Cold Laser Therapy Device – Frequently Asked Questions

The basic's of cold laser therapy:

1. WEAR PROTECTIVE EYE-WEAR: Always wear protective eye wear when using any class laser! You should wear Safety Glasses approved for the 800nm-1100nm range. Safety glasses rated in this range can be found at various stores online. Make sure you are purchasing certified/approved safety glasses. No matter what class laser, even pointer pen lasers - NEVER look directly into any laser, point it at or near human or animals eyes.

2. DO NOT USE COLD LASERS IF: Cold lasers, or LLLT, are not recommended for cancerous areas or where cancer was removed. Like any other equipment, LLLT should never be used to treat eyes unless it is being done so by a veterinarian with proper training, as it is very easy to do more damage. It is NOT recommend for use if pregnant. Never use LLLT near the thyroid.

3. CONSULT WITH DOCTOR OR VETERINARIAN BEFORE USE: We recommend that you consult with your Doctor or Veterinarian before administering cold laser treatments.

How do cold laser therapy devices (low laser light therapy), work?
Cold laser therapy devices can promote tissue regeneration, wound healing and muscle recovery; reduce inflammation and relieve pain; and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels. LLLT is used in injury rehabilitation – and specifically for joint damage – due to its anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties.

LLLT (low laser light therapy) is thought to work when the light an LLLT device emits passes through the skin into the body, where it stimulates the energy and respiration centers of cells – mitochondria – resulting in greater cell energy, communication, nutrition, growth and life.

LLLT is used to reduce inflammation, the most common cause of musculoskeletal pain. Research has shown that it reduces the cells and enzymes responsible for causing inflammation and increases antioxidant and anti-inflammatory enzymes.

Which is better the pulse or the constant on?
We have found that the Pulse setting is best for arthritic or old/chronic injuries while the Continuous mode is for fresh, acute injuries.

Is this also known as red light therapy?
No. Red light therapy and cold laser therapy are completely different.

What kind of penetration/treatment depth do you get with the various settings?
808nm laser beams can penetrate to 4-6cm depth roughly. 650nm laser beams reach about 2-3cm depth. 808nm laser beams can cover an area as large as 4.5 cm²

Is cold laser therapy better than Magna Wave therapy?
Magna Wave is PEMF and this unit is a class 3B cold laser. They are different treatments. Both are very effective.

How long for each session?
It really depends what you are treating. But on average 15-30 minutes daily seems to work great. We like to hold the cold laser in one area for 90 seconds and then move it to the next area and continue until we have done this three times in each spot. Repeat this process until your have reached your desired treatment time. Most treatments are from 5-30 minutes.

How many joules does this cold laser put put?
This cold laser produces .8 joules per second.

Is the frequency adjustable?
Yes the frequency is adjustable. There a 3 levels. POWER LEVEL: 1 - 267mW, level 2 - 533mW, level 3 - 800mW

Is there any formal training required to operate this particular cold laser?
This LLLT is a class 3B laser. It does not require formal training as a class 4 laser does. There are, however, instructional articles and videos online.

Do cold laser therapy devices work on humans also?
Cold lasers can be used on equines, humans, pets, etc. Although you feel the laser device touching the skin during treatment, the procedure is painless and noninvasive with no sound, vibration or heat. If you have any questions you should consult your Doctor or Veterinarian to be sure they recommend LLLT treatments.

How long are treatment sessions, how frequently must they be done and for how long?
The treatment protocol depends on what type of condition is being treated. Troy Brandenburg says, "I like to watch the horses’ reactions when they are receiving treatment to get the best response. When using this cold laser device, I start at the outside of a wound, or at the top or bottom of a tendon, and work my way around the area.

I find the best way to get relief is to hold the cold laser in one area for 90 seconds and then move it to the next area and continue until I have done this three times in each spot. Repeat this process until your have reached your desired treatment time." Most treatments are from 5-30 minutes.

For instance, we had a client who was treating a large pectoral wound on an equine. She used this unit once a day, for 15 minutes each, for 14 days, at full strength. It is usually left in one spot for 60 to 90 seconds at a time. Click to read blog post on laser treatment of large pectoral wound.

Additionally, for use on equines for Acupressure we recommend the book: Equine Acupressure, A Working Manual

Is this a true 3B cold laser therapy device?
Yes, this device is a true laser. Specifications of this unit:
LASER TYPE: Class 3B Cold Laser
LASER WAVELENGTH: 650nm & 808nm
NUMBER OF LASER DIODES: 5x808nm and 10x650nm
MAXIMUM OUTPUT: 800mW
150mW each 808nm laser diode and 5mW each 650nm laser diode
WORKING MODE: Pulse mode and continuous mode
TIME SETTING: 5 - 30 minutes in 5 minute intervals
POWER ADJUSTMENT: 3 levels intensity for adjustment
POWER LEVEL: 1 - 267mw, level 2 - 533mw, level 3 - 800mw
BATTERY: built-in lithium battery 5200mAh (4,000 hours use)
TIME USAGE: 2-3 hours on a full charge

PENETRATION: 808nm laser beams can penetrate to 4-6cm depth roughly. 650nm laser beams reach about 2-3cm depth.

