When it comes to equine therapy, laser technology has become a cornerstone for pain management, injury recovery, and overall performance enhancement. However, not all lasers are created equal. Two primary categories dominate the field: Class 3B and Class 4 lasers. Understanding their differences is essential for horse owners, trainers, and equine practitioners who want the best possible outcomes for their horses.

What is a Class 3B Laser?

Class 3B lasers are low-level laser therapy (LLLT) devices that emit light with a power output of up to 500 milliwatts (mW). These lasers are designed to penetrate soft tissue and stimulate cellular processes through a process called photobiomodulation (PBM). This process promotes cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and can alleviate pain. Class 3B lasers are often used in human physical therapy, chiropractic care, and animal rehabilitation.

Limitations of Class 3B Lasers for Horses

1. Limited Depth of Penetration: Class 3B lasers have a shallower penetration depth, usually no more than 0.5 to 2 centimeters. For large, dense animals like horses, this shallow reach limits the effectiveness of the treatment, especially for deeper tissues like joints, tendons, and large muscle groups.
2. Longer Treatment Times: Due to the lower power output, Class 3B lasers require significantly more time to deliver an effective dose of energy to tissues. This can result in longer treatment sessions, which can be impractical for busy barns, trainers, and practitioners managing multiple horses.
3. Mild Thermal Effect: Class 3B lasers produce minimal heat, which is sometimes seen as a benefit. However, this “cool laser” approach often lacks the therapeutic intensity needed for significant musculoskeletal issues in horses. For larger areas of injury or chronic pain, the mild thermal effect is often insufficient.
4. Limited Versatility: While Class 3B lasers are effective for minor injuries and surface-level treatment, their ability to address deep-seated pain, large muscle groups, or chronic issues is limited. This makes them less versatile for comprehensive equine therapy.

What is a Class 4 Laser?

Class 4 lasers, also known as high-power therapy lasers, are a significant advancement in equine care. These lasers operate at a power output above 500 milliwatts and often range from 1 watt to 15 watts or higher. Like Class 3B, they utilize photobiomodulation, but their higher power output allows for deeper penetration, faster treatment times, and more profound results.

Why Class 4 Lasers are Superior for Equine Use

1. Deeper Tissue Penetration: Class 4 lasers can penetrate up to 4-6 centimeters, reaching deeper tissues like tendons, ligaments, joints, and larger muscle groups. For horses, whose musculoskeletal structures are much denser than humans, this is a crucial advantage. Deeper penetration means better access to areas that need healing, especially in cases of deep tendon injuries, joint inflammation, or chronic muscle strain.
2. Faster Treatment Times: With higher power output, Class 4 lasers deliver therapeutic doses more quickly. What might take 20-30 minutes with a Class 3B laser can be accomplished in just 5-10 minutes with a Class 4. This allows equine practitioners to treat multiple horses efficiently, reducing stress on both the horse and the handler.
3. Thermal Effect for Enhanced Healing: Class 4 lasers produce a mild, controlled warming sensation in the tissues. This increase in localized blood flow enhances oxygenation and accelerates lymphatic drainage, speeding up the body’s natural healing process. For horses, this added thermal effect can offer a noticeable reduction in stiffness, soreness, and pain.
4. Greater Versatility for Equine Conditions: Unlike Class 3B lasers, Class 4 lasers are powerful enough to treat a wide range of conditions, from acute injuries to chronic pain. This includes issues like tendon and ligament injuries, muscle strain, back pain, and even laminitis. Because of their power and depth, Class 4 lasers can be used for both preventative care and acute injury management.
5. Shorter Recovery Times: Deeper, faster treatment with Class 4 lasers often leads to shorter recovery times for horses. Since equine athletes rely on peak physical performance, this faster recovery allows them to return to training or competition sooner. It’s a game-changer for trainers and owners looking to keep their horses in peak condition.

Class 3B vs. Class 4: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Addressing Misconceptions About Class 4 Lasers

Some argue that Class 4 lasers pose a higher risk of tissue overheating or burns. However, modern Class 4 lasers are designed with advanced safety features, like automated energy control and real-time temperature monitoring. Practitioners are trained to keep the laser moving over the treatment area to avoid overheating. As long as proper protocols are followed, the thermal benefits far outweigh any potential risks.

Which Laser Therapy Should You Choose for Your Horse?

If you’re looking for quick, effective, and long-lasting relief for your horse’s injuries, soreness, or chronic pain, the choice is clear: Class 4 lasers outperform Class 3B lasers in every category. Their deeper penetration, faster treatment times, and enhanced thermal effects allow for more comprehensive treatment options.

Whether you’re treating a performance horse recovering from a tendon injury or an aging horse with chronic arthritis, Class 4 lasers offer the depth, power, and speed that Class 3B lasers simply can’t match.

The Takeaway

Class 3B lasers have their place in the world of therapy, but for equine care, they’re often limited by shallow penetration, long treatment times, and minimal thermal effects. Class 4 lasers, on the other hand, offer everything a horse owner, veterinarian, or equine bodyworker could want in a therapeutic tool: faster sessions, deeper healing, and the versatility to treat a wider range of issues.

If you’re serious about your horse’s health, recovery, and peak performance, choosing a practitioner with a Class 4 laser, such as QHE Equine might cost more than one with a class 3B laser, but it pays off in shorter recovery times, and enhanced well-being for your equine partner. Faster, deeper, and more effective—Class 4 lasers are the superior choice for equine therapy.