Red Light Therapy For Joint Pain: A Non-Invasive Path To Pain Relief

I used to be skeptical about the effect of red light therapy devices, but in the spirit of experimentation, I decided to try one myself. When I first started using the device, I felt a bit uneasy—there was this strange fluttering sensation in my chest that caught me off guard. Thinking back, I realize I probably jumped in too quickly and used it for longer than recommended, rather than easing into it like I should have. After I adjusted my routine, everything changed. Now, I use it comfortably five times a week for 6 minutes for skin rejuvenation and collagen — with no side effects at all. Read on to find out what device I am using and what benefits of red light I have noticed.

In addition to skin benefits—like reducing wrinkles, healing wounds, and promoting collagen production—red light therapy has now found a well-deserved place in conversations around chronic pain and inflammation management. Today, we’re diving deep into the promising use of red light therapy for joint pain—a therapy that’s gaining popularity among those dealing with arthritis, sports injuries, and even everyday wear and tear. I will break down what red light therapy is, how it works specifically for joints, and the benefits you might expect. My goal is to give you enough useful information so you can decide if this treatment option could be right for you or your loved ones.

Red Light Therapy For Joint Pain: A Powerful Tool For Pain Management

If you’ve been dealing with reduced mobility, persistent joint aches, or the frustrations of rheumatoid arthritis, you’re not alone. And you might be asking: Could red light therapy be a worthwhile addition to your wellness routine?

My goal is to help you understand:

• what red light therapy is and how it functions
• the benefits of red light therapy for joint health
• the science behind its effectiveness
• the best devices for targeted joint pain relief
• and ultimately, whether this innovative treatment is a good fit for your needs.

I want to help you make an informed, confident decision about your health—starting with the facts.

What Is Red Light Therapy For Joint Pain?

To begin with, red light therapy (RLT) is also knowns as:

• low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
• low-power laser therapy (LPLT)
• photobiomodulation (PBM)
• cold laser therapy, and
• soft laser therapy.

The therapy uses different wave lengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing in the body at a cellular level:

• red light (visible spectrum) – 620 to 750 nanometers (nm)
• near-infrared light (invisible spectrum) – 750 nm to 1400 nm (or even 2500 nm in some classifications).

When these wavelengths are absorbed by your cells, they enhance mitochondrial function. To clarify, mitochondria are an energy factory in the body. They process oxygen and convert food into energy – adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – your body needs to function. In essence, red light therapy stimulates cellular processes, leading to reduced inflammation and oxidative stress. This cascade of biological events helps in promoting healing, reducing pain, and improving joint health over time (source).

The difference in wavelengths affects the depth of penetration into the skin and tissues, with near-infrared light generally penetrating deeper. Reportedly, the 620 – 750 nm range works well on the skin surface while 800–850 nm range reaches muscles, tendons, and joints (source).

The red light therapy device I use, called LUMEBOX, features both red light at 660 nm and near-infrared light at 850 nm settings. As I mentioned above, red light is better for skin issues, and near-infrared (NIR) is better for deeper tissues like muscles and joints. When in doubt, they recommend using the combined mode with both NIR + Red.

Is Red Light Therapy Good For Joint Pain?

For starters, numerous studies support red light’s therapeutic effects on conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, chronic neck pain, plantar fasciitis, and fibromyalgia, with results showing improved function, reduced stiffness, and less chronic pain—often with few to no side effects (source).

Further, it seems that many wellness practitioners adopt this way of treatment into physical therapy due to certain benefits of red light, such as:

• relief of pain
• reduction of inflammation
• promotion of healing
• improvement of joint mobility
• enhancement of quality of life.

Let’s look into each of these benefits.

Relieving Pain

First, red light therapy has been shown to relieve pain by stimulating endorphin release, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing blood circulation to the targeted areas (source).

Specifically, this study explored how 830 nm LED light therapy could help injured university athletes return to play (RTP) faster. Over 15 months, athletes with various injuries—like sprains, strains, and tendonitis—received light therapy, and most reported noticeable pain relief within just a few sessions. On average, their recovery time was cut in half—from about 19 days down to just under 10 days—with no reported side effects.

