Introduction to Red Light Therapy
By Stable Mind & Body
 
The Introduction to Red Light Therapy provides a comprehensive foundation in one of the most versatile and widely used supportive modalities in holistic animal care today. Designed for animal owners and practitioners alike, this module moves beyond surface-level explanations to help you truly understand how red light therapy works, why it is effective, and how to apply it responsibly across species.
 
This section begins by introducing the principles of red light therapy and photobiomodulation, setting the stage for a clear understanding of how light interacts with biological tissues at the cellular level. You will explore how red and near-infrared wavelengths influence mitochondrial activity, circulation, inflammation, tissue repair, and nervous system regulation.
 
A strong emphasis is placed on wavelength selection and tissue penetration, helping you understand why different wavelengths are used for superficial versus deeper structures such as muscles, joints, and connective tissue. From there, we break down dosage fundamentals, including milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm²), treatment time, and energy delivery (J/cm²), so you can apply red light therapy safely and effectively rather than guessing or relying on generalized charts.
 
Safety is a core pillar of this module. You will learn proper contraindications, ethical considerations, and responsible use to ensure red light therapy supports the animal without overstimulation or misuse. We then cover application principles and session structure, giving you clarity on treatment flow, positioning, spacing, and integration into hands-on sessions.
 
This module also introduces species-specific considerations, laying the groundwork for red light therapy use in equines, canines, and felines, and prepares you to confidently integrate red light therapy alongside other modalities such as massage, acupressure, myofascial work, and rehabilitation-focused care.
 
By the end of this introduction, you will have a grounded, evidence-informed understanding of red light therapy—empowering you to use it thoughtfully, safely, and effectively as part of a well-rounded holistic practice.