Being a jockey isn’t just about skill and balance—it’s a physically demanding job that takes a toll on the body. The crouched riding position, long hours in the saddle, and constant strain on the lower back, hips, and wrists can lead to chronic pain and stiffness.
For jockeys looking for a non-invasive way to relieve muscle tension and joint pain, red light therapy (also called low-level laser therapy, or LLLT) is gaining attention as a powerful recovery tool.
So, how exactly does red light therapy help with back pain, hip tightness, and wrist discomfort? Here’s a closer look.
What is Red Light Therapy (LLLT)?
Red light therapy works by using low-intensity laser or LED light to penetrate deep into muscles and joints. The light stimulates cellular repair, improves circulation, and reduces inflammation—all crucial for jockeys dealing with pain and stiffness from riding.
Research published in the National Library of Medicine highlights several key benefits of red light therapy for athletes:
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Improved muscle recovery: LLLT enhances cellular metabolism, helping muscles repair more efficiently.
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Reduced inflammation: It lowers oxidative stress in muscle tissues, reducing soreness and stiffness.
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Pain relief: Red light therapy has been shown to significantly reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain, making it a great tool for back, hip, and wrist pain.
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Increased blood circulation: Enhanced blood flow allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach overworked muscles.
For jockeys, this means:
✅ Looser, more flexible hips
✅ Reduced lower back pain
✅ Faster recovery after intense rides
✅ Less wrist strain from gripping the reins
How Does Red Light Therapy Help Jockeys?
Q: Why do jockeys suffer from lower back and hip pain?
A: Jockeys spend hours in a squat-like position, absorbing shocks from the horse's movement. This puts continuous strain on the lower back and hip flexors, leading to tightness, pain, and even long-term injuries.
Q: How does red light therapy help with these issues?
A: Red light therapy increases blood flow to tight muscles and joints, reducing stiffness and helping the body repair damaged tissues. It also promotes the production of ATP (cellular energy), speeding up recovery after rides.
A study (Gale et al., 2006) found that athletes who used LLLT experienced faster muscle recovery and improved endurance compared to those who didn’t.
Q: Can it help with wrist pain from holding the reins?
A: Absolutely! Repetitive gripping and wrist flexion can cause inflammation and strain. Red light therapy has been shown to reduce pain and stiffness in joints, making it great for wrist, hand, and forearm relief.
Q: How quickly will I feel relief?
A: Many users report feeling improvements within a few weeks of regular use. For chronic pain, consistency is key—daily or every-other-day sessions provide the best results.
What People Are Saying About Red Light Therapy
Users have experienced firsthand how effective red light therapy can be:
"I use the laser to release chronic muscle tension and it's been fantastic. I suffer with frequent back pain and the laser has been excellent for muscle release. I definitely noticed the effect after a couple of weeks.
Also great for travel; I've had no trouble taking it with me in my carry-on luggage. Useful to treat pain when on the go.
Excellent service from the company too, quick postage and great customer service. Definitely recommend."
— Rachel B.
For jockeys who travel frequently for races or training, having a portable pain relief tool is a breakthrough.
How to Use Red Light Therapy for Lower Back and Hip Pain
If you’re considering red light therapy, the Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy and IASO Ultra Laser Device are great options.
Best areas to target:
🔴 Lower back – Apply directly to sore muscles for deep relief.
🔴 Hip flexors – Helps release tension from prolonged riding posture.
🔴 Wrists and forearms – Reduces inflammation from gripping the reins.
How often to use it?
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Start with daily sessions (5-10 minutes per area).
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Use before or after riding for best results.
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Combine with stretching and mobility exercises for maximum benefit.
Is It Worth It for Horse Riders and Pro Jockeys?
If you’re tired of dealing with pain after every ride, red light therapy could be the solution you’ve been looking for. It’s drug-free, non-invasive, and backed by science—a perfect fit for athletes who need fast recovery and long-term relief.
🔹 Better mobility
🔹 Less stiffness
🔹 Faster recovery
No downtime. No side effects. Just a smarter way to manage pain.
👉 Ready to give your muscles the recovery boost they need? Check out the Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy and IASO Ultra Laser Device and feel the difference for yourself.
References:
Gale, G. D., Rothbart, P. J., & Li, Y. (2006). Infrared therapy for chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Pain research & management, 11(3), 193–196. https://doi.org/10.1155/2006/876920
