Yes. A growing body of 2024 research shows red light therapy can reduce knee osteoarthritis pain, and it does this drug-free by using red and near-infrared light to calm inflammation and support the joint. It works best alongside movement and strength work, not as a standalone cure. Below is what the studies actually say, how it works on a knee, how long it takes, and how to use it at home.
Key takeaways
- Multiple 2024 reviews found red light therapy can reduce knee osteoarthritis pain and improve function versus placebo.
- Near-infrared light (850nm) is the key wavelength for knees because it reaches the deeper joint.
- Use it 3 to 5 times a week, 10 to 20 minutes per session, wrapped around the knee.
- Many people feel relief within 1 to 2 weeks, with fuller results over 4 to 8 weeks.
- A cordless joint wrap is the easiest way to treat a knee at home.
Does red light therapy actually work for knee pain?
Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most studied uses of red light therapy. Here is a snapshot of recent research, with a link to each study so you can read it yourself.
| Study | What it found | Read it |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 meta-analysis, Physical Therapy (542 patients) | Photobiomodulation reduced pain intensity in knee osteoarthritis and may improve disability. | View study |
| 2024 network meta-analysis (673 patients) | Light therapy beat sham for knee pain, and pinpointed the most effective wavelengths. | View study |
| 2019 meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials | With the right dose, low-level laser therapy reduced pain and disability, with relief continuing after treatment ended. | View study |
| 2022 double-blind randomised trial, Scientific Reports | Low-level laser therapy improved muscle strength and physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis. | View study |
For a simple, drug-free option you can use at home, that is a promising body of evidence. Red light therapy is a low-risk tool that can help reduce knee pain, and it works best as part of the picture, alongside exercise and physio. That is also why we back it with a 60-day risk-free trial, so you can test it on your own knee without the risk.
Cordless 660nm and 850nm wrap that hugs the knee for hands-free, targeted relief. 60-day risk-free trial.
How does red light therapy help a sore knee?
Red and near-infrared light is absorbed by your cells and helps them produce more energy to repair. On a knee specifically, three things matter:
- It calms inflammation in and around the joint, which is a major driver of arthritis pain.
- It boosts blood flow by triggering nitric oxide, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the joint.
- It reaches deep enough to matter. This is the important part for knees.
The knee joint sits below skin, fat and connective tissue, so surface-only light is not enough. That is why the 850nm near-infrared wavelength is the key one for knees: it penetrates deeper than red light and can reach the joint capsule and surrounding structures, while the 660nm red light handles surface inflammation. A quality device uses both. For a plain-English primer on the two wavelengths, see our complete beginner's guide to red light therapy at home.
How long does it take to work on knee pain?
Many people notice some relief within the first 1 to 2 weeks. The clinical studies above measured their bigger results over 4 to 8 weeks of regular sessions, so consistency matters more than any single session.
If your knee pain has built up over years, give it a fair run of at least four to six weeks before judging it. Short, regular sessions beat occasional long ones.
How to use red light therapy on your knee
- Wrap it directly on the bare knee. Skin contact matters, so no thick clothing in between.
- Run it for 10 to 20 minutes. Once per painful knee, per session.
- Repeat 3 to 5 times a week. Daily is fine during a flare-up.
- Stay relaxed. A cordless wrap lets you sit back while it works, no holding a torch in place.
- Keep going for a few weeks. This is where the research results come from.
Red light therapy vs other knee pain options
Red light therapy is not the only tool, and it works well alongside the others. Here is how it compares.
| Option | Upside | Downside |
|---|---|---|
| Pain tablets | Fast, cheap short-term relief | Masks pain rather than the cause; not for daily long-term use |
| Ice and heat | Simple and cheap | Temporary; does little for the underlying joint |
| Physiotherapy | Addresses strength and movement | Ongoing cost and regular clinic trips |
| Red light therapy | Drug-free, at home, targets inflammation in the joint | Upfront device cost; results build over weeks |
If your pain spreads to the thigh, calf or IT band, the flexible belt covers larger areas. 60-day risk-free trial.
Is red light therapy safe for knees?
Red light therapy is generally considered very safe and most people have no side effects. There is no UV, and any effects are usually mild, like slight warmth. It is sensible to check with your GP first if you are pregnant, take medication that makes you sensitive to light, or are undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy. If your knee pain is severe, locked, or follows an injury, see a health professional to rule out anything that needs direct treatment.
Which device is best for knee pain?
For a knee specifically, a cordless joint wrap is the best fit. It shapes to the knee, uses both wavelengths, and stays put hands-free so you can treat the joint from every angle while you relax. If your pain also runs into the surrounding muscles, a flexible belt is a useful companion for the thigh and calf.
Want to treat both knees at once, or other joints and larger areas too? A freestanding panel like the Pro Panel Mini is a step up. It is TGA registered, delivers a fuller wavelength spectrum, and doubles as a full-body device, so it suits anyone who wants more than a single-joint tool.
Medical-grade freestanding panel with a fuller 9-wavelength spectrum. Treat both knees, other joints, or your whole body.
New to all of this? Start with our beginner's guide to red light therapy at home, then come back to treat the knee.
Frequently asked questions
Does red light therapy work for knee arthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is the most studied use, and 2024 reviews found it can reduce pain and improve function. The quality of evidence varies, so it works best alongside exercise and physio rather than on its own.
How often should I use red light therapy on my knee?
Most protocols use it 3 to 5 times a week, 10 to 20 minutes per session. Daily use is fine during a flare-up.
Which wavelength is best for knee pain?
Near-infrared (850nm) is the key one because it reaches the deeper joint. A good device pairs it with 660nm red light for surface inflammation.
How long until I feel a difference in my knee?
Many people feel some relief within 1 to 2 weeks, with fuller results building over 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use.
Can I use red light therapy with other knee treatments?
Generally yes, it pairs well with physio and exercise. If you have a medical condition or are unsure, check with your GP or physio first.
Give your knees a drug-free option
Targeted red light therapy you can do on the couch. Backed by a 60-day risk-free trial.
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This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or a serious or persistent knee problem, please speak with your GP or physiotherapist. Sources include the Cleveland Clinic and published 2024 meta-analyses on light therapy for knee osteoarthritis.