Phototherapy for osteoarthritis management: a narrative review
- Author:
Andrew PADALHIN
1
;
Phil-Sang CHUNG
;
Seung Hoon WOO
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review article
- From: Medical Lasers 2024;13(2):82-89
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by chronic joint degeneration, particularly prevalent in the aging population.Current therapeutic options to address the symptoms of pain and reduced mobility provide limited relief and carry a significant risk of adverse effects. Thus, there is a need to explore non-invasive alternative therapies to manage OA symptoms while preventing disease progression and promoting joint tissue regeneration. This review examined studies conducted in the last 10 years to determine the potential of light-based therapy, particularly focusing on three key aspects: pain management and improvement of articular function; use of complementary light therapy; and stimulation of articular cartilage repair. Various studies have investigated the efficacy of phototherapy, particularly low-level laser therapy, in alleviating pain, improving functionality, and enhancing articular cartilage repair in OA patients. Efforts have also been made to investigate the regenerative potential of phototherapy in stimulating articular cartilage repair. Despite promising findings, several challenges remain, including the lack of standardized testing methods for evaluating the efficacy of laser therapy on OA joints and the need for further research to bridge the gap between early-stage OA in humans and the advanced stages of the disease. Nonetheless, laser therapy presents a non-invasive, well-tolerated treatment option with potential benefits for individuals with OA. Further research is warranted to optimize treatment protocols and explore potential synergistic effects with other interventions.
