Infrared therapy relieves joint pain by delivering heat deep into the joint capsule, increasing synovial blood flow and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory substances. In osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain due to overuse, clinical studies consistently show pain reduction and improved mobility with regular use. The mechanism is fundamentally different from the use of painkillers: infrared therapy addresses blood flow and inflammation at the site instead of blocking pain signals.
A systematic review in Lasers in Medical Science (Hamblin, 2017) concluded that low-level light and infrared therapy for arthritis and joint pain was significantly more effective than placebo for both pain reduction and functional improvement.
How does infrared therapy work for joints?
Joints are complex structures: bone, cartilage, synovial membrane, tendon and bursa work together. In joint pain, several of these components are usually involved in the inflammation or damage.
Infrared-A heat radiation (780-1400 nm) penetrates up to 6 millimeters deep into tissue, deep enough to reach the synovial membrane and peripheral joint structures. What happens then:
Vasodilation and blood flow Heat dilates the small blood vessels around the joint. This increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the joint capsule and accelerates the removal of inflammatory substances. In osteoarthritis, where microvascular blood flow is already reduced, this mechanism is extra valuable.
Synovial fluid activation The synovial fluid that lubricates the joint has an optimal viscosity at a slightly higher temperature. Heat therapy can improve synovial function, which directly contributes to less friction and pain during movement.
Modulation of pain receptors Heat influences the threshold value of thermoreceptors and nociceptors (pain receptors) in the joint capsule. This explains the immediate analgesic effect that many people report after a session.
Anti-inflammatory effect at the cellular level Via the photobiomodulation mechanism (see also blog 4), infrared therapy inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-alpha. This is a lesser known but important additional mechanism on top of the pure heat effect.
The most common joint complaints: what does the evidence say?
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease in the Netherlands: according to the RIVM, more than 1.3 million Dutch people have osteoarthritis, with the knee, hip and hand being most commonly affected. The cartilage wears away, the space in the joint decreases, and the surrounding structures respond with inflammation and pain.
Infrared therapy does not replace cartilage loss, but several studies show that it can significantly relieve pain and stiffness. An RCT from the Journal of Rheumatology (Stelian et al., 1992, confirmed in Brosseau et al., Cochrane Review 2005) found significantly less pain in knee osteoarthritis patients after 3 weeks of infrared therapy (3 times a week, 20 minutes) compared to the control group, with the effect lasting up to 4 weeks afterwards.
Rheumatoid arthritis
In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the inflammation is autoimmune in nature. Infrared therapy is not a disease-modifying treatment and does not replace DMARDs or biologicals. But in addition to drug treatment, studies show reduction in morning stiffness and improved ROM (range of motion). A randomized trial (Brosseau et al., Cochrane Database, 2005) found statistically significant reductions in pain and stiffness in RA patients when adding infrared therapy to standard care.
Important: In case of active joint inflammation (warm, red, swollen joint in flare), infrared therapy should be withheld until the acute phase has passed.
Tendopathy and tendon complaints
Painful tendons around the knee (patellar tendinopathy), shoulder (rotator cuff), heel (Achilles tendon) and elbow (tennis and golfer's elbow) respond positively to infrared therapy through increased collagen synthesis in the tendon tissue. A study by Tumilty et al. (Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 2010) showed accelerated recovery in Achilles tendinopathy in participants who received infrared laser therapy compared to placebo.
Protocol for joint pain at home
Recommended usage protocol
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Distance to lamp | 20–30 cm |
| Session duration | 15–20 minutes per joint |
| Frequency | Daily for acute pain; 3-5x per week for maintenance |
| Moment | In the morning for stiffness; in the evening for relaxation |
| Skin | Clean and dry, no creams |
Which Mvolo products are most suitable?
- Double infrared lamp: for larger joints (knee, shoulder, hip) and wide radiation angle
- Single head infrared lamp: for smaller, more targeted areas (ankle, wrist, neck)
- Elite Series panel: if you also want to treat broader areas (back, groin, buttocks) that contribute to joint strain
Infrared therapy as part of a broader approach
Joint pain requires a multidimensional approach. Infrared therapy works best in combination with:
- Physiotherapy: targeted exercise therapy strengthens the stabilizing muscles around the joint.
- Weight management: every kilo less body weight reduces the forces on the knee joint by 3-4 kilos when walking.
- Ergonomics: adjustment of working position and sleeping position reduces overload.
- Power supply: anti-inflammatory food (omega-3, vegetables, less sugar) supports the systemic inflammation level.
Infrared therapy is the thermal, local layer in this approach: it addresses direct pain and inflammation on site, so that the other interventions can take better action.
Frequently asked questions about infrared therapy and joints
Can I use infrared therapy for an artificial joint? In most cases, use with an artificial joint is safe, but it is wise to discuss this with the orthopedic surgeon. The heat effects focus on the surrounding tissue; metal implants reflect infrared rather than absorbing it. If in doubt, always consult the treating specialist.
Is infrared also effective for hand and finger pain (arthrosis)? Yes. Hand osteoarthritis is one of the most studied indications for infrared therapy. Short sessions (10-15 minutes) with a focused lamp on the palm or finger joints provide noticeable relief from stiffness for many users, especially in the morning.
How long do I have to continue before I notice results? For acute joint pain after overload: 2-5 sessions. In chronic osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis: 2-4 weeks of consistent treatment before you can fully assess the effect. Science generally uses a treatment period of 3-6 weeks in RCTs as a reference period.
Can I combine infrared therapy with my regular pain medication? Yes. Infrared therapy does not interfere with acetaminophen, NSAIDs or DMARDs. It is an additional modality, not a replacement. Consult your doctor if you have any doubts.
Are there people who should not use infrared therapy for joints? Infrared therapy is contraindicated in: open wounds or infections in the treatment area, active joint inflammation in the acute phase (red, warm, swollen joint), blood clotting disorders, sensory disorders that reduce pain perception (no feedback when overheated), and pregnancy in the treatment area. If in doubt, always consult a doctor.
Sources: Hamblin MR, Lasers in Medical Science 2017 | Stelian et al., Journal of Rheumatology 1992 | Brosseau et al., Cochrane Database 2005 | Tumilty et al., Photomedicine and Laser Surgery 2010 | RIVM Joint complaints statistics 2024
Read also: Infrared therapy for back pain | Joint pain protocol: how to use the infrared lamp effectively
\nIf local heat feels nice around stiff joints, you can use the Infrared Bulb with E27 fitting View as a compact home option.
