Red Light Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: How It Works and What to Expect Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints and other parts of the body. It can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility and function. RA is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation and damage. The exact cause of RA is unknown, but genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors may play a role. There is no cure for RA, but treatments can help to control the symptoms and prevent complications.
One of the main goals of RA treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation. There are different types of medications that can help with this, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic agents. These drugs can have side effects and interactions, so they need to be prescribed and monitored by a doctor. Some people with RA may also benefit from physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress. However, some people with RA may not find enough relief from conventional treatments, or may experience adverse reactions or complications. In such cases, they may look for alternative or complementary therapies that can help them cope with their condition. One of these therapies is red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy. Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular processes and promote healing. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and regenerative effects on various tissues and organs. Red light therapy works by delivering light energy to the cells, which can increase the production