Light therapy at a glance
For decades, medical professionals and researchers alike have observed the healing effects of light therapy. For example, sunlight produces vitamin D, treats rickets in children, and reduces excess growth of skin cells in those with psoriasis.
A variety of different wavelengths of light produce unique health benefits for the body. In recent years, red and infrared wavelengths of light are gaining recognition for its role in pain management, sports recovery, and promoting general health.
How light therapy treats inflammation
Low level light therapy, or photobiomodulation, includes red and infrared wavelengths of light (600–1070 nm). Our bodies absorb these wavelengths of light in the mitochondria, or power house, of our cells. This results in increased oxygen consumption, enzyme activity, and energy production in the form of ATP.
This ultimately improves tissue metabolism, regulates inflammation, decreases swelling, and provides pain relieving effects in the body.
Osteoarthritis at a glance
Osteoarthritis is a painful condition results from inflammation and degeneration in one or more joints. It’s incredibly common, and occurs from wear and tear over time. Once osteoarthritis develops, it cannot be reversed. If left untreated, pain, swelling, and decreased mobility can be debilitating. In fact, osteoarthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States.
Common strategies for osteoarthritis relief
Frequently, people use a combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, hot/cold therapy, and low intensity exercise to reduce pain. However, pain medications can have harmful effects on gut health, and stress the liver and kidneys over time. This knowledge led researchers to aim to identify alternative effective pain management strategies that don’t carry those same damaging side effects.
New research on light therapy and osteoarthritis
In a randomized controlled trial, researchers aimed to determine whether photobiomodulation combined with exercise is an effective option to manage pain for osteoarthritis sufferers.
This study included a total of 60 men and women between 40-80 years old with knee osteoarthritis.
The participants were randomly assigned to three groups:
- Exercise alone
- Low level light therapy and exercise
- Placebo light therapy and exercise
Both the treatment and placebo group received light therapy/Placebo treatments twice weekly, for a period of 5 weeks. Their exercise protocol included a 10 minute warm-up on a treadmill, active range of motion (ROM) exercises, muscle strengthening, and flexibility exercises.
Research findings
The researchers used standardized assessments to determine the participant’s overall pain score, muscle strength and knee function. After 5 weeks of treatment and exercise, low level light therapy significantly reduced pain intensity compared to the placebo and exercise only group.
Final thoughts
In honor of National Arthritis Awareness Month, our team at Go In Health is joining the conversation. Earlier this month, we highlighted the use of glucosamine chondroitin and MSM to help minimize pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis. Low level light therapy is a promising tool to add to your arsenal of safe, effective means of reducing pain.
It’s important to discuss any changes to your arthritis treatment protocol with your physician to ensure this aligns with your current treatment plan. Are you interested in transitioning to a holistic approach to your healing? Contact us for guidance and resources to begin your path to integrative health.
Source
Citation
Sturges, Missy. How Light therapy improves osteoarthritis pain. Go Integrative health, 2021.