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Arthritis, a primary cause of disability, is marked by recurring joint pain due to inflammation in one or more areas of the body. Although commonly linked to older adults, arthritis can affect individuals of any age or gender. In this article, we will explore whether red light therapy can be an effective treatment for certain types of arthritis.
Introduction
Since the late 1980s, certain sources of near-infrared and red light have been clinically used to treat arthritis. By the year 2000, sufficient scientific evidence supported recommending these treatments for all arthritis sufferers, regardless of the underlying cause or severity. Over the years, hundreds of high-quality clinical studies have been conducted to refine treatment parameters for various affected joints, with notable effectiveness observed in some cases.
In fact, as of this year, certain forms of light therapy are considered a reliable method for relieving arthritis pain and may also offer proactive benefits against the root causes of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory joint conditions. Given that pain relief and accelerated healing are among the most well-documented effects of light therapy, its application to arthritis is a natural area of interest.
Red Light Therapy and Its Use in Arthritis
Pain is the primary and often debilitating symptom of arthritis, which progressively worsens as the condition advances. Light therapy has been extensively studied as a potential method to reduce joint inflammation and, consequently, alleviate pain. Clinical trials have investigated the effects of light therapy on various joints, including the knees, shoulders, jaw, fingers, wrists, back, elbows, neck, and ankles.
Among these, the knees have been the most thoroughly studied, likely due to their frequent involvement in arthritis. Knee arthritis is a major concern because it can lead to disability and mobility issues. Fortunately, most studies using red and infrared light on knee joints have shown promising results across a range of treatment approaches. Smaller joints like fingers, toes, hands, and wrists are relatively easier to treat due to their size and shallow depth.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the two most prevalent forms of arthritis, are the primary focus of these studies. However, there is evidence to suggest that light therapy might also benefit other types of arthritis, such as psoriatic, gout, and juvenile arthritis, as well as unrelated joint issues like injuries or post-surgery recovery. For osteoarthritis, treatment typically involves the direct application of light to the affected area, while rheumatoid arthritis treatments may also include light application to the blood, reflecting the autoimmune nature of the disease.
The Mechanism – How Red/Infrared Light Works
To understand how red and infrared light interacts with arthritis, it's important to grasp the underlying causes of the condition.
Causes
Arthritis can result from chronic joint inflammation or develop suddenly after stress or injury. The body's usual ability to repair joint damage may diminish over time, leading to the onset of arthritis. A decline in oxidative metabolism, or the body's capacity to convert glucose into energy, is strongly linked to arthritis. Other contributing factors include clinical hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, liver dysfunction, calcium deficiency, and abnormal calcium metabolism.
Early treatments of arthritis with ATP, the molecule central to cellular energy metabolism, showed positive outcomes. This is the same energy molecule that red and infrared light therapy helps cells produce.
Mechanism
The prevailing hypothesis for light therapy is that red and near-infrared wavelengths (600-1000nm) are absorbed by cells, enhancing natural energy (ATP) production—a process known as photobiomodulation. This leads to increased mitochondrial activity, which boosts ATP, NADH, and CO2 levels, supporting a healthy, unstressed metabolism.
Our bodies appear to be naturally adapted to absorb and utilize this type of light. The specific molecular events triggered by light therapy are still under investigation, but several mechanisms have been proposed:
Nitric oxide (NO) release: Red/infrared light may dissociate NO from cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, allowing oxygen to be processed more efficiently.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production: Light therapy may generate small amounts of ROS, which play a role in cellular signaling.
Vasodilation: Light therapy could stimulate vasodilation, improving blood flow and reducing joint inflammation.
Water molecule alteration: Light therapy may change the physical properties of cellular water, facilitating smoother biochemical reactions and better diffusion.
Evidence suggests that red/infrared light has a broader systemic effect, enhancing blood flow and reducing inflammation. By reducing local stress, light therapy helps restore optimal cellular function, including in joint cells.
Red vs. Infrared Light
The primary difference between red (600-700nm) and infrared (700-1000nm) light lies in their penetration depth. Infrared light, particularly in the 740-850nm range, penetrates more effectively and is therefore preferred for treating larger joints like knees and shoulders. In contrast, red light may be sufficient for smaller joints like hands and feet.
Ensuring Effective Penetration
To ensure light reaches the affected joints, both wavelength and light intensity are critical. Wavelengths between 600nm and 950nm are most effective, with 740-850nm being the optimal range. Light intensity, measured in power density (mW/cm²), also impacts penetration, with a minimum of 50mW/cm² over a few square centimeters recommended.
Summary
Light therapy has been studied for decades as a treatment for arthritis and other pain-related conditions. Research has focused on various types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile arthritis. The therapy appears to work by enhancing energy production in joint cells, which may help reduce inflammation and restore normal function. Studies have shown that infrared light around the 825nm range is particularly effective for deep tissue penetration, making it ideal for treating arthritis in larger joints.
Visit Acceler8 Athlete Recovery to explore how Red Light Therapy might benefit you. Book a session today
