Free Shipping on Orders Shop Sale

Sign In

Forgot your password?
Create Account
Discover how red light therapy helps relieve knee pain, arthritis & injuries. Learn how to use it at home safely with expert-backed science & reviews.

Knee pain affects millions of Americans every year — from active athletes to aging adults battling arthritis. If you’re looking for a non-invasive, drug-free solution, red light therapy (RLT) is gaining attention as a powerful natural remedy.

But does it actually work?

In this expert guide, we’ll break down the science behind red light therapy, its benefits for knee pain, and how it’s being used to treat arthritis, injuries, inflammation, and more — even from the comfort of your own home.

We’ll also review the best red light therapy devices, compare it to other pain relief methods, and show you how to use RLT safely and effectively.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic joint discomfort, post-surgery swelling, or looking to avoid medication, this article gives you everything you need to know to decide if red light therapy is right for your knees.

Understanding Knee Pain: Causes and Common Conditions

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in the United States, affecting around 25% of adults at any given time. Whether it's from aging, injury, or chronic conditions, the pain can drastically reduce mobility, independence, and quality of life.
To understand how red light therapy may help, let’s first explore the most common causes of knee pain:

Osteoarthritis (OA)

This degenerative joint disease is the leading cause of knee pain in older adults. As the cartilage that cushions your bones wears away, the resulting friction causes pain, swelling, and stiffness — especially after activity or long periods of sitting.

🔬 Studies show red light therapy can reduce inflammation and stimulate cartilage regeneration in OA patients. Learn more about how red light therapy enhances skin and joint health?.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Unlike OA, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints, leading to chronic inflammation and joint damage.
Red light therapy may help reduce inflammatory cytokines in affected joints, making it a complementary treatment option.

Tendonitis & Bursitis

Overuse injuries like patellar tendonitis or prepatellar bursitis (also called “housemaid’s knee”) can cause intense pain, especially during movement. These are common in athletes and those with repetitive motion strain.

Ligament Injuries (ACL, MCL, etc.)

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL) can occur during sports, accidents, or awkward movements. These injuries cause swelling and instability, and may require surgical intervention.

Red light therapy may support post-surgical recovery by improving circulation and speeding up tissue repair.

Post-Surgical & Chronic Knee Pain

Many people experience lingering pain even after procedures like knee replacement surgery or arthroscopy. RLT has been explored for its potential to reduce healing time, minimize scar tissue, and enhance recovery.

Knee pain stems from a variety of causes — wear-and-tear, autoimmune issues, trauma, or inflammation. Understanding the underlying issue is crucial to tailoring a red light therapy routine that delivers real relief.

What Is Red Light Therapy and How Does It Work?

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses low-level red and near-infrared (NIR) light (wavelengths 600–1000nm) to stimulate cellular healing. Unlike UV light, RLT is non-thermal and safe for skin and tissue.

How It Works

  • Mitochondrial Stimulation: RLT penetrates 5–10mm into tissues, boosting ATP (energy) production in mitochondria.
  • Reduced Inflammation: It lowers pro-inflammatory cytokines, easing swelling and pain.
  • Increased Blood Flow: Enhanced circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues.

RLT is FDA-approved for pain relief and has minimal side effects when used correctly. It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and suitable for home use with proper devices.

For Deeper study please read our article about What is Red Light Therapy (RLT)? For a comprehensive look, check out The Science of Red Light Therapy: How It Works?

Can Red Light Therapy Help with Knee Pain?

Discover how red light therapy helps relieve knee pain, arthritis & injuries. Learn how to use it at home safely with expert-backed science & reviews.

The short answer is yes — there’s growing clinical and anecdotal evidence that red light therapy can significantly reduce knee pain, especially for individuals with arthritis, chronic inflammation, or injury recovery needs.

Explore more in Red Light Therapy Benefits: What It Is, How It Works?

But it’s not a miracle cure. It works best when used consistently, with the correct device, and as part of a holistic recovery or pain management plan.

How Red Light Therapy Helps the Knee Joint

Here’s what the research and expert community say about the mechanisms of RLT for knee relief:

  • Reduces Chronic Inflammation: RLT inhibits pro-inflammatory molecules like prostaglandins and COX-2, reducing swelling and stiffness often associated with arthritis or injury.
  • Improves Joint Function & Mobility: By increasing synovial fluid production and enhancing collagen remodeling, red light therapy may support joint lubrication and flexibility.
  • Accelerates Recovery from Injuries: RLT has shown the ability to speed up ligament and tendon healing, making it useful after sprains, strains, or surgical interventions.
  • Decreases Pain Signals (Nociceptive Response): It may reduce pain perception by modulating nerve signaling pathways and increasing the pain threshold in affected areas.

