Red Light Therapy for Arthritis: Support Pain Relief & Joint Mobility

Red light therapy offers a non-invasive way to manage arthritis symptoms by reducing inflammation, easing joint pain, and supporting tissue repair at the cellular level. Backed by clinical and preclinical research, it shows potential for improving comfort and mobility in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis can result from years of wear-and-tear or immune-related inflammation — but either way, the pain, stiffness, and limited mobility can disrupt daily life. While medications can help manage symptoms, many people seek complementary options that don’t rely on drugs or invasive procedures. Photobiomodulation (PBM) — the science behind red light therapy — works by calming inflammatory processes, protecting connective tissue, and enhancing cellular repair in damaged joints.

Recent studies highlight its potential:

• A 2023 review found red + near-infrared light reduced joint inflammation and protected cartilage when used together, suggesting a synergistic effect.

• A meta-analysis showed low-level laser therapy (LLLT) significantly reduced pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis patients, with some reporting up to 70% less pain.

• A preclinical study using 810 nm light saw rapid reductions in inflammation markers in osteoarthritic joints, even after a single session.

At NovaaLab, we engineer red light therapy devices that use these research-backed wavelengths (630–660 nm red + 800–850 nm near-infrared) to reach deep into joint tissue. Whether you’re using our Cold Laser Therapy device for targeted relief or the Novaa Knee Ultra for broader joint support, the result is a non-invasive treatment option that supports comfort, flexibility, and quality of life — all from the convenience of home.

Science-Backed Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Arthritis

Arthritis isn’t just about occasional joint pain — it’s a chronic condition marked by inflammation, tissue breakdown, and limited repair. Red and near-infrared light therapy work at the cellular level to target these issues, offering a non-invasive option for managing both osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Reduces Inflammation in Arthritic Joints

Red light therapy has been shown to calm inflammation — a key source of pain and stiffness in arthritis. In a preclinical study on osteoarthritis, just one 810 nm low-level laser therapy (LLLT) treatment significantly reduced inflammatory cell buildup and cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6. This anti-inflammatory response helps relieve swelling and stiffness, especially in weight-bearing joints. 

Relieves Arthritis-Related Pain and Improves Flexibility

Clinical studies show that red light therapy can significantly reduce arthritis pain and improve mobility. In a meta-analysis, LLLT significantly reduced pain in Rheumatoid arthritis patients and improved flexibility and stiffness. These results point to red light therapy as a powerful adjunct for relieving joint discomfort, especially in the hands, knees, and smaller joints affected by arthritis.

Helps Preserve Cartilage and Connective Tissue

Red and near-infrared light may help protect joint structures from degeneration. A comprehensive review found that combined wavelengths (630 nm red + 870 nm infrared) helped reduce collagen breakdown and joint damage in arthritic models. Since cartilage loss is central to both OA and RA, these findings suggest red light therapy may help slow structural progression and preserve mobility over time.

Supports Cellular Repair and Energy Production

Arthritic joints often suffer from poor cellular energy and reduced repair. Red light therapy enhances ATP production in mitochondria, giving damaged cells more energy to recover. This is especially valuable in cartilage, which naturally has limited blood flow. By improving energy metabolism, red light therapy helps create better conditions for joint healing.

From OA to RA: How Red Light Therapy Can Support Every Type of Arthritis

Arthritis isn’t one single disease — it’s an umbrella term for many joint-related conditions that cause pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but other types like psoriatic arthritis, juvenile arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis also impact millions of people.

While each type of arthritis has a different cause — from cartilage wear to immune system dysfunction — they share common features: joint inflammation, stiffness, tissue damage, and chronic discomfort. These are the areas where red and near-infrared light therapy may offer relief.

By improving circulation, calming inflammatory signaling, and energizing cellular repair, photobiomodulation offers a non-invasive tool for pain management that can complement arthritis treatment, rehab, or lifestyle changes.

Whether you’re managing stiffness from osteoarthritis or flare-ups from autoimmune arthritis, red light therapy offers several potential benefits, especially when used consistently and in combination with movement or medical care.

Best Practices for Using Red Light Therapy on Arthritic Joints

Red light therapy (RLT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) have shown significant promise in reducing arthritis-related pain, stiffness, and inflammation, especially when used consistently with the right wavelengths. Whether you’re managing osteoarthritis in the knees or hands, or joint discomfort from rheumatoid arthritis, strategic home use is key to seeing results.

Here’s how to use RLT for safe, effective arthritis support:

• Wavelengths that work: Choose a device that combines red (630 to 660 nm) and near-infrared (800 to 850 nm) wavelengths. Studies suggest that combining multiple wavelengths of light may have synergistic effects, helping reduce inflammation and protect joint structures from collagen breakdown.

