Red Light Therapy for Arthritis: Can It Ease Pain and Stiffness?

Red Light Therapy for Arthritis: Can It Ease Pain and Stiffness?

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people of all ages. 

Characterised by joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, arthritis can make even the simplest daily activities challenging. 

Conventional treatments, such as medication and physiotherapy, can help, but many people are looking for safe, non-invasive ways to complement their care.

This is where red light therapy for arthritis comes in. Also known as photobiomodulation, this treatment uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to reduce inflammation, support joint health, and relieve pain. 

With the development of targeted devices such as red light therapy gloves, the potential for at-home relief has never been greater.

In this article, we will explore how red light therapy works, what the science says about its effects on arthritis, and how Maysama’s advanced Pulsed LED technology can make a difference.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is not a single disease but a term that covers over 100 different conditions affecting the joints. The two most common forms are:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA): Caused by wear and tear of cartilage over time, often affecting older adults.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Other types include psoriatic arthritis and gout, but they share the same hallmark symptoms: joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of mobility.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work for Arthritis?

Red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths of red (around 630–700 nm) and near-infrared light (around 800–850 nm) to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular repair. The light is absorbed by mitochondria, which then produce more ATP, the energy cells need to function.

This process helps:

  • Reduce inflammation: Light therapy decreases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, easing swelling in arthritic joints.
  • Improve circulation: Enhanced blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues, supporting healing.
  • Relieve pain: Studies show that light therapy reduces pain signals and helps regulate nerve activity.
  • Support cartilage health: By stimulating fibroblasts and chondrocytes, red light therapy may help maintain cartilage integrity.

According to a 2024 study, low-level laser therapy significantly improved pain and function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Another study found that red light therapy reduced joint tenderness and morning stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Is Red Light Therapy Good for Arthritis?

The short answer is yes. While it is not a cure, research consistently shows that red light therapy benefits for arthritis include reduced pain, better joint function, and improved quality of life.

Many patients report feeling more comfortable after just a few sessions, especially when using targeted devices such as red light therapy gloves for arthritis that deliver light directly to the affected joints.

Red Light Therapy and Rheumatoid Arthritis


For those asking, is red light therapy good for rheumatoid arthritis, the evidence is promising. Since RA is an autoimmune disease characterised by chronic inflammation, light therapy’s ability to calm inflammation and regulate immune activity is particularly valuable.

Studies suggest that consistent use of red and near-infrared light can:

  • Decrease joint swelling and tenderness
  • Reduce morning stiffness
  • Improve mobility and grip strength
  • Enhance overall well-being

When used alongside conventional treatments, light therapy may help reduce reliance on pain medication and support long-term joint health.

Does Red Light Therapy Work for Arthritis Pain?

Pain is often the most debilitating symptom of arthritis. It limits mobility, interferes with sleep, and can significantly reduce quality of life. 

Conventional painkillers such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids may provide temporary relief, but they also come with the risk of side effects, particularly when used long-term. This has led many people to explore safe, non-drug approaches to managing their discomfort.

That raises the question: Is red light therapy good for arthritis pain? Clinical evidence increasingly suggests the answer is yes. Unlike painkillers that mask symptoms, red light therapy targets the underlying processes that contribute to pain.

Here is how it works:

  • Reducing inflammatory chemicals: Light therapy lowers levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are responsible for swelling and pain signals in the joints.
  • Supporting tissue repair: By stimulating mitochondrial activity and increasing ATP production, red light therapy gives cells the energy they need to repair damage more effectively.
  • Improving circulation: Better blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to sore joints, helping reduce stiffness and accelerate recovery.
  • Calming overactive nerves: Red light helps regulate nerve activity, which reduces the intensity of pain signals sent to the brain.

For many people living with arthritis, this translates into less stiffness in the morning, easier movement throughout the day, and deeper, more restful sleep at night. 

Some patients even report that consistent use allows them to reduce their reliance on pain medication, offering a safer and more sustainable path to long-term relief.

The Best Red Light Therapy for Arthritis

With so many devices available, what is the best red light therapy for arthritis? The answer lies in choosing a device that combines effective wavelengths, consistent coverage, and ease of use.

Maysama’s upcoming red light therapy glove is specifically designed for hand and finger arthritis. Using Pulsed LED technology, it enhances penetration and stimulates a stronger cellular response than continuous light. For larger joints, such as knees or shoulders, the LED Light Therapy Silicone Belt provides flexible coverage and targeted relief.

For those wondering about the best red light therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, consistency is key. Devices that can be comfortably used at home several times a week are often more effective than sporadic treatments in clinics.

Red Light Therapy Gloves for Arthritis

Gloves are one of the most practical solutions for arthritis in the hands. By covering all fingers and joints simultaneously, they deliver light where it is needed most.

Maysama’s design includes:

  • Pulsed LED technology for deeper penetration and better results
  • Even light distribution across the entire hand
  • Flexible silicone fit for comfort during daily use
  • Simple operation so that sessions can be done while relaxing at home

These gloves, which will be up for sale next month, can be paired with Maysama’s antioxidant-rich skincare products, such as those featuring Green Rooibos Extract, to maximise benefits.

How to Use Red Light Therapy for Arthritis

Getting started is simple:

  1. Identify the affected area. Hands, knees, or shoulders are common targets.
  2. Choose the right device. Gloves for hands, a belt for knees or shoulders, or a mask for smaller areas.
  3. Set your session length. Most treatments last 10–20 minutes, several times a week.
  4. Stay consistent. Like exercise or physiotherapy, regular use delivers the best results.
  5. Combine with skincare. Antioxidants can enhance the cellular benefits of light therapy.

Safety and Side Effects

One of the biggest advantages of red light therapy is its safety profile. Unlike medications or invasive treatments, it is non-toxic, painless, and suitable for long-term use. Reported side effects are rare and usually limited to mild warmth or temporary redness.

It is, however, important to use clinically tested devices and follow manufacturer guidelines.

Why Choose Maysama?

Maysama stands out in the crowded light therapy market by combining Pulsed LED technology with evidence-based design. 

Unlike many competitors, our devices deliver deeper penetration and stronger cellular effects, making them ideal for conditions like arthritis, where inflammation and tissue repair are central.

Alongside devices, our skincare range featuring Aspalathin-enriched Green Rooibos Extract helps amplify results, offering antioxidant protection and faster recovery.

By choosing Maysama, you are investing in:

  • Devices engineered for real clinical benefits
  • Technology trusted by women aged 40–65 who prioritise wellness and anti-ageing
  • A company dedicated to innovation in at-home light therapy

Final Thoughts

Living with arthritis can be challenging, but new technologies are offering hope. Red light therapy for arthritis is a safe, non-invasive, and evidence-backed way to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support long-term joint health.

Whether you are dealing with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another form, devices such as Maysama’s red light therapy gloves and LED belts can help you manage symptoms from the comfort of your home.

If you have been asking, does red light therapy work for arthritis or is red light therapy good for rheumatoid arthritis, the growing body of research and user experiences suggest the answer is yes.

Explore Maysama’s range of innovative devices and discover how light can help you move more freely and comfortably again.

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