Laser Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: What the Latest Research Shows About Pain Relief and Function

Laser Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: What the Latest Research Shows About Pain Relief and Function

A modern, non-invasive approach to knee pain

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic joint pain and reduced mobility, particularly in adults over 40. It is a progressive degenerative condition that can significantly affect walking, work capacity, and quality of life.

Recent high-level research published in a systematic review and network meta-analysis (11 randomized controlled trials) has evaluated the effectiveness of laser therapy combined with exercise rehabilitation for knee osteoarthritis.

At Healthwise Chiropractic, this type of evidence is important because it supports modern, non-invasive, movement-based care strategies used for chronic joint pain management across Melbourne, Sunbury, and surrounding communities.

Understanding knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that leads to:

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Reduced walking tolerance

• Swelling and inflammation

• Decline in strength and function

• Difficulty with stairs, squatting, and sport

It is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide in adults.

What did the research investigate?

• HILT produced more than 2x the pain reduction effect compared to LLLT at 8 weeks.

Functional improvement (WOMAC scores)

At 4 weeks:

• LLLT + exercise: SMD = -0.80

• HILT + exercise: SMD = -0.91

At 8 weeks:

• LLLT + exercise: SMD = -2.92

• HILT + exercise: SMD = -2.20

👉 Both treatments significantly improved function, with sustained benefits over time.

Overall clinical takeaway

Across all 11 studies:

• Pain improved significantly in both treatment groups

• Function improved significantly in both groups

• HILT consistently showed stronger long-term effects (8 weeks)

How effective were these treatments overall?

Across the meta-analysis:

• Pain reduction occurred in 100% of included studies (VAS improvement)

• Functional improvement occurred in all included studies (WOMAC improvement)

• Benefits were observed as early as 4 weeks

• Stronger effects were seen by 8 weeks

What is laser therapy actually doing?

Both therapies fall under Photobiomodulation therapy, which works by:

• Increasing cellular energy production (ATP)

• Reducing inflammatory markers

• Improving blood flow to joint tissues

• Supporting cartilage and soft tissue repair

• Decreasing pain signalling pathways

Why HILT may be more effective than LLLT

The research found HILT had stronger outcomes due to:

• Deeper tissue penetration

• Higher energy delivery

• Ability to treat larger joint structures

• More sustained biological response

In clinical terms:👉 LLLT = gentle cellular stimulation👉 HILT = deeper, higher-intensity tissue modulation

Why this matters for Melbourne knee pain patients

For patients across Melbourne, Sunbury, and surrounding regions, knee osteoarthritis commonly presents as:

• Morning stiffness

• Pain with walking or stairs

• Reduced sport or exercise tolerance

• Progressive loss of knee function

This research supports a key clinical message:

👉 Exercise alone helps👉 But combining exercise with laser therapy significantly improves outcomes

Clinical implications for chiropractic care

At a clinical level, this evidence supports integrating:

• Exercise rehabilitation programs

• Load management strategies

• Joint mobility restoration

• Adjunct therapies such as laser therapy

into a broader conservative care plan for knee osteoarthritis.

Reviewed by Dr Julian Simpson, Chiropractor at Health Wise Chiropractic, Sunbury 21 Powellet Street, Sunbury & 131 Wembley Avenue, Strathtulloh

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we regularly treat patients with [condition], helping them return to work, sport, and daily activities pain-free.

reference

Khalilizad M, Hosseinzade D, Marzban Abbas Abadi M. Efficacy of High-Intensity and Low-Level Laser Therapy Combined With Exercise Therapy on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. J Lasers Med Sci. 2024 Aug 4;15:e34. doi: 10.34172/jlms.2024.34. PMID: 39193110; PMCID: PMC11348445.