Can light therapy repair or regenerate cartilage?Updated 2 years ago

What is cartilage?

Cartilage is the soft tissue that cushions our joints, and serves as a protective seal between bones in our body.

When cartilage breaks down, it leads to conditions like osteoarthritis, which is a major cause of joint pain.

Many people believe that once your cartilage is gone, it's gone for good.

However, this isn't the case!

Laser therapy can stimulate new cartilage growth

Laser therapy can substantially reduce pro-inflammatory molecules in the synovial fluid to allow for regrowth of cartilage, whilst significantly increasing anti-inflammatory molecules.

Laser therapy's ability to stimulate both blood flow and cellular activity can result in the production of new stem cells, collagen and blood vessels - which can help support the growth of cartilage tissue.

What does the science say?

Researchers from Saudi Arabia conducted an 8-week study which examined the effects of low-level laser therapy on knee osteoarthritis patients, treated 3 times a week for 4 weeks (1)

They found significant differences in pain relief and improved cartilage thickness, compared to those in the placebo group.

Concluding that laser therapy can help promote cartilage regeneration, increase cartilage thickness, and reduce osteoarthritis pain.

[1] S, G., Kamal, W., George, J. et al. Radiological and biochemical effects (CTX-II, MMP-3, 8, and 13) of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in chronic osteoarthritis.