Photobiomodulation, Osteoarthritis & Cartilage Health
Osteoarthritis is often described as simple wear and tear, but the reality is more complex. It affects the whole joint. Along with the gradual breakdown of cartilage, osteoarthritis can involve inflammation, changes in the bone beneath the cartilage, altered joint fluid, ligament and muscle changes, and the formation of bone spurs.¹
Cartilage is also especially difficult for the body to repair. Unlike many other tissues, it does not have its own direct blood supply. Its cells, called chondrocytes, receive nutrients through the surrounding joint fluid, which gives cartilage a relatively limited ability to recover once it has been damaged.¹
That is one reason researchers are taking a closer look at photobiomodulation for osteoarthritis.
More than pain relief?
Photobiomodulation uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to influence cellular activity without heating or damaging tissue. A recent narrative review brought together animal and laboratory studies examining how photobiomodulation may affect osteoarthritis and cartilage health. The central idea is intriguing:
Photobiomodulation may not only help calm osteoarthritis pain. Early research suggests it may also support some of the biological processes involved in protecting and repairing cartilage.
Across several animal studies, photobiomodulation was associated with reductions in inflammatory signals linked with osteoarthritis, including interleukin-1 beta and tumour necrosis factor alpha. These are chemical messengers involved in inflammation and the ongoing breakdown of joint tissue.
Researchers also observed reductions in oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when damaging molecules accumulate faster than the body can neutralize them, placing additional strain on cartilage cells and other tissues inside the joint.
Alongside these biological changes, some studies reported improvements in pain sensitivity and joint movement.¹ This suggests that red light therapy for joint pain may be doing more than simply changing how discomfort feels. It may also influence some of the inflammatory activity taking place inside the joint.
What could cartilage protection look like?
Healthy cartilage depends on a strong extracellular matrix, the network surrounding cartilage cells that gives the tissue its structure, strength, and cushioning ability. In osteoarthritis, certain enzymes become more active and begin breaking down collagen and other parts of this matrix. Several studies included in the review found that photobiomodulation reduced the activity or production of some of these cartilage-degrading enzymes.¹
At the same time, researchers observed increased activity related to two important components of healthy cartilage: Type II collagen helps give cartilage its structure and strength. Aggrecan helps cartilage hold water, allowing it to absorb pressure and cushion the joint during movement.
Taken together, these findings raise the possibility that photobiomodulation may help create a more supportive environment inside the joint by slowing some processes involved in cartilage breakdown while encouraging the production of cartilage-related materials.
What are the cells telling us?
Laboratory studies using cartilage cells provide another clue. When cartilage cells were exposed to inflammatory conditions, photobiomodulation was associated with:
- Lower inflammatory signalling
- Reduced production of cartilage-degrading enzymes
- Increased production of type II collagen and aggrecan
- Support for cartilage-cell activity and survival¹
Researchers are also interested in the connection between photobiomodulation and the mitochondria, the structures that produce much of the energy cells need to function. By influencing mitochondrial activity, red and near-infrared light may help cells respond differently to inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue damage.
It is one possible explanation for why researchers are looking beyond pain relief and asking whether photobiomodulation could play a broader role in joint and cartilage health.
A broader way of thinking about joint health
We cannot yet say that photobiomodulation rebuilds human cartilage or reverses osteoarthritis. But the research points toward an encouraging possibility.
Light may affect more than the experience of joint pain. It may also interact with some of the biological processes involved in inflammation, cartilage breakdown, cellular energy, and long-term joint function.
For people living with osteoarthritis, that shift in perspective matters. Rather than thinking only about reducing symptoms today, researchers are beginning to ask what might help create a healthier environment inside the joint over time.
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We’ll continue following the research as scientists learn more about photobiomodulation, cartilage health, and osteoarthritis.
Are you curious about whether light therapy could complement your current care plan? Connect with the RegenClinic team. We’re always happy to answer your questions.
Call or text us at 250-208-4218
Email: hello@regenclinic.ca