Arthritis (joint inflammation) and softlaser
Arthritis, or joint inflammation, is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases. The term arthritis is a "collective category" which includes more than 100 different conditions. The best known are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, but it also includes gouty, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and even fibromyalgia. Nowadays, softlaser is one of the most effective physiotherapy methods for […]
Arthritis, or joint inflammation, is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases. The term arthritis is a “collective category” encompassing more than 100 different conditions. The best known are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but it also includes gouty, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and even fibromyalgia. Today, softlaser therapy is one of the most effective physiotherapeutic methods for symptom relief.
From the above, it follows that in certain forms of arthritis, joint inflammation is a consequence of the underlying disease. In cases of gout, rheumatism, or lupus, the most important treatment is of the underlying condition.
The main symptoms of joint inflammation are pain, joint stiffness, and swelling. With softlaser treatment, the inflammation can be reduced or eliminated. Since most anti-inflammatory drugs cause numerous side effects, it is crucial to know that softlaser is completely drug-free and therefore free of side effects. At least as a result of its application, one can expect to need fewer anti-inflammatory medications.
Softlaser efficacy studies
Today, many researchers are investigating the healing effects of lasers. The anti-inflammatory effect and the efficacy in treating arthritis have been confirmed by multiple research groups.
Molina and colleagues divided arthritis patients into two groups. One group received only non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, while the other group received softlaser therapy in addition to the medication. The group receiving both laser and medication showed better recovery outcomes.
Soriano treated 938 osteoarthritis patients with softlaser and observed that in acute (fresh inflammatory) conditions, softlaser is more effective than in chronic cases.
Antipa and his team also found that the group receiving both medication and softlaser had better outcomes than those treated solely with anti-inflammatory therapy.
Glazewski treated 224 patients with rheumatoid arthritis using softlaser, resulting in a decreased need for anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers among patients.
Softlaser treatment in arthritis
Effective softlasers have only become available for home use in roughly the past 10 years. Previously, they were only used clinically.
Low-energy softlaser devices designed for home use are made so they cannot cause harm. However, it is important to know how to use them properly because if you use them incorrectly, you will not achieve the expected effect.
For joint treatment, purchase a device emitting light at 808 nanometers wavelength. Attention! Devices emitting 650-660 nm are cheaper but ineffective for joints (knee, wrist, hip, spine, shoulder, elbow).
You can buy a softlaser device by clicking here.
The essence of softlaser treatment is to deliver a specific amount of energy to the affected area. The required amount depends on the disease but is generally 5-7 Joules. The time needed to deliver this energy depends on the laser power of the device. Lower intensity devices deliver the same amount of energy over a longer treatment time.
Lasers only work in certain doses! If you treat for less than the recommended time, it won't be enough to initiate beneficial effects; treating longer than recommended is not good for cells and stops healing. In other words, doubling treatment time arbitrarily will not improve results! Only treat as long as recommended.
It is also important to check the size of the treatment head. The smaller the head, the longer the treatment time since multiple spots need to be treated. If arthritis affects a small joint, for example, a finger joint, a single 5-8 minute treatment may suffice. However, for example, if you are treating the knee, you need to treat it from multiple directions (3-4 points).
The laser must be applied directly to the skin. Laser light does not penetrate clothing or bandages, so treatment will be ineffective if applied over them!
Softlaser treatment is generally imperceptible. Effects occur deep inside the cells and are not immediate. Although pain may decrease after the first treatment, it is more likely that 10-12 days of treatment several times daily are required for symptom relief. Only cease treatments after complete recovery.
Softlaser treatment points in arthritis
Every tissue, joint, and pain type has its own irradiation time. That is, how long you hold the device on the spot matters. Some tissues are more sensitive and require less energy, while others need longer exposure (more energy). Detailed treatment recommendations — including times and intensities for specific illnesses — can be found in device user manuals.
In arthritis-related pain, start treatments as soon as symptoms appear. Deliver 5-7 Joules of energy per treatment point. For example, if the device delivers 1 Joule/cm², a 5-minute treatment is needed to deliver 5 Joules. In acute inflammation, treat the area hourly. In chronic cases, 2-3 treatments are sufficient.
The following images and videos show the points you need to treat (the B-Cure softlaser device is shown in the footage).
Shoulder Arthritis
The shoulder joint area and the outer part of the upper arm.
Finger Joint Pain, Rheumatoid Arthritis
The right and left sides of the finger (each finger individually), the palm, and the crease between fingers.
Knee Arthritis, Knee Pain, After Knee Injury or Surgery
Back of the knee, the bend, right and left sides of the knee (possibly under the kneecap).
