A collection of light therapy research articles on the benefits of light therapy use for Arthritis.
NOTE: Researchers use several terms to describe “light therapy”. Photobiomodulation, low level light therapy (LLLT), phototherapy, photon therapy, photo energy, heliotherapy, and sometimes red, blue or (near)infrared radiation are synonymous; they all refer to light therapy.
Low power light therapy for osteoarthritis
This study took a group of rats and injected them with a cartilage-degenerating protein to replicate the degenerative changes that are normally seen in osteoarthritis patients. They then added ONE single application of low level light therapy (infrared light spectrum) and found that there was a significant reduction in inflammatory proteins. They also noted that low power light therapy had a greater effect than high power.
The Role of Nitric Oxide in the Modulation of Pain
Pain reduction is a primary goal for people with chronic pain, including patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Progressive loss of movement function and disability, which are directly related to the pain associated with OA, are major reasons for lost work time, eventual exit from the workplace, permanent disability, and large medical costs. Many pain-relieving medications are either not effective and/or have significant side effects. Nitric oxide (NO)-based intervention seems at this time to produce substantial pain relief without undesirable side effects.
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