40mm.

Light therapy has been proven in over 40 years of independent research worldwide to deliver powerful therapeutic benefits to living tissues and organisms. Both visible red and infrared light have been shown to effect at least 24 different positive changes at a cellular level.

Visible red light penetrates tissue to a depth of about 8-10mm. This lower strength light is very beneficial in treating problems close to the surface such as wounds, cuts, scars, trigger and acupuncture points, and is particularly effective in treating infections. Infrared light penetrates to a depth of about 30-40mm which makes it more effective for treating ailments of bones, joints, and deep muscle tissue.

Both visible and infrared light has been proven to be beneficial in clinical healing related to pain relief, wound healing and equine sports medicine. The mechanism of action is believed to be the absorption of the infrared energy by cellular tissues that cause a biological response of releasing healing enzymes within those cellular tissues. Not all frequencies of light radiation result in such absorption of energy. BioScan has identified those frequencies that work best.

Some frequencies of light radiation penetrate deeper than others. BioScan has discovered and combined into its BioScan light devices those frequencies that provide optimal penetration and absorption of energy.
 

BioScan has discovered how to scan tissues for disruptions or areas of tissue damage. This non-invasive scanning allows light therapy to be focused on areas that need healing rather than to use time-consuming and wasteful practices of “blanketing” large body areas. Frequently, it will be found that painful areas are not the direct areas in need of healing. As all horse people are aware, horses can have compensation pain and injury that is secondary to the initial injury, but remains in need of treatment.

Research has shown no adverse side effects from this form of therapy. Occasionally, one may experience an increase in pain or discomfort for a short period of time after treating chronic conditions. This occurs as the body re-establishes new equilibrium points following treatment. It is a phenomenon that may occur as part of the normal process of recovery.

Light therapy can:

Increase vascularity (circulation) by increasing the formation of new capillaries, which are additional blood vessels that replace damaged ones. New capillaries speed up the healing process by carrying more oxygen as well as more nutrients needed for healing and they can also carry more waste products away

Stimulate the production of collagen. Collagen is the most common protein found in the body. Collagen is the essential protein used to repair damaged tissue and to replace old tissue. It is the substance that holds cells together and has a high degree of elasticity. By increasing collagen production less scar tissue is formed at the damaged site.

Stimulate the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the major carrier of energy to all cells. Increases in ATP allow cells to accept nutrients faster and get rid of waste products faster by increasing the energy level in the cell. All food turns into ATP before it is utilized by the cells. ATP provides the chemical energy that drives the chemical reaction of the cell.

Increase lymphatic system activity. Edema, which is the swelling or natural splinting process of the body, has two basic components. The first is a liquid part which can be evacuated by the blood system and the second is comprised of the proteins which have to be evacuated by the lymphatic system. Research has shown that the lymph vessel diameter and the flow of the lymph system can be doubled with the use of light therapy. The venous diameter and the arterial diameters can also be increased. This means that both parts of edema (liquid and protein) can be evacuated at a much faster rate to relieve swelling.

Increase RNA and DNA synthesis. This helps damaged cells to be replaced more promptly.

Reduce the excitability of nervous tissue. The photons of light energy enter the body as negative ions. This calls upon the body to send positive ions like calcium among others to go to the area being treated. These ions assist in firing the nerves thereby relieving pain.

Stimulate fibroblastic activity which aids in the repair process. Fibroblasts are present in connective tissue and are capable of forming collagen fibers.

Increase phagocytosis, which is the process of scavenging for and ingesting dead or degenerated cells by phagocyte cells for the purpose of clean up. This is an important part of the infection fighting process. Destruction of the infection and clean up must occur before the healing process can take place.

Induce a thermal like effect in the tissue. The light raises the temperature of the cells although there is no heat produced from the diodes themselves. (The BioPack cluster will be warm to the touch because of the electronics needed to power the 30 diodes.)

Stimulate tissue granulation and connective tissue projections, which are part of the healing process of wounds, ulcers or inflamed tissue.

Stimulate acetylcholine release. Acetylcholine causes cardiac inhibition, vasodilation, gastrointestinal peristalsis and other parasympathetic effects.

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