Around 100 million Americans reportedly suffer from chronic pain, with the knee being the second most common area that affects people.
When this occurs, it can be unbearable and a huge distraction from the day-to-day. This is where red light therapy comes in as a solution.
This form of treatment has grown in interest considerably over the last decade or so and has been found to bring several benefits that are useful.
In light of this, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about knee pain and red light therapy. For those interested in the science, we’ve got you covered - simply jump to the final section where we share studies and delve into the correlation.
How does red light therapy help knee pain?
Whether it flares up every so often or it’s become chronic and severe, knee pain is incredibly detrimental to quality of life.
The knees are used for walking, playing most sports, and just going about your day-to-day. So, when you need support and are looking for an option that doesn’t come with the risks of pain medications, consider the use of red light therapy.
Lowers inflammation
After an area becomes troubled (whether through injury or otherwise) the body’s white blood cells bring on inflammation to protect you from bacteria and viruses.
While this sounds positive, it can be incredibly infuriating when you’re struggling. Not only does it bring on more joint pain, but it limits movement and can result in symptoms like fatigue, fever, and headaches. These are the last things you need when you have knee pain.
To counteract this, red light reduces inflammation (and joint pain as a result!) by increasing blood flow, promoting cellular repair, and reducing oxidative stress in the affected tissues.
Speeds up recovery
Again, there’s nothing worse than being plagued by knee pain that feels never-ending. The body has natural healing tendencies, but these are delayed and can be painfully slow when the area is damaged.
The wavelengths of light accelerate this. Even NASA noted the wound healing benefits as they noticed astronauts exposed to specific light wavelengths saw their injuries heal faster.
It’s a pain reliever
One of the most well-documented benefits of red light is its pain-relieving capabilities.
It does this through the wavelengths stimulating biological processes that promote the body’s natural pain-killing endorphins.
This can bring major relief to your knee and continued use of light therapy can bring about consistent relief.
The science behind red light therapy and knee pain
Now, let’s really get into the nitty gritty and explore the science behind red light therapy and knee pain. This is a slightly heavier read, but we’ve got you!
We’re exploring the technology and the science, with the studies to back it up.
How red light therapy works for knee pain?
Pain relief
The wavelengths from red light stimulate a series of biological processes. The wavelengths sit in the visible light spectrum, ranging between 620 nm and 750 nm. This area boasts longer wavelengths and lower energy compared to other variants and can penetrate deep beneath the skin. Being in this ‘optical window’ has been proven to cause a larger cell-light response.
For pain, the red light wavelengths block pain signal transmissions through two actions. Firstly, it alters nerve cell permeability to sodium ions. Secondly, it modifies nerve thresholds which makes nerves less excitable to pain stimuli.
As well as this, the light stimulates the release of endogenous opioids and endorphins which have natural analgesic properties.
In a clinical trial involving fifty patients with degenerative osteoarthritis of both knees, those with the red and infrared treatment were found to have significant functional improvement. As a result, the researchers found that light therapy is effective in relieving pain and disability in degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee.
Boosts healing
When the red light is applied to the knee, it enhances the mitochondrial function through the absorption of photos by mitochondrial chromophores. This continues to greater cellular respiration, resulting in an increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
ATP is the source of energy that supports and drives the processes in living cells. Many functions are due to the transferring of energy powers.
So, when red light is applied, it increases the mitochondrial count and allows this and ATP to go through the stages of glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain. When this occurs, the body is able to repair itself in the best way possible.
Lowers inflammation in the problem area
The wavelengths stimulate the production of collagen which can help to realign the fibers that have tightened or shortened as a result of inflammation. When this occurs, the normal movement can be restored.
The light has anti-inflammatory effects too which lowers oxidative stress, increases local circulation, inhibits inflammatory cytokines, and blocks prostaglandin production.
In a research paper, published in 2017, it was explained how the local and system mechanisms operate when light is applied. “The local reduction of edema, and reductions in markers of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines are well established.
“However there also appears to be a systemic effect whereby light delivered to the body can positively benefit distant tissues and organs.”
Medical Grade Red Light Therapy Device for knee pain
While red light therapy was once reserved for the rich and famous, the advancements in technology have made at-home usage possible.
At Kineon, the MOVE+ Pro was created as a solution for our CEO’s own chronic knee pain. This originated from an MCL tear which led Forrest to create a product that worked.
Our device is a medical grade red light therapy tool that is portable and wireless. It includes 8 660nm deep red LEDs per module and 10 808nm infrared lasers per module.
To join the thousands who are using the MOVE+ Pro to help their pain, reduce inflammation, and stimulate healing, check out the device here.
knee pain and red light therapy: your questions answered
Is red light therapy helpful for knee pain?
Red light therapy is definitely helpful for knee pain and not for a singular reason either, but multiple. Red light is known to accelerate healing due to the increase in blood flow which brings oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area, while transporting the waste away.
This lowers inflammation which eases pain and brings better mobility. It can heal the affected tissues quicker too, speeding up the body’s usual healing process.
It improves the body’s nerve function too. This pain management tool isn’t invasive and is low-risk. It has no downtime and minimal side effects too.
How often should you use red light therapy on knee pain?
The best way to reap the benefits of red light therapy for knee pain is to use the treatment consistently.
One of the great things about it is that it can be used as often as you’d like. However, we always recommend people use it for 10-20 minutes per day or three times a week.
This approach is much better than a 40-minute session every few weeks. A small session can be easily integrated into your daily routine - especially with the MOVE+ Pro as this can be strapped around your knee as you go about errands and your usual activities.
We wrote a full article on how often you can use red light therapy here.
Can you treat knee pain at home?
You absolutely can treat knee pain at home and it’s all thanks to technological advances that have made this possible.
While you have the traditional pain relief treatments, red light is an at-home solution that can aid pain and even boost recovery.
It’s non-invasive and doesn’t have any nasty side effects like pain medications. To experience red light at home, consider Kineon’s MOVE+ Pro which is small in size but it packs a punch.
It comes with 8 deep red (660 nm) LEDs and 10 infrared (808 nm) laser diodes in each module, so you’re getting the benefits of two types of wavelengths in one handy device.
It’s completely wireless too, meaning you can strap it on your knee and watch your favorite television show or even go about some chores around the house.
We wrote a full article on using red light therapy at home here.
Can you use red light therapy after knee surgery?
You can use red light therapy after knee surgery! It’s actually one of the best things you can do to speed up your recovery, allowing you to get back to your usual day-to-day routine as soon as possible.
The most important thing is to follow the post-operative instructions from your surgeon closely as this will reduce complications, minimize pain, and maximize the chances of a successful post-operative journey.
In addition to doctor’s orders, you can supplement your recovery with a safe and effective red light therapy device like the Move+ Pro.
This has been designed for at-home use and can work alongside other therapies or medications.
We wrote a full article on using red light therapy after knee surgery here.
