Infrared and red light for osteoarthritis: Can light therapy help?

Light therapy does not cure osteoarthritis, but it may ease the symptoms. Infrared brings warmth deep into the tissue, stimulating circulation and potentially reducing pain and stiffness. Red light works with wavelengths of 630 and 660 nm, and near-infrared with wavelengths of 830 and 850 nm. It penetrates approximately 5 to 10 millimeters deep and may have anti-inflammatory effects. Below, you can read what osteoarthritis is, how it differs from rheumatism, and what to consider when using it.

Table of contents

60-day home trialFree shipping7 years of experience in light therapy

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a common form of joint wear that mainly affects older people, but it can also affect younger people. In this condition, the cartilage in the joint wears down, causing the bones to rub against each other.

This wear causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. Osteoarthritis mainly occurs in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hands (fingers), hips, and spine. The inflammatory processes that occur with osteoarthritis can further damage the joint.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatism?

Although osteoarthritis and rheumatism cause similar symptoms, such as joint pain and inflammation, their causes are different.

• Rheumatism is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own joints, causing inflammatory substances to be released.
• Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, develops due to wear, overuse, or genetic factors.

However, both conditions require targeted treatment of joint inflammation and pain relief to improve quality of life.

Infrared for osteoarthritis: How can it help?

Infrared therapy can be a valuable addition for people with osteoarthritis. Infrared light delivers warmth directly into the tissue, offering several benefits.

• Pain relief: The warmth stimulates circulation and helps reduce pain and stiffness.
• Improved freedom of movement: The deeply penetrating warmth relaxes the tissue, often resulting in improved joint mobility.
• Reduction of inflammation: Infrared light may help combat inflammation and promote the regeneration of affected areas.

The pleasant warmth can also help relax the muscles around the joints, reducing pressure on the joints. With regular use, infrared therapy can significantly improve quality of life and freedom of movement in daily life.

Red light for osteoarthritis: The difference from infrared

Red Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red light (630 and 660 nm) and near-infrared light (830 and 850 nm).

Each wavelength penetrates the skin to a different depth and stimulates specific cellular processes. Light in the red and NIR spectrum can penetrate the skin to a depth of approximately 5 to 10 millimeters, allowing it to reach deeper tissue as well.

Red Light Therapy offers several benefits for osteoarthritis and rheumatism:

• Improved circulation: Red light stimulates circulation in the superficial layers of the skin, which may improve the delivery of nutrients to the joints.
• Reduction of inflammation: Red light may have anti-inflammatory effects and supports regeneration, helping to relieve inflammation and joint pain.
• Muscle relaxation: The gentle warmth of red light relaxes the tissue, resulting in general relief for the affected joint.

Red Light Therapy can therefore play an additional role in acute symptoms or inflammation, helping to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms in a targeted way.

Does light therapy have side effects?

Treatment with red and infrared light is generally considered safe. However, like many other therapies, it can cause certain side effects if used incorrectly.

People with certain conditions or health problems should exercise caution; they may be better off avoiding infrared phototherapy. For a detailed explanation, we recommend consulting our comprehensive information on possible side effects and contraindications.

Additional tips for relieving osteoarthritis symptoms

In addition to infrared and red light therapy, other approaches may help with osteoarthritis:

• Exercise: Regular, gentle movement helps keep the joints flexible. Activities such as swimming or cycling are particularly suitable.
• Healthy diet: An anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruit, vegetables, fish, and healthy fats may help reduce inflammation in the joints.
• Weight management: Every extra kilogram puts strain on the joints. A healthy weight can reduce pressure on the joints and therefore also reduce osteoarthritis symptoms.

These complementary approaches, together with light therapy, may help reduce osteoarthritis symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

View all lamps for joints