PEAK POWER: High – 800mW (a quarter watt) in micro-pulses, with five 808nm laser beams concentrated at the center surrounded by 10 - 650nm laser beams.

You can find additional information at https://www.brandenburgequinetherapy.com/collections/health-maintenance-products/products/cold-laser-therapy-class-3b-lllt-for-animals-and-humans

Will this help heal large, open wounds?
Cold laser therapy devices improve the microcirculation and metabolism in the treatment area, increasing blood supply to the injured tissues. In addition, the cold laser device further promotes wound healing by increasing the tensile strength of tissue.

How does cold laser (LLLT) compare to PEMF?
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy and Low Light (cold) Laser Therapy are two different types of therapies for different conditions. Lasers are better suited for targeting specific areas of the body like injuries and acupressure points while PEMF is more of a whole-body therapy. Cold laser therapy has pain relief effects not found with PEMF and is superior for the treatment of both acute injuries and chronic pain.

Can the glass on the device be replaced if it cracks?
Yes. Brandenburg Equine Therapy offers replacement lens covers for orders verified through us, just contact us with your name and order #.

How would a cold laser help relieve a horse’s back pain?
Cold lasers reduce inflammation and the pain associated with it.

My 8-year-old rescue horse suffered an injury when she was about three years old. She got her foot stuck in a wire and nearly cut it off at the cornet. She has a very bad, thick scar that runs from one side of the back of her foot to the other. It is thick, hard and pokes into the bend of her foot about two inches below her fetlock, causing problems when she trots. Would cold laser therapy help?
The laser would help reduce inflammation, therefore reducing her pain.

Would a cold laser therapy device be a beneficial addition to an equine massage practice?
Yes, they certainly can be. Do your research and decide if a cold laser therapy device is right for you to add to your practice. We also recommend you check you state and local laws to be sure you can use cold laser therapy in your specific practice. Some states only allow licensed Veterinarians to give treatments of any kind to animals.

Will this help a horse with arthritis?
Yes. LLLT can work on acupressure points and joints, reducing inflammation and pain.

For what types of conditions should cold lasers not be used?
Cold lasers, or LLLT, are not recommended for cancerous areas or where cancer was removed. Like any other equipment, LLLT should never be used to treat eyes unless it is being done so by a veterinarian with proper training, as it is very easy to do more damage. It is NOT recommend for use if pregnant. Never use LLLT near the thyroid.

What about laser safety?
You should wear Safety Glasses approved for the 800nm-1100nm range. Safety glasses rated in this range can be found at various stores online. Make sure you are purchasing certified/approved safety glasses.

No matter what class laser, even pointer pen lasers - NEVER look directly into any laser, point it at or near human or animals eyes.

TROY'S TIP: When it comes to use if either the Pulse or Continues mood  it’s different for each horse or person. It’s recommended the Pulse is best for arthritic or old injuries and continues is for fresh, but I like to watch the horses reactions to get the best response. I tend you start at the outside of a wound or at the top or bottom of a tendon and work my way around the area. I like to hold the cold laser in one area for 90 seconds, then move it to the next area and continue until I have done this three times in each spot. Repeat this process until your have reached your desired treatment time. Most treatments range from 5-30 minutes.

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Resources for Acupressure in Horses & Dogs

In 1971, Gene was one of the Directors of the Veterinary Acupuncture Research Project of the National Acupuncture Association (NAA), which introduced Animal Acupuncture into the United States for the first time. During this time he worked directly with Veterinarians, teaching them the basics of acupuncture and how it could be used to treat small and large animals. This led to the establishment of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Association (IVAS) in 1974.

Dr. Bruno was a member of the group of acupuncturists who founded the first two schools of Acupuncture in the United States. He is the past president of the American Association of Oriental Medicine. In addition to the extensive research on developing animal acupuncture, Dr. Bruno has done research at Harvard Medical School and at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, looking into the practical applications of acupuncture for the treatment of pain.

Dr. Bruno is the founder and a director of the American Board of Animal Acupuncture and currently teaches animal acupuncture at the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in Arizona. Dr. Bruno uses the Brandenburg Laser on horses and small animals, and has found it superior to other lasers on the market.

Download Equine Acupressure Chart

Buy the book - Equine Acupressure, A Working Manual