Is there a safe, non-invasive, drug-free, low-cost, and highly effective way to relieve your knee pain and heal your knee?
Yes—photobiomodulation (PBM), often called low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or red/near-infrared (NIR) light therapy, is a non-invasive, drug-free option with a strong safety profile that’s shown in randomized trials and meta-analyses to reduce pain and improve function in knee osteoarthritis – when dosed correctly.
⚠️ Important: PBM (cold laser/LED) is not the same as far-infrared (FIR) heat pads/braces. PBM is non-thermal light that triggers cellular signaling; FIR provides heat.
They’re different modalities with different evidence levels and use cases.
In a hurry?
Jump to the Best infrared devices for knee pain
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Overview
Does Infrared Therapy Help Knee Pain?
For knee OA, many systematic reviews show PBM can reduce pain and improve disability—especially when wavelength and dose follow guideline tables (see “Dosing” below).
Some trials are negative or mixed (usually because of wrong dosing or different tech), so technique and parameters matter.
Representative trials:
- Hegedűs 2009 (RCT): PBM reduced pain and improved local microcirculation in KOA vs. placebo
- Soleimanpour 2014 (RCT): Significant reductions in nocturnal pain, pain with walking/stairs, and knee circumference.
Big-picture evidence: A 2019 systematic review concluded PBM reduces pain and disability in KOA at 4–8 J/spot (785–860 nm) or 1–3 J/spot (904 nm)—i.e., it works when you follow the dose. A 2024 meta-analysis again found PBM reduced pain and disability, while calling for tighter dosing standards across devices.
What Is PBM, Really? (And Why It’s Not Just “Heat”)
PBM uses visible red (≈630–670 nm) and/or NIR (≈780–950 nm) light from lasers or LEDs to promote cell metabolism (not to heat tissue).
The main light-absorber is cytochrome-c oxidase in mitochondria, which can lead to more ATP, nitric oxide signaling, and downstream anti-inflammatory effects.
Depth & expectations:
Direct photons don’t freely shoot 5 cm into a knee; actual optical penetration in living tissue is limited (on the order of ~1 cm scale depending on tissue type), and deeper benefits may include indirect vascular/neural signaling.
So, results build over weeks, not always instantly.
8 Benefits of Infrared Light Therapy for Knee Pain
Here’s why you may want to try using LLLT at home to heal your knee pain:
- Easy to apply and use at home
- Available to you 24/7
- Safe and side-effect free (more on that below)
- Nontoxic, non-invasive, drug-free
- Cost-effective
- Superior to medication, shots, and can prevent surgery
- Works synergistically with chiro treatments, acupuncture, and PT treatments.
But Wait! There’s More:
There are endless uses for a cold laser home device, other than knee pain:
- Neck and back pain
- Joint pain
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- And any other inflammation-related ailments
The Best Infrared Therapy Devices for Knee Pain
There are many home devices to choose from. Click the links to see the full details:
Most people report noticeable pain relief after the first treatment, but results are cumulative, so the more you use i,t the better you’ll get.
Here’s one testimonial (out of thousands) we’ve found on Amazon:
“Wow, the pain is gone. I can’t believe how fast laser works!”
Other people need a few more treatments to get results, and it’s recommended to keep treatment going at least once a day for a month.
Home lasers save you time and a lot of money, and you can use them whenever you or your family (and friends) need them.
How Long Do You Have to Continue Treatments? (Science-Based Answer)
Most clinical studies have reported positive results after at least 4 weeks of treatment (at least twice a week), and many have continued to 8 weeks of LLLT treatment.
Is Infrared Therapy Safe for Knee Pain?
According to studies in the last 30 years, cold laser is proven to be safe to use and has no side effects when used for arthritic knee or any kind of pain and inflammation. However, I would advise you to avoid pointing the laser to suspicious or cancerous lesions and to avoid if you are pregnant.
Also, do not look directly at the light source to keep your eyes safe. If you can’t help yourself, use these eye protection glasses.
Conclusion
Cold laser for knee pain at home is one of the best drug-free ways to relieve and heal your knee pain – without medication, side effects, and risks.
Cold laser home devices, though seemingly expensive, are proven effective and will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
As always, I’d love to read your comments and questions. Tell me your experience and concerns, and I promise to answer.
To your health and happiness,
Meital
Hello,
My mom is having knee replacement surgery. What type of infra-red ligjt therapy device would help speed recovery if any?
I would suggest a red light therapy wrap that produces only low heat can be wrapped around the knee, once the initial inflammation subsides (a few days). Another option is a small red light therapy panel that can be placed near the knee. Red light therapy is proven to heal wounds faster and promote healing. Good luck!
Yes I did. Thanks for bringing this to me attention, it’s a typo. I’ll fix it now.
Have been taking the dog weekly for lazer therapy for a torn ACL . Not much improvement. I was doing infrared until it fell and broke so now I need a better one. I noticed his leg wasn’t much warmer than when I did the infrared at home. Do you think it is the same . It was 18 dollars a treatment at the vet.
Infrared and low level laser is the same. But, I don’t know about the strength of the unit at your vet. You can always try getting him a small jade infrared heating pad and put it where he sleeps and turn it on when he is sitting there or sleeping. The good ones come with a timer and shut off automatically.
Will the simple 250 Infared bulb help with knee pain. If so how will it compare to cold laser that this article is talking about?
Thank you!
Mary,
Infrared is the same as cold laser. You can try the infrared bulb first and if it doesn’t work you can try the other products mentioned in the post. Good luck!
Hi, my wife has rheumatoid arthritis I have just got her a infrared lamp, you say use it for 5 to 10 minutes a day, what distance should it be kept at, please.
Cheers
Derrick
The distance you should keep from the infrared lamp depends on its strength. For a 150-watt bulb you should keep at least 12 inches distance, and for a 250-watt bulb – stay at least 24 inches away from it. Also, listen to your body and when it feels too hot – get even further away from it. The infrared lamp treatment should feel comfortable.
Thank you for your reply.