Red Light Therapy for Knees: Review Of The Scientific Research

Knee pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages, from athletes to seniors. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, arthritis, and overuse. Red light therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing knee pain and improving mobility in patients with chronic knee conditions. 

In fact, scientists have criticized many health guidelines for not reflecting the current evidence of red light therapy effectively, and asked for an adjustment of those for wider access to this safe, non-invasive, evidence-based, non-drug treatment. [1]

In this article, we look at scientific studies and clinical trials to examine the effectiveness on various types of knee pain.

1. Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level red and near-infrared wavelengths to heal skin, nerve, joint and muscle tissue.

2. Red light therapy can relieve knee pain and improve mobility in patients with chronic knee conditions.

3. It works by increasing blood flow to the affected area, reducing inflammation, improving cellular metabolism and promoting the production of collagen, which helps to repair damaged tissue.

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level red and near-infrared light to promote healing in various parts of the body, including the knees. The science behind red light therapy is based on the ability of red and near-infrared light to penetrate deep into the skin and tissues, where it can stimulate cellular activity and promote healing at a cellular level.

Knees are the largest joints in the body, and they are prone to injury and degeneration due to their constant use and weight-bearing function. 

Chronic knee pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis. These conditions can lead to inflammation in the knee joint, which can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

When used for knees, the therapy aims to target the joint and surrounding tissue to promote healing, improve circulation, help to stimulate blood circulation, and promote the growth of new tissue. This can be particularly beneficial for people with knee injuries or joint pain, as it can help relieve pain and improve mobility.

Red light therapy can be administered using a variety of devices, including pads, panels, and handheld devices. These devices emit low wavelength red and near-infrared light, which can penetrate the skin and reach deep into the knee joint to stimulate cellular regeneration. Pads are recommended for knee pain, as they can wrap around the knee joint for deep penetration and most effective healing.

Treatment times and frequencies can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the type of device being used.

Red light therapy can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as physical therapy and medication. The therapy is painless, and patients typically experience no side effects.

Red light therapy for knees works by penetrating deep into the tissue and stimulating the production of Adenosine Triphosphate in the mitochondria, which is the energy in the cells. This, in turn, helps to speed up our body's natural healing processes.

“The laser causes hyperpolarization of the cell membrane and activation of the resynthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which provides free energy for the regenerative bioprocesses through hydrolysis.” [2]

Another benefit of infrared light therapy is that it increases blood flow to the treated area, which helps to reduce inflammation and promote the regeneration of damaged tissues.

"The results indicated that LLLT accelerated collateral circulation and enhanced microcirculation" [3]

Studies have shown that red light therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knee joint by increasing blood circulation and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential components of healthy joints. It has also been shown to promote the healing of damaged tissues, which can help improve overall knee function.

"PBMT found to have profound biological effects on tissue including increased cell proliferation, accelerating the healing process, promoting tissue regeneration, preventing cell death, anti-inflammatory activity and relief of pain." [4]

"Laser therapy is a non-invasive method that contributes to pain relief and reduces inflammation, parallel to the enhanced healing and tissue repair processes." [5]

"These findings suggest that LLLT induces analgesia in by enhancing peripheral endogenous opioid production in addition to previously reported mechanisms." [6]

“In addition to the demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, LLLT may have benefits provided by its ability to act on nerves by reducing pain transmission and activating endogenous opioid receptors” [7]

The effectiveness of red light therapy has been studied extensively, and scientific research has shown that it can be an effective treatment for a range of conditions, including knee pain and osteoarthritis.

When it comes to treating knee pain, there are a variety of options available. Some of the most common treatments include cortisone shots, physical therapy, and surgery. 

While red light therapy is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects and precautions to be aware of, particularly when using it to treat knee injuries or inflammation.

Some people with light or skin sensitivities may experience mild side effects like skin irritation. These side effects are typically mild and temporary, and should subside within a few hours of treatment.

Red light therapy is not recommended for everyone. Please consult with a healthcare professional if

- you are pregnant or breastfeeding

- have any skin conditions

- you are taking any medications that may increase your sensitivity to light

It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using red light therapy devices.

Yes, red light therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing knee swelling. The therapy works by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which can help reduce inflammation and swelling.

Red light therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving function in people with knee osteoarthritis. It works by reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the affected area.

The length of time it takes to see results from red light therapy for knee pain can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the pain. Some people may see results after just a few sessions, while others may take longer.

Red light therapy is generally considered safe and has very few side effects. Some people may experience mild redness or irritation at the site of treatment, but this usually goes away quickly.

Yes, red light therapy can be used in conjunction with other knee pain treatments. It is often used in combination with physical therapy, medication, and other treatments to help reduce pain and improve function in the affected area.