Highlights
- Arthritis is a leading cause of long-term pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
- Many people look for non-drug, non-invasive options that can be used alongside standard care.
- Photobiomodulation (PBM) — also called red/near-infrared light therapy — is being studied as a supportive approach for arthritis-related symptoms.
- Research suggests PBM may influence inflammation, pain signaling, circulation, and tissue recovery.
- Evidence supports PBM as a potential adjunct, while more standardized trials are still needed.
Why arthritis symptoms can be hard to manage
In both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms often involve a mix of:
- ongoing inflammation (more prominent in rheumatoid arthritis),
- oxidative stress and cellular strain,
- changes in joint tissues over time,
- and a nervous system component that can amplify pain and sensitivity.
That’s why therapies that target only one pathway don’t always provide complete relief.
Where photobiomodulation fits
PBM delivers low-intensity red to near-infrared light to tissues. Rather than acting like a drug, PBM is thought to work by supporting normal biological processes — especially those linked to cellular energy and local signaling.
Mechanisms commonly highlighted in the literature
PBM may help by:
- Downshifting inflammatory signaling (including pro-inflammatory cytokines)
- Modulating pain pathways (how pain signals are generated and processed locally)
- Supporting mitochondrial function (cell energy metabolism)
- Promoting microcirculation and tissue recovery processes
These mechanisms align with several drivers of joint pain, stiffness, and reduced function.
Takeaway
Photobiomodulation is a promising complementary tool for arthritis symptom support — especially for pain and function — when used as part of a broader care plan (movement, strengthening, lifestyle, and clinician-guided treatment). It’s not a replacement for medical care, and more standardized clinical trials are still needed to clarify best treatment parameters and long-term outcomes.
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
Lourinho, I., Sousa, T., Jardim, R., Pinto, A. C., & Iosimuta, N. (2023). Effects of low-level laser therapy in adults with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. PloS one, 18(9), e0291345. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0291345
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.