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Arthritis and Joint Pain

Cold Laser Therapy for Arthritis & Joint Pain

Arthritis and joint pain affect millions of people worldwide, often leading to chronic discomfort, reduced mobility, and a lower quality of life. Many individuals rely on medications, physical therapy, or even surgery to manage symptoms. However, Cold Laser Therapy (Low-Level Laser Therapy - LLLT) is emerging as a non-invasive, drug-free alternative that may help reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and alleviate joint pain.

But how effective is Cold Laser Therapy for arthritis and chronic joint pain? Let’s explore how this treatment works, its potential benefits, and whether it could be a suitable option for you.

Understanding Arthritis: Causes, Types & Symptoms

Arthritis is a leading cause of joint pain and disability, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is not a single disease but rather an umbrella term for over 100 different joint-related conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints.

What Causes Arthritis?

Several factors can contribute to the development of arthritis, including:

  • Age – As we get older, the wear and tear on our joints can lead to degenerative arthritis, such as osteoarthritis.
  • Genetics – Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), have a genetic component, meaning they may run in families.
  • Injury – Joint injuries from accidents or repetitive strain can increase the risk of developing arthritis later in life.
  • Autoimmune Conditions – Some types of arthritis, such as RA and lupus, occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues.
  • Obesity – Excess weight puts additional stress on the joints, particularly the knees, hips, and spine, increasing the risk of arthritis.
  • Lifestyle Factors – Poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise can contribute to chronic inflammation, which may worsen arthritis symptoms.

Common Types of Arthritis

There are several types of arthritis, but the two most common forms are:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA) – “Wear and Tear” Arthritis

  • Most common form of arthritis
  • Caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints
  • Leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced flexibility
  • Commonly affects the knees, hips, spine, and hands
  • Cold Laser Therapy may help by reducing inflammation and promoting cartilage repair

cold laser therapy being applied to a patients knee using a handheld laser device the red light from the device targets the joint to help reduce inflammation and relieve arthritis pain

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – Autoimmune Arthritis

  • Chronic inflammatory disease where the immune system attacks the joint lining
  • Causes severe joint pain, swelling, and deformity
  • May also affect organs like the lungs, heart, and eyes
  • Typically affects both sides of the body (e.g., both knees or hands)
  • Cold Laser Therapy may assist in reducing joint inflammation and pain associated with RA flares

Other Forms of Arthritis & Joint Conditions

While OA and RA are the most well-known, other types of arthritis include:

  • Psoriatic Arthritis – Linked to psoriasis, causing joint pain and skin symptoms
  • Gout – A form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup, leading to painful joint flare-ups
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis – A type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing stiffness and reduced mobility
  • Lupus Arthritis – A symptom of lupus that affects multiple joints in the body

Each type of arthritis requires different treatment approaches, but Cold Laser Therapy may be a supportive option for many inflammatory and degenerative joint conditions.

What is Cold Laser Therapy?

Cold Laser Therapy, also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), is a painless, non-invasive treatment that uses low-intensity laser light to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation. Unlike surgical lasers, which generate heat and cut tissue, Cold Laser Therapy penetrates the skin without causing damage, making it a safe option for managing musculoskeletal conditions.

a close up view of cold laser therapy being administered to a patients knee the red laser light penetrates the joint aiming to promote healing and alleviate arthritis related pain

How Does Cold Laser Therapy Work?

  • Light energy penetrates deep into tissues and joints, promoting healing at a cellular level.
  • Increases blood circulation, which may help reduce inflammation and swelling.
  • Encourages collagen production, supporting joint and cartilage repair.
  • May help reduce nerve sensitivity, leading to less pain and stiffness.

Recent studies, such as a systematic review published in Lasers in Medical Science, have found that Cold Laser Therapy may improve pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis by enhancing cellular regeneration and reducing inflammatory markers (Stausholm et al., 2019).

