Red Light Therapy at Home for Osteoarthritis: Reducing Joint Pain and Increasing Mobility

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions of the joint that affect those over the age of  50 - in the UK alone, it affects an estimated 10 million people. The disease is characterised by persistent joint pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility, often making daily activities a struggle. While traditional treatments may offer some relief, the only downside is that they may have side effects.  

For those seeking alternatives to those treatments, red light therapy (RLT) at home is gaining more recognition as an effective solution with little to no side effects. By concentrating the effects of consistent practice, it can stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation, greatly improving the condition of those with osteoarthritis. 

Learn more about how red light therapy can help provide relief and healing to those with osteoarthritis with our team at ROJO Light Therapy UK below.

Understanding How Osteoarthritis Works

Osteoarthritis develops as cartilage, the rubbery substance cushioning joints, breaks down over time. This leads to increased friction between these joints, causing intense pain, limited movement, overwork of surrounding muscle and other osteoarthritis symptoms. 

The exact cause of this cartilage breakdown is still unknown. However, several risk factors such as past injuries, genetics, obesity, and age have been identified to contribute to the development or progression of the disease. Working in industries that require kneeling, climbing, heavy lifting, or similar actions can also be an added risk. 

The condition is also progressive, meaning that symptoms get worse with no proper intervention. 

How Red Light Therapy at Home Can Help Those With Osteoarthritis

1. Reducing Pain and Inflammation 

Red light therapy is highly effective in reducing joint pain and inflammation, two of the most debilitating symptoms of osteoarthritis. This relief is attributed to the treatment’s ability to suppress inflammatory cytokines, the chemical messengers in the immune system responsible for the body’s inflammatory response. 

Additionally, RLT also encourages the dilation of blood vessels, allowing better blood circulation to the disease-affected areas. This enhanced blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to those areas, supporting essential cellular processes for healing and recovery. 

Together, the two mechanisms create an analgesic effect that can prove RLT to be a safe, drug-free alternative for those looking to avoid long-term reliance on painkillers.

2. Enhancing Joint Mobility and Flexibility

The stiffness caused by osteoarthritis is often one of the main reasons that limit movements and make tasks more difficult in affected individuals. Regular red light therapy sessions, however, have been known to enhance joint flexibility. 

The anti-inflammatory properties of the treatment allow more tissue flexibility. In addition to that, RLT also enhances collagen production, which is crucial to the elasticity of ligaments and tendons surrounding the joint.

3. Promoting Cartilage Repair and Joint Health

Studies have demonstrated that red and near-infrared light stimulates chondrocytes (cartilage-producing cells) to multiply and this effect continues for days after the treatment. This feature helps slow down cartilage degradation and may even reverse minor damages. 

Incorporating Red Light Therapy Into Your Wellness Routine

When adding Red Light Therapy (RLT) to your health and wellness routine, it’s important to consider several key aspects to ensure you gain the maximum benefits. Here’s what you need to know to get started:

• Choose the right device: High-quality devices that emit optimal wavelengths for deep tissue repair are essential for effective treatment. Deciding between what device to choose also depends on your lifestyle.
• Establish a schedule: Consistency is the most important aspect of red light therapy for you to be able to enjoy its benefits. However, if you’re a beginner, it’s ideal to gradually adjust the frequency and duration of treatment based on your response.
• Combine With Other Therapies: While RLT is already powerful on its own, combining it with physical therapy or light exercise can amplify results.

If you’re looking to incorporate red light therapy into your wellness journey, explore our products at ROJO Light Therapy. We offer tested and certified products designed to offer you maximum benefits. Contact us today for more questions or inquiries.