What the Science Says: Clinical Studies

Here are some standout studies that support red light therapy for knee pain:

  • Double-Blind Study on Osteoarthritis Patients (2013, Lasers Med Sci): Patients who received red light therapy reported a 50%+ reduction in knee pain over 4 weeks, compared to placebo.
  • Meta-Analysis (2020): Reviewing 19 clinical trials, researchers found that red and infrared light therapy significantly improved joint pain and physical function in patients with osteoarthritis.
  • Rehabilitation Medicine Study (2017): Patients using LLLT after ACL surgery experienced faster recovery, less swelling, and lower pain scores compared to standard care.

Who Benefits Most from RLT?

  • Adults with mild to moderate osteoarthritis
  • Athletes recovering from knee injuries
  • Post-surgical patients (e.g. knee replacement, ACL repair)
  • Individuals with bursitis, tendonitis, or cartilage wear
  • Anyone seeking a non-pharmaceutical pain relief solution

💡 Quick Tip: Results are not instant. Most users report noticeable pain reduction in 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the severity and frequency of treatment.

Red Light Therapy for Arthritis & Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease where cartilage breaks down, leading to bone-on-bone friction. This causes stiffness, pain, swelling, and mobility loss.

How RLT Helps:

  • Reduces joint inflammation
  • Stimulates chondrocyte activity (cells that rebuild cartilage)
  • Improves range of motion
  • Lowers morning stiffness and crepitus (joint cracking sounds)

In a 2015 clinical trial, patients with knee OA experienced a 40% improvement in pain and stiffness scores after 4 weeks of red light therapy.

Note: Red light therapy is not a cure for arthritis, but it can significantly slow progression and improve quality of life when used consistently.

Red Light Therapy for Sports Injuries & Tendon Damage

Athletes and active individuals are prone to knee issues such as:

  • Patellar tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
  • Meniscus tears
  • Ligament injuries (ACL, MCL)
  • Runner’s knee (chondromalacia patella)

How RLT Helps:

  • Accelerates healing of soft tissue injuries
  • Boosts collagen production for tendon/ligament repair
  • Reduces delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) post-exercise
  • Decreases swelling and downtime after physical trauma

💡 Pro Tip: Using red light therapy before workouts may help prevent injury, while using it afterward speeds up recovery and reduces inflammation.

Red Light Therapy for Post-Surgery & Chronic Pain Management

For those recovering from knee replacement, arthroscopic surgery, or dealing with chronic pain that hasn’t responded to conventional treatments, red light therapy provides a non-invasive, drug-free support tool.

Benefits Include:

  • Faster wound healing and reduced post-operative inflammation
  • Minimizes scar tissue formation
  • Helps restore mobility in physical therapy
  • Reduces reliance on NSAIDs or opioids

Red light also appears to modulate the nervous system’s pain receptors — which means reduced nerve hypersensitivity over time.

🌿 Many pain clinics now include red and infrared light therapy as part of integrative pain relief protocols.

Summary Table: Red Light Therapy Use by Knee Condition

Condition

Benefits of RLT

Osteoarthritis

Reduces stiffness, inflammation, supports cartilage health

Sports Injuries

Speeds up tissue repair, reduces swelling

Tendonitis

Improves tendon healing, lowers pain

Post-Surgery

Enhances recovery, minimizes scar formation

Chronic Pain

Modulates pain signals, promotes long-term relief

How to Use Red Light Therapy on Your Knees at Home

One of the biggest advantages of red light therapy is that you don’t need to visit a clinic or specialist to benefit from it. With the right device and routine, you can treat knee pain at home, safely and effectively. See our beginner’s guide on How To Use Red Light Therapy at Home?

Let’s walk through the key steps:

Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Device for Knees

Not all red light devices are designed to reach deep into joint tissue. Here’s what to look for:

Feature

Why It Matters

Wavelength Range (660nm + 850nm)

Targets both superficial tissue & deep joints

Power Density (Irradiance)

Should be 100–200 mW/cm² at the surface

Treatment Coverage

Wraps or panels offer even distribution over the knee

Session Timer

Helps regulate exposure time

FDA-Cleared

Safer and tested for therapeutic use

Recommended Device Types:

  • Wrap-around pads or knee sleeves with LEDs (great for arthritis)
  • Handheld devices (targeted for injury spots or travel)
  • Light therapy panels (ideal if treating multiple areas, like knees + back)

Treatment Protocols & Frequency

  • Duration: 10–20 minutes per session, depending on device power.
  • Frequency: 5–7 sessions per week for 2–4 weeks, then 3–4 times weekly for maintenance.
  • Results Timeline: Pain relief may start within 1–2 weeks; significant improvements often take 4–8 weeks.
  • Optimal Distance: Learn more about the ideal spacing in Red Light Therapy And Distance From Your Skin

Safety Tips & Contraindications

  • Eye Protection: Wear protective goggles if the device emits bright light.
  • Avoid Overuse: Stick to recommended session times to prevent skin irritation.
  • Contraindications: Avoid RLT if you have active cancer, photosensitivity, or are pregnant (consult a doctor).

Comparing Red Light Therapy to Other Knee Pain Treatments

If you’ve dealt with knee pain, chances are you’ve tried (or considered) other treatments — from NSAIDs to physical therapy, and even injections or surgery. How does red light therapy stack up?

