02/13/2026
Im learning so much new & exciting ways to help horses!!!
n equine bodywork, the order of operations depends entirely on the goal of the session (injury vs. maintenance), but a general rule of thumb is to start with Infrared Light Therapy and finish with Sub-Zero Cryogenic Therapy.
Here is the breakdown of why this sequence is standard for performance horses and recovery.
1. The Recommended Sequence: Infrared then Cryo
For a standard therapeutic session focused on performance or chronic stiffness, starting with infrared sets the stage for more effective bodywork.
Step 1: Infrared (Heat & Circulation): Infrared light (600nm–1000nm) pe*****tes deep into the tissue to stimulate vasodilation (opening blood vessels). This increases ATP production, warms the muscles, and increases elasticity. This makes the tissue more pliable and receptive to any manual bodywork or stretching you plan to do.
Step 2: Sub-Zero Cryo (Inflammation & Closing):
After the bodywork is finished—or after the heat has done its job—Sub-Zero Cryotherapy is used to induce vasoconstriction. This "shuts the door" on inflammation by flushing out metabolic waste and numbing any micro-trauma or soreness caused during the workout or bodywork session.
2. When to Flip the Script (Cryo First)
There is one major exception: Acute Injury or Heat-Related Trauma.
If a horse has a fresh injury (swelling, heat, or "filled" legs), you should start with Cryotherapy.
The "Why": In the first 24–48 hours of an injury, you want to stop the inflammatory cascade. Adding infrared (heat) to a "hot" injury can actually increase swelling and pain. In this case, use cryotherapy to reduce the internal temperature first. Once the acute heat is gone, you can introduce infrared to promote long-term cellular repair.
