Arthritis—especially osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—is a major cause of chronic pain and disability worldwide. Conventional treatments often manage symptoms but may not target the underlying biological processes. This has led to growing interest in complementary, non-invasive therapies such as photobiomodulation (PBM).
PBM, also known as low-level laser therapy, uses specific wavelengths of red or near-infrared light to influence cellular activity. Studies suggest it may reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and support tissue repair—without the side effects typically associated with long-term medication use.
A recent review by Zhang & Qu (2023) explored the mechanisms and potential of PBM for arthritis, offering insights from preclinical and clinical studies.
Highlights from the Research
The review summarizes how PBM has been studied in both animal models and clinical trials. In clinical contexts, PBM has been applied to support joint function, reduce inflammation, and improve pain levels in individuals with OA and RA. Several studies cited in the review used near-infrared diode lasers—typically ranging from 808 nm to 904 nm—with treatment durations between 2 to 6 weeks. Some examples include:
- Adly et al. (2022): Used 808 nm laser acupuncture in RA patients, showing improvements in inflammation markers and quality of life scores
- Kheshie et al. (2014): Combined PBM with exercise in OA patients, resulting in greater pain reduction and improved joint function.
- Alghadir et al. (2014): Reported enhanced mobility, reduced pain, and better physical performance following PBM sessions.
- Ip (2015): Investigated long-term outcomes in OA and observed reduced need for joint replacement surgery among those treated with PBM.
Across the reviewed studies, PBM was generally well-tolerated and considered safe.
How PBM May Support Joint Health
According to Zhang & Qu (2023), PBM appears to influence arthritis symptoms through multiple biological pathways. These include:
- Promoting angiogenesis to enhance blood flow;
- Stimulating ATP production to improve cellular energy and repair;
- Modulating the expression of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines;
- Regulating genes and enzymes associated with joint health.
Together, these effects may help reduce inflammation, support cartilage integrity, and improve joint function.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Standardization
While results are encouraging, the review notes that optimal PBM protocols for arthritis are not yet fully defined. Future research should focus on:
- Identifying the most effective wavelengths, doses, and treatment durations;
- Understanding how PBM influences molecular signaling in joint tissues;
- Using consistent, validated methods to evaluate clinical outcomes.
- Continued investigation will help determine how PBM can best be integrated into arthritis care.
Conclusion
Photobiomodulation therapy shows strong potential as a non-invasive, drug-free approach to support joint health in individuals with arthritis. By influencing key biological mechanisms, PBM may offer meaningful benefits in pain relief, mobility, and inflammation control. As research continues to evolve, PBM could become a valuable tool in the multidisciplinary management of arthritis—bringing new hope to individuals seeking safe and effective solutions.
Figure 1. Suggested Mechanism of PBM on Arthritis Treatment. Source: Zhang & Qu (2023).
Reference:
Zhang R, Qu J. The Mechanisms and Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy for Arthritis: A Comprehensive Review. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023;24(18):14293. doi:10.3390/ijms241814293
Adly A.S., Adly A.S., Adly M.S. Effects of laser acupuncture tele-therapy for rheumatoid arthritis elderly patients. Lasers Med. Sci. 2022;37:499–504. doi: 10.1007/s10103-021-03287-0.
Kheshie A.R., Alayat M.S., Ali M.M. High-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Lasers Med. Sci. 2014;29:1371–1376. doi: 10.1007/s10103-014-1529-0.
Alghadir A., Omar M.T., Al-Askar A.B., Al-Muteri N.K. Effect of low-level laser therapy in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis: A single-blinded randomized clinical study. Lasers Med. Sci. 2014;29:749–755. doi: 10.1007/s10103-013-1393-3.
Ip D. Does addition of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in conservative care of knee arthritis successfully postpone the need for joint replacement? Lasers Med. Sci. 2015;30:2335–2339. doi: 10.1007/s10103-015-1814-6.