Photothermal Effects of High-Intensity Laser Therapy on the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon Area in Clinically Healthy Racehorses

SIMPLE SUMMARY: High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) is becoming an increasingly popular form of physiotherapy for tendon injuries. This short communication paper discusses the photothermal effects of HILT on the superficial digital flexor tendon of the hindlimb in clinically healthy racehorses. A thermographic assessment of the surface temperature change in the superficial digital flexor tendon was performed before and immediately after high-intensity laser therapy. The results indicate a statistically significant increase after treatment. These findings may be helpful in determining the optimal HILT parameters needed for treating tendon injuries. ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to assess the photothermal effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of the hindlimb in racehorses. It was conducted on 18 clinically healthy thoroughbreds that were subjected to thermographic examination to measure surface temperature changes in the SDFT. This was performed before and immediately after HILT. This revealed statistically significant differences in the temperature of the skin surface overlying the flexor tendons (p < 0.001). The surface temperature of the area examined was higher by an average of 3.5 °C after HILT, compared with the temperature measured before HILT. Our results prove that HILT has a photothermal effect in treating soft tissue. This finding can be helpful in determining the appropriate parameters for monitoring the short- and long-term effects of HILT.