Using the Controls
If your device has a built-in battery, you will first need to charge it up using the USB cable. It should take less than 2 hours to reach full charge.
Here’s how to change settings using the control button on your device. You always need to run through this sequence when using the device.
This short video from the manufacturer shows the sequence, also written out in full below. Please rest assured that it sounds more complicated than it is!
Continuous mode
Press power button quickly once – Power button turns Green. Red light and Near infrared are on.
Press button again (second time) – Button is still green. Red light only is on.
Press button again (third time) – Button is still green. Near infrared only is on (not usually visible).
Press button again (fourth time) – Button turns dark. Power is now off.
The device runs on a 15-minute timer, so if accidentally left switched on, it will power off automatically.
Pulsed mode
When the device is switched on and already in continuous mode, it can be switched to pulsed mode (50% on, 50% off).
Hold the button for 3-6 seconds – Button is blue. Red light and near infrared pulse.
Press button again – Button is blue. Red light pulses.
Press button again – Button is blue. Infrared light only pulses (not visible).
Press button again – Button turns dark. Power is off.
To power off from pulsed mode, click through the same sequence as continuous mode.
Using the devices safely
Red Light and Near InfraRed are known to be pain relieving and anti-inflammatory, assisting with the movement of fluid (odema). This makes it beneficial for conditions such as chronic laminitis, osteoarthritis, soft tissue lesions, etc.
Please, always check with your vet concerning active or recent issues. For example, you do not want to be heating acute stage laminitis or an inflamed tendon lesion. Nor do you want to negatively affect the benefit of joint injections by moving fluid too quickly.
Important: Infrared light is warming. The different wavelengths penetrate to different depths, and each cycle with this device lasts 15 minutes.
As a general guide, here is the order from mildest and least warming, to strongest and most warming effect during general use.
Mildest
1) Red light only, pulsed. Non-warming, upper tissue layers, 50% on-off
2) Red light only, continuous. Non-warming, upper layers
3) = Red light and near infrared, pulsed. Warming, 50% on-off, deeper and upper
= Near infrared, pulsed. Warming, 50% on-off, deeper
4) = Near infrared continuous Warming, deeper layers
= Red light and near infrared, continuous
5) Warming, upper and deeper layers
Warmest
Care of your red light / near infrared products
These red light / near infrared products are durable and easy to use, and will last well in normal use. They should be cared for correctly to avoid damage.
As electronic products, they are safe to use and come with a 1-year warranty. These following recommendations are aimed at helping you to look after them, thereby protecting your purchase for the benefit of your horse.
Careful use
It’s recommended that you are always nearby when using the boots on your horse. While horses tend not to take much notice of them, you may need to remove them if the horse starts to bite or scrape at them, or knock them against an object.
The boots can be fitted closely. The Velcro straps are stretchy, making it possible to achieve a secure fit. Avoid over-tightening, as this may damage wiring.
Be careful not to bend the boots in the wrong direction – the diodes should always be on the inside. Bending in the opposite direction may damage wiring.
Careful storage
When not using the boots, roll up gently with the diodes on the inside and secure with the Velcro straps.
Never fold, flatten, squeeze or crease the boots, as this can damage wiring. Storing in a fabric bag will help to keep them safe and clean.
Careful cleaning
PVC linings can be gently wiped with a damp cloth. Do not use cleaners. Be careful not to get water on the diodes and always pat dry with a cloth before rolling them up. Dirty boots stored in hot conditions will not last as well.
Dusty or hairy fabric can be cleaned by gently using a lint roller. Another option is lightly applied parcel tape (do not press down). Dirty fabric can be sponged with a damp cloth.
Velcro may become dirty and clogged with hay, feed, etc. It can be cleaned with a soft brush designed to clean metal files. These can be found in the tools section of Bunnings, the Reject Shop and some discount stores. Don’t use the very stiff wire brushes as these will weaken the plastic hooks – the softer ones will be fine.