Acupuncture points exist where cutaneous nerves emerge from deep fascia or along pathways of major peripheral nerves. Acupuncture points often are found superficial to motor points, sites where a nerve enters a muscle bundle. Stimulation from a therapeutic laser can be used to deactivate these points and might provide significant relief from muscle pain. Therapeutic laser or Low Level Light Therapy, as it is sometimes called, is a non-invasive method of deactivating these points. The pain relief achieved from this modality often is long lasting.
Research suggests that an endogenous opiate acts to help relieve pain.
These pain relieving hormones are produced by the body when the appropriate stimulus is applied. A skilled equine therapist will address muscle pain as a major part of treatment. Sensitive manual palpation of the musculature will reveal sites and the extent of muscle soreness that might not be evident when simply watching the horse move. Often, physical therapy can provide cessation of muscle degeneration and allow the horse to recover more quickly. Physical therapy often is necessary as preventive medicine to avoid muscle contractures or soft tissue shortening that can accompany physical training.