Further, this systematic review examined five high-quality, placebo-controlled clinical trials to see if low-level laser therapy (LLLT) helps people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—a chronic autoimmune condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. A total of 222 patients participated in these studies, with 130 of them receiving real laser therapy and the rest getting a placebo (inactive treatment). The researchers analyzed the results to see how LLLT compared to placebo treatments in reducing symptoms. In regard to pain relief, on average, LLLT reduced pain by 1.1 points on a visual pain scale, which patients often use to rate how much pain they’re in. While this might sound small, for someone with RA, even a little relief can make a noticeable difference.

And this study reviewed six clinical trials to see if LLLT can help relieve heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis (PF), a common and painful foot condition. The results showed that people who received LLLT experienced significant pain relief by the end of the treatment, and the benefits lasted for up to three months.

Decreasing Inflammation

Second, one of the hallmark symptoms of joint issues is inflammation. Red and infrared light have proven to decrease inflammatory markers, helping reduce swelling and discomfort in the affected area (source).

More specifically, this study looked at how light-based therapies, like low-intensity laser and LED light (also known as photobiomodulation therapy), can help reduce inflammation and pain in people with common musculoskeletal conditions. It found that this non-invasive treatment helps not only with pain relief but also with reducing swelling and promoting healing, making it a great alternative to medications like opioids, which can have serious side effects. Conditions such as knee pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, neck and back pain, and even post-surgery recovery all showed improvement when treated with light therapy. The study highlights how photobiomodulation offers a safe, drug-free option that can lower inflammation and improve quality of life for people with both acute and chronic pain.

Promoting Healing

Third, by increasing ATP production, red light therapy enhances cellular metabolism and tissue repair, which is especially beneficial for joint pain caused by injury or overuse. This promotes healing from the inside out.

For instance, this study looked at how well LLLT helped with wound healing. Researchers created small, controlled abrasions on the arms of 22 healthy participants and treated one of each person’s wounds with either a real laser or a fake one (placebo), without anyone knowing which was which. Over 10 days, the wounds treated with real LLLT healed faster and shrank more than the untreated or placebo-treated ones. Interestingly, even the nearby untreated wounds in the LLLT group showed better healing, suggesting the therapy may also benefit surrounding tissue.

Improved Joint Mobility

Next, a reduction in pain and inflammation often leads to better mobility. In fact, this study looked at whether adding low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to a standard joint procedure called “arthrocentesis” could better help people with jaw joint arthritis (TMJ-OA). Both groups of patients saw improvements in pain and jaw movement, but those who received LLLT along with the procedure had greater gains in joint mobility and muscle relaxation. These benefits lasted not just in the short term but also over the long term. Overall, the study suggests that combining laser therapy with conventional treatment may lead to better jaw function and easier movement for patients with TMJ issues.

In addition, this study explored how LLLT can help improve symptoms in people with hand osteoarthritis, especially focusing on joint mobility. Thirty-four patients with swollen, stiff finger joints received between 5 and 10 LLLT sessions over several weeks. The results showed a clear reduction in pain and swelling, as well as a significant increase in joint flexibility and range of motion, particularly after just five to seven sessions. These improvements in joint mobility were not only noticeable but also lasted for at least 8 weeks after treatment ended. This suggests that LLLT may be a promising, non-invasive option to help restore movement and reduce discomfort in people with hand osteoarthritis.

Enhanced Quality Of Life

Lastly, chronic pain can affect not only physical health but also mental well-being. When joint health improves, so can your quality of life—leading to better sleep, more activity, and less reliance on medication.

Particularly, this study reviewed how photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), can help improve the quality of life for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). These conditions often cause chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, and while medications can help, they often come with unwanted side effects. PBM uses near-infrared light to reduce inflammation at the cellular level, helping to relieve pain and restore joint function without drugs or invasive procedures. The review found that PBM has been shown in both clinical trials and lab studies to improve joint health and reduce symptoms, offering hope for those seeking safer, long-term relief. With improved mobility and less pain, PBM may significantly enhance daily comfort, independence, and overall well-being for arthritis patients.

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How Does Red Light Therapy Work For Joint Pain?

