Arthritis is an umbrella term experts use to describe several conditions characterized by symptoms of inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints and the tissues around them.
Other arthritis symptoms include a burning sensation around the joints, sensitivity to touch, and skin discoloration.
These symptoms can compromise the quality of life of the patients with arthritis. That’s because arthritis often causes activity limitations and disability and requires consistent spending on chronic pain management drugs like opioids.
Also, arthritis can affect any joint but is most common on the knee, wrist & hand, hip, shoulder, lumber spine (lower back), and feet & ankle.
So, who is at risk for arthritis?
It is believed that there are over 100 different types of arthritis. While all of them can benefit from red light therapy, these common ones are usually treated with RLT devices.
Diagnosis of all these types of arthritis is usually done through physical examination. Diagnostic imaging and blood testing also help with diagnosis.
Depending on the outcome of the diagnosis, the healthcare provider can prescribe different treatment options.
Unfortunately, there’s no known cure for arthritis. Regardless, there are many treatment options to help manage the symptoms.
Your healthcare provider prescribes the most effective treatment for your case, depending on the cause and type of arthritis and the extent of the disease.
Treatment options for arthritis include:
So, how does red light therapy treat arthritis?
Red light therapy, sometimes called photobiomodulation therapy or low-level light therapy (LLLT), but different from low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has shown promising results for the treatment and management of arthritis.
Overall, redlight therapy treats arthritis by getting absorbed by the cell organs (mitochondria) that produce energy for cell function. A molecule in these organs known as cytochrome c oxidase acts as the primary light receptor.
Once this happens, other biological processes are triggered, including:
These processes are key to the three main benefits of red light therapy for arthritis: Inflammation control, joint pain relief, and cartilage repair.
Inflammation is a major symptom of arthritis, explaining why it is sometimes described as “inflammation of the joints.”
Red light therapy controls arthritis inflammation by regulating the cytokines (the inflammatory signaling proteins) to activate an anti-inflammatory effect.
The inflammation control by RLT works to reduce pain. However, clinical trials have shown that LED irradiation of chondrocytes (the cells that make cartilage) reduces the formation of free radicals that cause oxidative stress, even when used as a preventative treatment.
Oxidative stress can damage joint cell membranes and accelerate joint degeneration.
From the findings, red light irradiance also inhibited the expression of the inflammation-triggering gene, boosting cell regeneration that is key for tissue repair.
Red light therapy has shown effectiveness to relieve pain by triggering the release of natural pain inhibitors and regulating nerve sensitivity to pain.
Clinical studies with red and near-infrared light therapy reported effective pain relief and reduced disability in patients with degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee. No positive effect was noticed in the placebo.
More current research has shown that near-infrared (785–850 nm) and infrared (904–905nm) wavelengths of light are more effective in controlling arthritis pain.
Cartilage is the slippery but firm tissue around joint bones that cushions them from friction. Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, causes joint cartilage to wear and tear, leading to bone-on-bone friction. This triggers pain and promotes stiffness.
Studies suggest that red light therapy activates dormant cartilage-generating stem cells and increases their proliferation. This happens especially with high-energy photobiomodulation irradiation (calculated in J/cm2).
Other ‘in vivo’ and ‘in vitro’ studies have also shown that light therapy facilitates cartilage repair in people with knee osteoarthritis.
So, exactly how can you use red light therapy to treat arthritis?
Whether at home or at a professional center, red light therapy for arthritis should be used regularly, for the recommended session length, and with the right red light therapy device for effective results.
Specifically, here’s how to use red light therapy for arthritis:
The studies mentioned earlier have shown that all types of red light, including red light wavelengths (630-660nm), near-infrared light wavelengths (810-850), and mid and far infrared wavelengths above 900 nanometers are effective in the reduction of arthritis-related pain, inflammation, and disability due to damaged cartilage.
Light-emitting diode panels with these specific wavelengths or a combination of those will provide effective irradiation to arthritic joints. Wraps and belts are also a perfect choice because they deliver targeted treatment to the specific area.
Red light devices for arthritis treatment should be held at 6-18 inches from the skin surface, depending on the device’s irradiance power. This applies unless you are using skin contact devices like wraps and belts.
The recommended session time is 10-20 minutes 3-5 times a week. However, it is best to start with fewer sessions and increase the number according to your body’s reaction. Shorter times are best for devices with strong light densities and irradiance power, and vice versa.
Studies have shown that a single application of LLLT can infiltrate inflammatory cytokines and reduce inflammation and pain in 24 hours. Also, an already cited study showed over 50% arthritis pain reduction after 2 daily sessions of 15 minutes for 10 days.
If you use broad-irradiating red light therapy devices like panels, wear goggles or manufacturer-recommended glasses for eye protection.
Also, opt for brands that use medical-grade materials like RedLiteX and are registered, cleared, or approved by the FDA.
Monitor the effect of the sessions on joints and the skin around, and discuss any signs of skin irritation or redness with your dermatologist, healthcare provider, or red light therapy expert.
Red light therapy for arthritis and inflammation has shown promising, scientifically proven outcomes for pain reduction, inflammation control, and improved joint mobility due to successful cartilage repair.
Because it is non-invasive, drug-free, with no side effects, and only requires a one-time investment in a red light therapy device, phototherapy for arthritis is an excellent option for all types of arthritis.
As a general recommendation, always use red light therapy for arthritis or joint inflammation in consultation with a professional. Do this, especially if you have other underlying health conditions or are on any medication.
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