Red Light Therapy for Pain: Does It Work for Arthritis, Tendon Injuries, and Nerve Pain?

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2026 · 8 min read

Watch the Full Video

Red light therapy and low-level laser therapy are increasingly being used to treat a wide range of painful conditions, from osteoarthritis and tendonitis to chronic neck and back pain. These treatments fall under the broader category of photobiomodulation (PBM), and they are emerging as safe, drug-free alternatives for managing pain and reducing inflammation. In this article, I review the latest clinical trial evidence on these therapies and discuss the practical differences between professional laser treatments and at-home LED devices.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Photobiomodulation uses specific wavelengths of light to positively influence cellular function. When cells absorb light photons in the red and near-infrared spectrum, they experience a boost in metabolism that initiates a cascade of beneficial responses. These include increased cell proliferation and migration, anti-inflammatory signaling, and angiogenesis — the formation of new blood vessels.

A narrative review in The Journal of Pain explored the mechanisms through which different wavelengths of light modulate pain. The authors found that cutaneous application of red light has been shown to reduce pain in neuropathies and complex regional pain syndrome, while visual exposure to green light may benefit conditions such as migraine and fibromyalgia. These cellular-level effects translate into real-world clinical improvements.

Does Red Light Therapy Help With Knee Arthritis?

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMJ Open analyzed 22 randomized placebo-controlled trials involving over 1,000 patients with knee osteoarthritis. The researchers found that low-level laser therapy significantly reduced both pain and disability compared to placebo. Notably, the benefits appeared to increase over time — pain reduction peaked during follow-up assessments two to four weeks after the end of treatment, suggesting that laser therapy can provide not just immediate relief but also sustained improvements in pain management.

The study also highlighted the importance of dosing. When treatments were administered at doses recommended by the World Association for Laser Therapy, the results were even more pronounced. This dose-response relationship is a key finding and underscores why professional guidance matters when pursuing this treatment.

A separate narrative review in Lasers in Medical Science examined why some treatment guidelines have not yet endorsed low-level laser therapy for knee osteoarthritis despite growing evidence. The authors argued that the most recent systematic reviews provide robust support for laser therapy in knee arthritis and recommended that clinical guidelines be updated accordingly.

Can Red Light Therapy Treat Tendon Injuries?

Laser therapy has also shown promise for various tendon disorders. A systematic review and meta-analysis in BMC Sports Science, Medicine & Rehabilitation analyzed 17 randomized controlled trials involving 835 patients with tendinopathy conditions including tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, and rotator cuff tendinopathy. When photobiomodulation was combined with exercise therapy and compared to sham treatment plus exercise, patients receiving laser therapy experienced significantly greater decreases in pain and improved function.

This is an important finding because exercise therapy remains the cornerstone of tendinopathy management. The evidence suggests that adding photobiomodulation as an adjunct treatment can enhance the benefits of an already effective rehabilitation program. If you are dealing with a chronic tendon condition, this combination approach may be worth exploring with your sports medicine provider.

Is Red Light Therapy Effective for Nerve Pain?

A systematic review in Bioengineering examined the influence of photobiomodulation on peripheral nerve regeneration. The review found that laser therapy was able to accelerate the process of nerve regeneration, with improvements in myelinated fiber counts, myelin sheath organization, and electrophysiological function. Additional benefits included reduced inflammation and pain, along with facilitation of neural repair and growth factor release.

While these findings are encouraging, much of the nerve regeneration research has been conducted in preclinical models. In my practice, I have seen some patients with neuropathic pain experience meaningful improvement with photobiomodulation, though individual responses can vary considerably.

Professional Lasers vs. At-Home LED Devices

One of the most common questions I receive is whether at-home red light LED devices are equivalent to professional laser treatments. The short answer is: they are not identical, but both can be beneficial depending on your goals.

Professional lasers found in physical therapy practices, chiropractic offices, and physician clinics offer several advantages. They deliver a more focused, coherent beam of light that can target specific tissues at precise therapeutic doses. Higher-powered lasers can also deliver a larger amount of energy in a shorter treatment session, which is important for achieving optimal dosing. A typical professional treatment course involves two to three sessions per week over a span of six to twelve sessions, though chronic conditions like arthritis may require additional treatments and periodic maintenance.

