Technology

Technology

What is light therapy?

Light therapy (or photobiomodulation) is visible light of different colors or invisible light, absorbed by the skin, that stimulates the body's natural recovery processes. Each light has its own wavelength, used for different needs, as it determines the depth to which the light is absorbed into the tissues: some act superficially, on the skin, while others penetrate deeper, to the muscles and joints.

A matter of power

The effectiveness of a session also depends on the power of the emitted light, measured in mW/cm² (milliwatts per square centimeter). The more appropriate the power, the more efficiently the light energy is absorbed by the targeted tissues, promoting optimal action with each session.

How it works

Light therapy primarily uses wavelengths from 660nm to 850nm. When this red and infrared light is absorbed by cells, it stimulates mitochondria, the structures responsible for producing cellular energy (ATP). This stimulation promotes better energy production at the cellular level, which helps support tissue repair and improve local blood circulation in the treated area.

Each session exposes the targeted area to this light for 15 minutes, allowing this process to occur gradually and naturally.

Beyond red and infrared, other wavelengths are used in light therapy for different therapeutic purposes. For example, in our facial masks, other light colors are used to specifically target the facial skin, each stimulating tissues differently depending on the desired effect.

How to recognize a quality product

It is not possible, with the naked eye, to tell if LEDs are of good or poor quality, or if they are truly effective. Not all light therapy devices offer the same results. Here are some criteria to differentiate a low-quality product from a high-performance product:

• Actual power (mW/cm²): many manufacturers advertise a large number of LEDs, but without indicating the actual power emitted. Light that is too weak will not have the desired effect, regardless of the number of diodes.
• The number of LEDs is not everything. One might think that a product with 80 LEDs is automatically better than a product with 70, but it's not that simple. What really matters is the power actually received by the skin, and this depends as much on the number of LEDs as on the distance between each LED and the treated surface. An LED can show excellent power when measured directly on the diode, but if the LEDs are spaced 2 inches apart rather than 3/4 of an inch, much of that power is lost before it even reaches the skin. A product with fewer LEDs, but better arranged and closer together, can therefore be more effective than a product with more LEDs, and vice versa.
• Exact wavelength: an imprecise or poorly calibrated wavelength reduces the effectiveness of the treatment, even if the device appears similar to the eye.
• Quality of materials and manufacturing: the durability of the fabric, straps, and electronic components makes a big difference in the product's lifespan and safety of use.
• Manufacturer transparency: a serious manufacturer takes care of every detail, which is why choosing a company specializing in light therapy will save you several minutes a day and ensure you get good results.

Why it changes everything for you

A higher quality product is a product that delivers more useful energy in less time. Specifically, with a quality product, 15 minutes of session per day is sufficient, whereas a lower quality product may require 30 to 45 minutes to achieve the same result. Choosing a quality product means choosing to get results faster, with less time invested each day.

At Goldride, each product is developed with these criteria in mind, to guarantee effective and reliable technology with every session.

For whom?

It is often believed that a product designed for a horse is different from one for a dog or a human, but this is not the case. Regardless of the product, it can be used for everyone. That's the beauty of this technology.

How to choose the right product for your family

1. Analyze the needs of each of you. Your whole family has a specific need: one person might play sports and need quick recovery, be elderly and need arthritis relief, work hard and need an energy boost, or have chronic pain and need to feel pain-free again. In short, each member of your family has their own pain. For example: your horse has a sore hoof, you have a stiff neck, and your dog has hip pain.
2. Choose a product based on its shape, to suit everyone or for each of you, if you want an individually adapted product. For example, the 80-WL model can be suitable for your horse, your dog, and yourself. Regardless of the model, the product can be used by all of you.