Let’s explore:

Red Light Therapy vs. Physical Therapy (PT)

Physical therapy focuses on strengthening muscles around the joint, improving mobility, and restoring function. It’s often prescribed after injuries or surgery.

Red Light Therapy

Physical Therapy

✅ Pain Relief

Yes (anti-inflammatory)

Yes (gradual)

⚡ Speed

Moderate to Fast (2–4 weeks)

Slower (6–12 weeks)

🧑⚕️ Involvement

Self-treatment

Requires supervision

💰 Cost

One-time (device)

Ongoing sessions

Best Use: Combine RLT with PT for faster, longer-lasting results.

Red Light Therapy vs. NSAIDs & Injections

NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) and corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation but come with side effects: stomach issues, kidney stress, and long-term joint damage (in the case of repeated injections).

Red Light Therapy

NSAIDs/Injections

✅ Natural Relief

Yes

No

❌ Side Effects

None reported

Many (esp. long-term)

🧪 Tissue Support

Promotes healing

Only masks pain

Takeaway: RLT is a safer, long-term strategy — not just symptom control.

Red Light Therapy vs. Laser Therapy (High-Intensity)

Laser therapy (used in clinics) involves high-powered beams and deeper penetration. It’s usually more intense and expensive, but results can be quicker for acute injuries. Dive into the comparison in Red Light Therapy vs. Laser Therapy.

RLT (Home Use)

Laser Therapy (Clinical)

💡 Power Level

Low to Medium

High

💰 Cost

$150–500 one-time

$75–150/session

🕒 Convenience

Home use

In-clinic only

✅ Safety

Very high

Requires technician

Tip: For chronic pain or long-term therapy, home RLT is safer and more sustainable.

Red Light Therapy vs. Cryotherapy (Cold Therapy)

Cryotherapy helps reduce swelling and numbs pain, especially after injuries. But it doesn’t promote cellular healing like RLT. See how they compare in Red Light Therapy vs Cryotherapy: Which Is Best for You?)

Red Light Therapy

Cryotherapy

✅ Reduces Pain

Yes

Yes

✅ Reduces Inflammation

Yes

Yes

✅ Promotes Tissue Repair

Yes

❌ No

❄️ Immediate Relief

Moderate

High

Best Combo: Use cold packs for immediate relief; RLT for long-term recovery.

Red Light Therapy vs. Chromotherapy

Chromotherapy uses various colors of light to promote healing, but red light therapy focuses specifically on red and near-infrared wavelengths for targeted benefits.

Learn more in Chromotherapy vs Red Light Therapy: Which One’s Your Vibe?

Red Light Therapy vs. Infrared Therapy

While both use light-based therapy, infrared therapy often involves heat, whereas RLT is non-thermal. Compare them in Infrared vs Red Light Therapy: Which is Best for You?

Summary Table: Where RLT Fits in the Pain Relief Landscape

Treatment

Symptom Relief

Long-Term Healing

Side Effects

Red Light Therapy

✅

✅

❌ None

NSAIDs / Injections

✅

❌

⚠️ Yes

Physical Therapy

✅

✅

❌ None

Surgery

✅ (eventually)

✅

⚠️ High risk

Cryotherapy

✅ (short-term)

❌

❌ None

Why Choose Red Light Therapy?

  • Combines symptom relief and healing
  • Can be used at home
  • Works well alongside other treatments
  • Non-invasive, drug-free, side-effect free

Frequently Asked Questions

Does red light therapy really work for knee pain?

Yes, studies show RLT reduces pain and inflammation in arthritis and injury cases by 30–50% with consistent use.

How long does it take for red light therapy to work on knees?

Most users notice pain relief in 1–2 weeks, with significant improvements in 4–8 weeks of daily or near-daily sessions.

What is the best red light therapy device for knee arthritis?

Devices like GembaRed (wraparound) or Joovv Go 2.0 (portable) with 660nm and 850nm wavelengths are top choices for arthritis.

Can red light therapy replace physical therapy?

RLT complements but doesn’t fully replace PT, which focuses on strength and mobility. Combining both often yields the best results.

Is it safe to use RLT every day?

Yes, daily use is safe for 10–20-minute sessions, provided you follow device guidelines and avoid contraindications.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Red Light Therapy for Your Knee Pain?

Red light therapy offers a promising, non-invasive solution for knee pain from arthritis, sports injuries, or surgery. Its ability to reduce inflammation, stimulate healing, and improve mobility makes it ideal for those seeking natural relief.

However, results vary, and severe cases may still require medical intervention.

Who Should Try It?

  • Individuals with mild to moderate knee pain.
  • Those looking to reduce reliance on pain medications.
  • Athletes or post-surgical patients aiming for faster recovery.

RLT isn’t a cure for structural damage (e.g., severe cartilage loss) and requires consistent use for results.

Ready to try? Explore our recommended devices or dive deeper into RLT’s benefits for joint health.

Back to top
Home Shop
Wishlist Log in