Based on the comprehensive manuscript called “Biological Effects And Medical Applications Of Infrared Radiation, ” the effect of red light on joint pain stems from a series of biological processes triggered by the light energy, namely:

• Cellular Energy Production: Red and infrared light stimulate mitochondria to produce more ATP, which powers cell repair and renewal. This boost in energy helps accelerate tissue recovery and reduce inflammation.
• Blood Flow And Circulation: Red light improves circulation in targeted areas, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues while helping clear out waste products like excess fluid and inflammatory byproducts.
• Anti-Inflammatory Response: Red light therapy triggers an anti-inflammatory response by reducing cytokines—proteins linked to inflammation—and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity. This is especially helpful in managing chronic pain conditions like arthritis.
• Collagen And Tissue Regeneration: Collagen is essential for maintaining joint health, especially in cartilage and connective tissues. Red light therapy supports collagen synthesis, helping tissues regenerate and heal faster.
• Neural Pathway Modulation: It can also have a beneficial effect on pain perception by altering the way pain signals are transmitted through nerve pathways, contributing to overall pain relief.

What Is the Best Red Light Therapy For Joint Pain?

Here is an overview of red light therapy devices to consider for joint pain relief.

Handheld LED Light Devices

First, compact and portable, handheld devices are ideal for treating targeted areas like knees, wrists, or elbows. Many of these devices use 660nm red light and 850nm infrared light to offer a good combination of surface and deep tissue penetration.

As stated above, LUMEBOX, the red light therapy device I use, provides a red light setting at 660 nm and a near-infrared light setting at 850 nm. Because I don’t have joint issues, I normally use the 660 nm setting for skin rejuvenation 5 times a week for 6 minutes each session. What I have noticed cosmetically so far is reduced puffiness and improved radiance of my skin. Also, some spider veins around my eyes have started to fade. Plus, when I feel stiffness and soreness in my muscles, I use the infrared setting (850 nm) and get an almost immediate relief.

Why did I go with LUMEBOX?

• I trust the company based on their transparency and my personal communication with a co-founder of LUMEBOX Dr. Vivian Chen.
• The device is 3rd party lab-tested for low EMF and FDA-registered.
• I have seen its efficacy on myself.
• While most devices on the market require 15–30-minute sessions, with this device 6 minutes on average is sufficient (which is an important perk for me). 
• You can purchase it with your HSA or FHA accounts as it is considered a medical device.

Full-Body Panels

Second, full-body panels are larger devices often used in home setups or clinics. They provide comprehensive exposure and are ideal for people experiencing chronic pain across multiple joints. Panels can be used as part of a broader physical therapy routine.

Wearable Red Light Wraps Or Pads

Third, flexible pads or belts wrap around joints and conform to the body, making them perfect for knees, shoulders, and back pain. Their LED light arrays deliver consistent and focused exposure to sore areas.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Devices

Lastly, low-level laser therapy devices are medical-grade devices often found in professional settings. LLLT penetrates deeper than standard LED light and is backed by more clinical research for treating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and soft tissue injuries.

Conclusion: Is Red Light Therapy Effective For Reducing Pain In Joints?

Based On The Current Research, Certain Biological Processes Triggered By Red And Near-Infrared Light Energy Can Positively Affect The Joints And Reduce Inflammation And Pain.

In sum, cellular energy production, blood circulation, anti-inflammatory response, collagen and tissue regeneration, and neural pathway modulation are the biological processes, triggered in the body by near-infrared light, that can help you with joint health. 

Whether you’re managing joint issues related to aging, rheumatoid arthritis, sports injuries, or chronic pain, infrared light therapy for joint pain offers a gentle, drug-free approach to healing. With mounting evidence showing its ability to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and support joint health, this therapy is worth considering—especially when used in tandem with other healthy lifestyle habits like movement, nutrition, and mindfulness.

Remember, while side effects are rare and minimal, it’s always wise to consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new therapy—especially if you’re pregnant, taking medications, or managing a serious condition.

I use LUMEBOX red light therapy device 5 times a week for 6 minutes each session (generous discount inside!). I trust the company based on safety, efficacy, and transparency. From a cosmetic standpoint, I’ve noticed my skin look more radiant with reduced puffiness, and even my spider veins have started to fade. So far, I really like the results!

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