Photobiomodulation for Joint Pain: How It Helps Knees, Hips, and More

Joint pain is one of the leading causes of disability—affecting people of all ages. Whether it stems from arthritis or injury, finding a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option is a top priority for many.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) offers a safe alternative to painkillers and surgery. By delivering targeted laser light into joints, PBMT helps relieve pain, and improve mobility in knees, hips, shoulders, and more.

 

Here’s What You Really Need to Know

Photobiomodulation therapy reduces joint pain by stimulating the body’s natural cellular repair processes and temporarily improving circulation in tissues surrounding the joint. It is indicated for treating pain associated with conditions like arthritis and joint stiffness—especially in the knees and hips.

 

Common Causes of Joint Pain

Joint pain can result from:

• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• Injury or overuse
• tendonitis

Traditional treatments like NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, or surgery come with side effects or downtime. PBMT, on the other hand, promotes pain relief without invasive intervention.

How PBMT Works for Joint Pain Relief

PBMT delivers red and near-infrared laser light into the tissues around the joint. The light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by mitochondria in the cells, initiating a powerful cellular response.

PBMT for Joints:

• Increases ATP to fuel cellular repair
• Impacts the inflammatory pathways
• Improves temporary blood flow and oxygen delivery

This results in less pain with each session.

 

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) can be applied to nearly any joint in the body. Its versatility makes it a go-to modality for supporting mobility, easing stiffness, and enhancing recovery—especially in frequently used or injury-prone areas.

Joint	PBMT Benefits
Knees	Support for arthritis-related pain, improved mobility
Hips	Relief from stiffness and chronic joint discomfort
Shoulders	Helps manage bursitis and rotator cuff irritation
Ankles	Aids in post-sprain recovery and tendon support
Wrists	Addresses repetitive use concerns like carpal tunnel
Fingers/Hands	Joint stiffness, inflammation, and overuse discomfort
Any Joint	General arthritis, stiffness, or overuse support

 

How Long Until Your Patients Feel Relief?

Many patients report improvement within 3–6 sessions, especially for mild-to-moderate joint pain. Chronic or complex conditions may require ongoing treatments for optimal outcomes.

PBMT is often used alongside physical therapy and joint-strengthening programs.

 

PBMT vs Other Joint Pain Treatments

Treatment	Invasive?	Requires Medication?	Long-Term Benefits?
PBMT	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Possible depending on patient and condition
Cortisone injections	✅ Yes	❌ No	⚠️ Temporary
NSAIDs	❌ No	✅ Yes	⚠️ Symptom relief only
Joint replacement	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (pre/post)	✅ With risk and downtime

 

Who Can Benefit Most from PBMT?

Photobiomodulation is ideal for:

• Arthritis sufferers seeking long-term relief
• Active adults with joint overuse or sports injuries
• Older adults seeking drug-free alternatives
• Younger patients looking to quickly return to activities of daily living

Why Choose LightForce® for Joint Therapy?

LightForce® therapy lasers provide powerful, deep-penetrating laser light to large joints like knees and hips. Our systems allow providers to:

• Customize dose based on the size of the treatment area and condition
• Monitor treatment progress in real time
• Deliver consistent results 

Learn more about our photobiomodulation therapy for joint pain and why LightForce® is the brand trusted by healthcare professionals nationwide.

 

Related Blog: What Your Patients Can Expect During Their First Photobiomodulation Treatment

 

Empower Your Patients to Reclaim Their Lives from Joint Pain

If your patients are tired of joint stiffness or limited movement, LightForce® PBMT offers a non-invasive way to restore comfort and function.

Schedule your demonstration today and help get your patients back to doing what they love.