Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints that causes pain, reduced motion, stiffness, and swelling. It is very common and affects millions of people worldwide.

Treatment can help but according to mainstream medicine there is no cure for arthritis. Many rely on medications to ease their symptoms, and others have some success with physical therapy. Some will even have surgery to attempt to reduce pain.

There are also theories in holistic healing communities about diet changes and detoxification being helpful for arthritis. Cutting out carbs, eating more anti-inflammatory foods, using ice and heating pads, etc. work well for many people.

But what is an arthritis sufferer to do if they’d rather not take a pill, have surgery or try a holistic healing option (like a diet change) that is unapproved by their doctor?

Studies show that there may be another option — light. Near Infrared Light (NIR), to be specific.

In this study, performed all the way back in 1992, 50 patients with degenerative osteoarthritis of both knees were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: red (15 patients), infrared (18 patients), and placebo (17 patients). Infrared and placebo emitters were double-blinded. Patients were evaluated prior to starting the study, then self-applied light treatment to both sides of their knees for 15 minutes, twice a day for 10 days. After the treatments, they were evaluated again.

Pain was reduced more than 50% in all scientific scoring methods in both the red light and infrared light groups. The placebo group had no significant pain improvement. Significant functional improvement was also found in the in red and infrared groups, but not in the placebo group. Patients from the red and infrared groups also went much longer without requiring treatment than the placebo group did.

There are many other studies showing great promise with both human and rat test subjects.

There’s very little to lose and everything to gain with Near Infrared Light. Many people haven’t heard of it because there’s no money to be made in it — unlike pharmaceuticals — anyone can pick up the tools necessary to treat themselves with NIR for less than $100.

If you or someone you know is ready to try out healing with light, here are some recommended items to get started with:

Entry Level / Starter Kit Items

Bulb: (link)

Clamp: