Photobiomodulation for Osteoarthritis

Osteo Arthritis

The word “arthritis” means “joint inflammation.”

Arthritis refers to rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints. These conditions tend to involve pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in and around one or more joints. The word “arthritis” means “joint inflammation.” However, inflammation may also affect the tendons and ligaments surrounding the joint. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly and may impair a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks.

NEW EVIDENCE – “PBM can effectively reduce inflammation caused by arthritis.”

 According to recent scientific studies, drugs used to treat various forms of arthritis frequently have side effects that add to the patient’s burden. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has recently emerged as an effective treatment option for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA).
Study – NCBI

How PBM Works:  

Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or cold laser therapy, is a medical treatment that uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate cellular function and promote healing. While research on the effectiveness of photobiomodulation for arthritis is still ongoing, studies suggest that it has potential benefits for managing arthritis symptoms.

Here are the many ways in which Photobiomodulation (PBM) helps arthritis:

  • Reduced Inflammation: PBM has been proven to reduce inflammation. PBM’ s main function is to reduce cellular oxidative stress which is the pre-cursor for inflammation. In arthritis, inflammation plays a key role in joint damage and pain. By reducing inflammation, photobiomodulation helps alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis.
  • Improved Cellular Function: Photobiomodulation enhances cellular function by increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary source of energy for cells. This can lead to improved cell repair and regeneration, potentially aiding in the healing of damaged joint tissues.
  • Pain Relief: This happens in two ways. Photobiomodulation has analgesic (pain-relieving) effect by 1) modulating pain pathways and 2) reducing inflammation in the joints which results in a reduction in arthritis-related pain.
  • Cartilage Protection: Studies suggest that PBM has a protective effect on cartilage, the tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. This could be particularly beneficial in osteoarthritis, where cartilage degeneration is a central feature of the disease.
  • Modulation of Immune Response: PBM can influence the immune system, helping to regulate the inflammatory response. In autoimmune forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks the joints, modulating the immune response is very beneficial.

Conclusion:

PBM is a very safe and effective way to treat arthritis at the source and even heal damaged tissue. It’s important to note that individual responses to PBM will vary. While there is much evidence supporting the benefits of photobiomodulation for arthritis, the use of well known, clinical grade photobiomodulation technology will give the best results. More research is needed to establish best practices including optimal parameters such as wavelength, intensity, and duration of treatment. However, if you are searching for a safe, natural, non-invasive treatment for arthritis, PBM is showing great promise.

More Details on How PBM Works

Sources of Research Articles and Clinical Trials

1) PubMed: PubMed is a widely used database for biomedical literature. You can search for relevant studies by using keywords such as “photobiomodulation,” “low-level laser therapy,” or “cold laser therapy” in combination with “arthritis.” Visit the PubMed website (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and enter your search terms in the search bar.

2) ClinicalTrials.gov: ClinicalTrials.gov is a database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world. You can search for clinical trials related to PBM and arthritis. Visit the ClinicalTrials.gov website (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/) and use relevant keywords in the search bar.

3) Research Journals: Explore reputable medical journals that publish articles on arthritis and PBM. Journals such as the “Journal of Arthritis” or “Photomedicine and Laser Surgery” might have relevant studies. You can visit journal websites or use academic databases like PubMed to access articles.

4) University and Research Institution Websites: Check the websites of universities and research institutions that focus on arthritis or photobiomodulation. They often publish research findings and may provide links to relevant studies.