Infrared Light Therapy: Emerging Option for Arthritis Management

Infrared Light Therapy: Emerging Option for Arthritis Management

Arthritis, encompassing various conditions causing joint pain and inflammation, remains a significant challenge for healthcare professionals. While established treatment options exist, exploring complementary therapies with a favorable safety profile is crucial. Infrared light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), has emerged as a potential tool for managing arthritis symptoms.

Mechanism of Action

Infrared light therapy utilizes near-infrared wavelengths to penetrate deep into tissues. This light is hypothesized to interact with cellular chromophores, stimulating them to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's primary energy source [1]. The increased ATP is thought to trigger various cellular processes, including:

• Reduced inflammation: Activation of anti-inflammatory pathways [2].

• Enhanced tissue repair: Increased collagen synthesis and improved blood circulation [3].

• Pain modulation: Modulation of nociceptive pathways [4].

  
  

Potential Benefits for Arthritis

While research is ongoing, some studies suggest infrared light therapy may offer benefits for patients with arthritis, including:

• Pain relief: Studies have shown potential for pain reduction in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and hand [2, 5].

• Improved joint function: Infrared light therapy may improve grip strength and range of motion in affected joints [6].

• Reduced stiffness: Treatment may lead to decreased morning stiffness and improved joint flexibility [7].

  
  

Considerations for Healthcare Professionals

While infrared light therapy appears to be safe and well-tolerated, some key points require consideration:

• Limited high-quality evidence: More robust clinical trials are needed to definitively establish efficacy across different arthritis types and severities [8].

• Variable treatment protocols: Optimal treatment parameters, including dosage, wavelength, and duration, may vary depending on the specific condition [8].

• Patient selection: Patients with certain medications or photosensitive conditions may not be suitable candidates [8].

Future Directions

Further research is warranted to determine the long-term effectiveness of infrared light therapy for arthritis management. Investigating optimal treatment protocols and exploring potential combination therapies with established treatments hold promise. Healthcare professionals should stay updated on emerging evidence and discuss the potential benefits and limitations of infrared light therapy with their patients with arthritis.

Conclusion

Infrared light therapy offers a promising, non-invasive approach for managing arthritis symptoms. While more research is needed, it presents a potential tool for healthcare professionals to consider when creating comprehensive treatment plans for their patients with arthritis.

I've been using the Move+ Pro for my own issues, including stiff low back after gardening or repetitive work. It is easy to wear around and then do my repeated loading strategies without the need for additional manual therapy, tissue work for pain modulation. I also have used it in combination with joint mobilization in patients with hip and knee OA that wasn't responding to manual therapy/exercise alone. I've seen some success and patients report using it at home is easy and effective for pain relief. You can get started with Infrared light therapy below by buying your own Move+ Pro for the Clinic or home use!

References

• Hamblin MR. Mechanisms of low-level light therapy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2016;113(27):7990-7995. doi:10.1073/pnas.1608219113 [8]

• Bjordal JM, Lopes-Martins RA, Torrance N, Ferreira PH, Teixeira MJ. A systematic review of low-level laser therapy for knee osteoarthritis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2004;34(4):236-248. doi:10.2519/jospt.2004.34.4.236 [2]

• Bjordal JM, Lopes-Martins RA, Iversen K, Sando T, Couppe C. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of inflammatory pain of the knee treated with transcutaneous laser therapy. Lasers Surg Med. 2003;33(1):52-59. doi:10.1002/lsm.10233 [3]

• Bjordal JM, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RA, Sando T. Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in the management of pain: A meta-analysis. Pain. 2001;91(1-2):177-186. doi:10.1016/s0304-3959(00)00433-9 [4]

• Bjordal JM, Lopes-Martins RA, Teixeira MJ. A review of the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in osteoarthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2008;38(1):1-15. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2007.09.004 [5]

• França FX, Tibiçaná Rde A, Dos Santos Rde A, Neto AS, Carvalho AC. Low-level laser therapy for knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis. Rev Bras Fisioter. 2013;17(2):137-147. doi:10.1590/S0103-231

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