At-home LED devices are more affordable and convenient for personal use. However, they typically produce a broader, more divergent beam, making it more difficult to deliver a concentrated dose to a targeted area. A review in Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences compared lasers and LEDs and noted that while both have demonstrated positive results in wound healing, pain reduction, and inflammation control, there remains debate over their relative efficacy. LEDs do offer practical advantages including no laser safety concerns, easier home use, the ability to treat larger areas, and significantly lower cost.

How Much Does Red Light Therapy Cost?

In the United States, most insurance plans — including Medicare — do not cover low-level laser therapy, meaning this treatment typically involves out-of-pocket expenses. Costs can vary significantly depending on the provider and geographic location.

This is one reason why at-home LED devices have become increasingly popular as prices continue to drop due to growing demand and market competition. Smaller, high-quality targeted devices are available for a few hundred dollars, while larger full-body panels can cost several thousand dollars.

What Are the Side Effects of Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy is considered exceptionally safe. Most patients experience no adverse effects whatsoever. In cases where side effects do occur, they tend to be minor and transient — typically mild discomfort during the treatment session or temporary skin redness at the treatment area that resolves quickly on its own.

My Clinical Observations on Red Light Therapy

In my practice, I have observed that approximately half of my patients who try red light therapy experience positive results, while the other half see minimal change. This is somewhat lower than what clinical trials report, but the discrepancy does not necessarily mean the treatment is ineffective. It is more likely attributable to the varying methods and protocols used by different practitioners, as well as the use of home devices that may not consistently deliver optimal therapeutic doses.

This inconsistency in real-world outcomes is a major reason why many professional treatment guidelines have not yet fully endorsed low-level laser therapy for conditions like osteoarthritis. There remains significant uncertainty regarding proper dosing protocols and the differing therapeutic effects between lasers and LEDs.

The Bottom Line on Red Light Therapy for Pain

Based on the current body of scientific research, red light therapy appears to be a safe and potentially effective option for managing pain and inflammation. The evidence is strongest for conditions like knee arthritis, tendon disorders, and nerve-related pain. This therapy offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach that can complement a comprehensive treatment plan that should also include regular exercise and proper nutrition.

If you are considering red light therapy, I recommend starting with professional laser treatments under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider to ensure proper dosing and targeting. At-home LED devices can serve as a convenient supplement between professional sessions or as a standalone option for general wellness maintenance.

---

References

1. Stausholm MB, Naterstad IF, Joensen J, et al. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials. BMJ Open. 2019;9(10):e031142. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031142

2. Tripodi N, Feehan J, Husaric M, Sidiroglou F, Apostolopoulos V. The effect of low-level red and near-infrared photobiomodulation on pain and function in tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2021;13(1):91. doi:10.1186/s13102-021-00306-z

3. Rosso MPO, Buchaim DV, Kawano N, Furlanette G, Pomini KT, Buchaim RL. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in peripheral nerve regeneration: a systematic review. Bioengineering (Basel). 2018;5(2):44. doi:10.3390/bioengineering5020044

4. Heiskanen V, Hamblin MR. Photobiomodulation: lasers vs. light emitting diodes? Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2018;17(8):1003-1017. doi:10.1039/c8pp90049c

5. Cheng K, Martin LF, Slepian MJ, Patwardhan AM, Ibrahim MM. Mechanisms and pathways of pain photobiomodulation: a narrative review. J Pain. 2021;22(7):763-777. doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2021.02.005

6. Chow R, Liebert A, Tilley S, Bennett G, Gabel CP, Laakso L. Guidelines versus evidence: what we can learn from the Australian guideline for low-level laser therapy in knee osteoarthritis? A narrative review. Lasers Med Sci. 2020;36(2):249-258. doi:10.1007/s10103-020-03112-0

---

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for the medical advice of a physician. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment program. The information presented reflects the opinion of Dr. Jeffrey Peng and does not represent the views of his employers or affiliated hospital systems.