• Session timing: Treat each affected joint for 10 to 30 minutes per session. Research in both human and animal models suggests that short, consistent sessions promote cytokine modulation, reduced inflammatory infiltration, and improved flexibility.

• Frequency of use: Aim for 3 to 5 sessions per week for at least 6 to 12 weeks — the timeframe used in many clinical trials that showed significant improvements in pain, stiffness, and joint function. For ongoing symptom management, continued use may be beneficial as part of a long-term arthritis care routine.

• Where to apply: Place the device directly over the painful or swollen joint. Common areas include:

• Knees (OA and RA)

• Hands and fingers (RA)

• Hips, shoulders, wrists, and toes

• Distance and positioning: Keep the light within 1 to 6 inches of the skin, depending on the device. Some wraparound-style devices allow for full contact and even irradiance, such as our Novaa Knee Ultra and Novaa Light Boot.

• Safety tips:

• Do not use over open wounds, infections, or suspected malignancies

• Consult your healthcare provider if you have any other underlying medical conditions or health conditions

• Protect your eyes and follow all manufacturer safety guidance

How Arthritis Relief Builds over Time with Red Light Therapy

Arthritis symptoms often build gradually — and so does relief. Red light therapy isn’t a quick fix, but with consistent use, it may help reduce inflammation, stiffness, and pain while supporting long-term joint function.

Many people begin to notice early improvements in joint stiffness and discomfort within the first 1 to 6 weeks of consistent red light therapy. These early changes often result from a reduction in inflammatory cytokines and an increase in local blood flow, which helps soothe irritated tissues and restore some mobility, especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees or hips.

Deeper improvements — such as easier movement in the morning, greater range of motion, and less day-to-day pain — typically occur between 6 to 12 weeks. This aligns with clinical and preclinical research showing that red and near-infrared light can reduce joint inflammation, protect against collagen degradation, and support cellular pathways that may help preserve joint integrity over time.

Your results may depend on several key factors:

• Type and severity of arthritis: Mild to moderate cases of osteoarthritis or early-stage rheumatoid arthritis may respond faster than advanced cases.

• Consistency of treatment: Using red light therapy 3 to 5 times per week yields stronger, more lasting effects than intermittent sessions.

• Treatment coverage: Targeting both the affected joint and surrounding tissues (such as the muscles or tendons around the knee, hand, or wrist) helps address inflammation and functional discomfort.

• Supportive care: Combining red light therapy with gentle stretching, physical therapy, or joint-supporting activity may improve long-term outcomes.

When used consistently, red light therapy can support the body’s natural healing response, ease pain, and help restore comfort and movement in arthritic joints.

Key Considerations Before Using Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is widely considered a safe and easy treatment option. But whether you’re managing everyday joint stiffness or more advanced arthritis symptoms, it’s important to understand when red light therapy is appropriate and when to check with a healthcare provider.

Red light therapy is safe for most users:

• Drug-free and non-invasive

• No known systemic side effects

• May be used alongside physical therapy, exercise, or medication

• Suitable for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, depending on severity

Use with caution or consult your healthcare provider if:

• You have a joint replacement or implant near the treatment area.

• You’re managing severe, uncontrolled RA or other autoimmune complications.

• You have open wounds, skin infections, or active flare-ups in the targeted joint.

If you’re unsure whether red light therapy is appropriate for your condition, a quick check-in with your doctor or rheumatologist can help ensure red light therapy fits safely into your arthritis care plan.

Real Arthritis Relief, Without Leaving Home

When arthritis affects your daily comfort, mobility, or independence, you need more than surface-level relief. You need something that targets the underlying inflammation and supports long-term joint health. Red light therapy does just that by energizing cellular repair, reducing inflammatory activity, and improving circulation around stiff or swollen joints.

That’s why NovaaLab builds red light therapy devices using clinically supported wavelengths (630–660 nm red + 800–850 nm near-infrared) designed to reach deep into arthritic joints. From the knees and hands to shoulders and hips, our devices deliver medical-grade power in a format made for safe, effective at-home use.

With NovaaLab, you get:

• Full-coverage and targeted devices for joint pain relief at any stage

• Medical-grade, non-invasive technology optimized for arthritis management

• Built-in safety features for worry-free daily use

• A 60-day “Love It or Return It” guarantee to try it risk-free

Whether you’re managing osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or chronic pain from joint stiffness, red light therapy may offer a low-risk, research-backed way to move through life with less pain and more freedom.