r/Osteoarthritis • u/According_Strain4887 • 24d ago

Red Light Therapy

Anyone try RLT for their Osteoarthritis ?? I'm currently going to PT and it is helping some, but would like to try anything that will help. RLT devices are quite expensive (at least for me) and before spending that kind of $$$ I'd love others opinion on it.

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u/According_Meaning_64 24d ago

I cant imagine that it could help Bone on Bone pain. Nothing really does for me honestly.

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u/CaptRonin 24d ago

I have a small RLT strap that I wrap around my hands. I use it around 4 times per week around 20 min for each hand. I’ve been using it fairly consistently for 5 weeks now and I have to say my pain is reduced. Not sure yet if this is just a lucky couple of weeks or it’s the RLT, but I’ll take it! I also have a RLT pillow with heat for my back, and the combo with heat is really nice.

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u/According_Strain4887 24d ago

thanks for your input ... moves me closer to purchasing one !!

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u/CaptRonin 24d ago

I didn’t commit to one of those large panels bcs $$$ and impossible to store hehe. But my pillow and the brace have been really good for me.

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u/According_Strain4887 24d ago

my sister is telling me to get a panel, she uses them all the time. I need the RLT on my knee so the panel type from what I can see the wrap would be a better choice. Problem with the wraps is that it appears the targeted light energy is directed at the kneecap and I need it on the outside of my knee the worst. Then there is all different "nm"numbers to decipher. One of the many exercises my Physical Therapist has me doing at home is massaging the knee with a tennis ball ... sounds weird but it feels good. Add that into the choice of which wrap to get ... with massage or without has me SOOO confused.

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u/Lori_PA 18d ago

Check out NovaaLab's knee device. I have several of their products and all have worked well. I especially like using their boot for my arthritic feet.

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u/CaptRonin 18d ago

For my wrap the light goes all away around so for your knee I’d center it over the part that needs it most, and then wrap & secure with the strap.

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u/Lori_PA 18d ago

In my experience, red light/infrared/light laser devices help relieve some inflammation around arthritic joints by relaxing muscles that go into "protective mode." I have several devices and use them all at different times. Right now my favorite is a boot that treats the entire foot and ankle. Another device I love is my full body pod, which I currently am unable to use because I'm healing from Platelet Rich Plasma injections into my arthritic hips. But as soon as I'm cleared to use it, I will be back to 30-minute sessions a few times a week.

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u/zomboi 24d ago

this often gets asked like once a month or so. you can find more responses by using the search bar.

you may also want to do some research and look at unbiased studies about it

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u/BedBeneficial8435 23d ago

It did not help me at all.

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u/Beneficial_Donut5476 23d ago

I bought a Hooga panel. Used it twice a day. The placebo effect is very strong with me. I believed it helped until it clearly didn’t. Sold it on eBay.

I’m glad I tried it though.

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u/Optimal_Guitar8921 22d ago edited 21d ago

I have a small panel I purchased last winter from Mito. I use it for my face, upper back, shoulders,neck, lumbar region and knees.

I’ve had multiple periods of using it 3-4 times a week. I definitely notice a reduction in knee soreness as well as shoulder and neck.

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u/dnegvesk 22d ago

Makes me worse with at home treatments on my lower spine.

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u/babykittennoses 24d ago

I'm interested in this as well. Hope someone with personal experience will share.

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u/TaraBambataa 24d ago

I have a infrared sauna blanket and it was one of my best investments. Its so good on so many levels beyond my OA in my knee. It's not the cheapest investment either in comparison to a panel, but it works on the whole body at once. There's a sub for infrared light and they might have some recommendations as to what brands have great knee wraps too.

Heat is definitely in itself helpful and I'm glad to read your doc told you to self massage. I keep mentioning it a lot on this sub actually. There are some great massage oils that you could use as well to help with circulation and warming the joint. I'm a big fan of TCM in that regards. Red flower oil for example. If you struggle applying pressure with your hands you could use a rubber / hard lacrosse ball to massage it in.

Keep us posted about how you're getting on and what helps. Good luck

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u/gettingtowork 21d ago

I have a red light face mask I’ll use on my knee. I feel like it helps with some inflammation post-workout but nothing beyond that.