How Cold Laser Therapy May Help with Arthritis

medical illustration comparing a normal joint osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis the diagram shows how osteoarthritis leads to thinned cartilage and bone friction while rheumatoid arthritis causes swollen synov

Arthritis is a leading cause of joint pain and can affect any joint in the body. The most common forms include:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA) – A degenerative condition that results in cartilage breakdown, stiffness, and joint pain.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – An autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation, swelling, and joint deformity.

Research suggests that Cold Laser Therapy may provide symptomatic relief for arthritis by:

Reducing inflammation – Laser therapy has been shown to lower inflammatory markers in arthritis patients. ✔ Promoting cartilage regeneration – Encourages cellular repair to support joint health. ✔ Decreasing stiffness & improving mobility – Helps enhance flexibility and movement, making daily activities easier. ✔ Providing drug-free pain relief – Reducing reliance on pain medications and their associated side effects.

A randomized controlled trial in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that Cold Laser Therapy significantly reduced pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis patients when combined with exercise therapy (Tumilty et al., 2010).

Cold Laser Therapy for Other Joint Conditions

Beyond arthritis, Cold Laser Therapy may also help with:

  • Tendonitis & Bursitis – Reduces inflammation in tendons and bursae, improving mobility.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – May help alleviate wrist pain by reducing nerve irritation.
  • TMJ Dysfunction (Jaw Pain) – Supports tissue healing and reduces pain in the jaw joints.
  • Sports-Related Joint Injuries – Assists in recovery from sprains, strains, and joint trauma.

A systematic review published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery concluded that Cold Laser Therapy may accelerate healing and tissue recovery for individuals with chronic joint injuries by enhancing cellular function and reducing oxidative stress (Bjordal et al., 2007).

Who Can Benefit from Cold Laser Therapy?

Cold Laser Therapy may be beneficial for individuals who:

✔ Experience chronic joint pain due to arthritis or injury. ✔ Want a drug-free alternative for pain management. ✔ Seek improved mobility and faster recovery from joint issues. ✔ Are looking for a non-invasive treatment option with minimal risks.

Although Cold Laser Therapy is generally safe, it may not be suitable for individuals with active cancer, pregnancy, or certain medical conditions. It’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.

Final Thoughts: Is Cold Laser Therapy Right for You?

Cold Laser Therapy offers a non-invasive, scientifically-backed approach to managing arthritis and joint pain. By reducing inflammation, stimulating tissue repair, and promoting mobility, it provides an option for individuals seeking natural pain relief without surgery or medication.

At Cold Laser Perth, we use state-of-the-art Cold Laser Therapy technology to help our patients manage arthritis and joint pain. If you’re considering Cold Laser Therapy as part of your pain management plan, we invite you to schedule a consultation to learn more.

📞 Call us at 9300 0095 or Book Online Here.


📍 Serving the Joondalup & Northern Suburbs of Perth

Cold Laser Perth is central to the northern suburbs of Perth, located in the City of Joondalup. If you are in the surrounding suburbs such as Yanchep - 6035, Tapping - 6065, Carramar - 6031, Currambine - 6028, Wanneroo - 6065, Heathridge - 6027, Edgewater - 6027, Gnangara - 6077, Mullaloo - 6027, Padbury - 6025, Kingsley - 6026, Woodvale - 6026, Banksia Grove - 6031, or Duncraig - 6023, our team is here to assist you.


References:
  1. Stausholm, M. B., Joensen, J., Fjellgaard, L., et al. (2019). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Lasers in Medical Science, 34(5), 1147-1160.
  2. Tumilty, S., Munn, J., McDonough, S., et al. (2010). Low level laser treatment of tendinopathy: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 28(1), 3-16.
  3. Bjordal, J. M., Johnson, M. I., Iversen, V., et al. (2007). Low-level laser therapy in acute pain: a systematic review of possible mechanisms of action and clinical effects in randomized placebo-controlled trials. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 25(1), 1-7.