Red Light for Arthritis

Red Light for Arthritis

Arthritis refers to a group of diseases that are characterized by inflammation. Inflammation  (also known as swelling) can cause both pain and stiffness. The two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis – where joint damage causes inflammation – and inflammatory arthritis – where inflammation itself causes joint damage. Most inflammatory arthritis conditions are autoimmune in nature. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but is most common in the hips, knees, and spine. 

For years, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving pharmaceuticals were used as first-line therapies for arthritis, with natural therapies viewed as being less effective. However, the widespread use of opioids resulted in an epidemic of addiction that necessitated the search for new ways to deal with pain. These medications also have side effects such as GI bleeding. 

Given these risks, many people are turning to non-invasive therapies to fight arthritis, some of which are highly effective and have far fewer side effects than their pharmaceutical counterparts. One of these is treatment with red and near infrared light (also called red light therapy or photobiomodulation), which uses light waves at specific frequencies to decrease inflammation at a cellular level.

As described by Dr. Michael Hamblin, former Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, “one of the most reproducible effects of [light therapy] is an overall reduction of inflammation”. Studies have found that light therapy affects levels of many molecules involved in inflammation, including reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and prostaglandins. This makes red light therapy well suited to treat both osteo- and inflammatory arthritis.

In addition to reducing arthritis pain by decreasing inflammation, the anti-inflammatory effects of red light therapy on arthritis also yields other benefits. Inflammation in arthritis is responsible for much of the observed pathology, including cartilage breakdown. Treatment with red light therapy may have a range of positive effects, such as preserving joint function, avoiding joint deformities, and reducing drug side effects and toxicities.

Fringe makes many red light products that can be used to treat arthritis, including joint wraps, rectangular wraps, and red light panels. If you are dealing with a single, region-specific concern you may prefer to get a regionally targeted red light therapy device, like the Fringe Knee/Foot/Ankle or Elbow/Wrist Wrap. However, if you are dealing with arthritis in more than one area of the body and want a device that can be used in multiple locations, a non-specific wrap (like the Fringe Red Light Therapy Wrap or Extra Long Wrap) may be preferable. The Fringe Red Light Panel can also be used to address multiple body parts, although it may be difficult to position properly for some locations, such as the feet and ankles. 

There are very few contraindications to red light therapy, and it can be safely used at home for the treatment of arthritis. Choose a device that suits your needs and preferred treatment conditions, and which delivers both red and near infrared light at an appropriate intensity. Combine red light therapy with an anti-inflammatory diet and supplements, regular exercise, stress management, and good sleep hygiene for best results. 

Dr. Genevieve Newton, DC, PhD  spent close to 20 years as a researcher and educator in the field of nutritional sciences before joining Fringe as its Scientific Director. Gen’s job is to “bring the science” that supports Fringe’s products and education. She is passionate about all things Fringe, and is a deep believer in healing body, mind and spirit using the gifts of the natural world. 

The contents in this blog; such as text, content, graphics are intended for educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider.

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