1. What Red & Near-Infrared Light Therapy Is
Wavelengths
Red light: ~620–700 nm (commonly 630 or 660 nm)
Near-infrared (NIR): ~700–1100 nm (commonly 810, 830, 850 nm)
Key difference
Red light penetrates superficial tissues (skin, joints close to surface)
NIR penetrates deeper tissues (muscles, tendons, nerves, joint capsules)
Hands benefit from both, because they contain superficial joints and deeper tendons/nerves in a compact space.
2. How Red & NIR Light Work (Core Mechanisms)
A. Mitochondrial Stimulation (Energy Production)
Light is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria
Increases ATP (cellular energy)
More ATP → better tissue repair, faster healing, improved cellular resilience
This is crucial in:
-Degenerating cartilage (arthritis)
-Compressed or damaged nerves (carpal tunnel)
-Overused tendons (tendonitis)
B. Reduction of Inflammation
PBM reduces inflammatory signaling by:
-Decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6)
-Increasing anti-inflammatory mediators
-Reducing oxidative stress
This directly helps:
-Swelling
-Joint stiffness
-Pain from chronic inflammation
C. Improved Blood Flow & Oxygenation
-Promotes nitric oxide (NO) release
-Causes vasodilation
-Improves microcirculation
Hands have small blood vessels, so circulation improvements can significantly reduce:
-Stiffness
-Cold sensitivity
-Slow healing
D. Nerve Modulation & Pain Reduction
PBM:
-Reduces nerve hypersensitivity
-Stabilizes nerve membranes
-Slows pain signal transmission
-Encourages nerve regeneration in damaged fibers
This is key for neuropathic hand pain.
3. Hand Conditions & How Light Therapy Helps
A. Arthritis (Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis)
What causes the pain?
-Cartilage degeneration
-Synovial inflammation
-Joint capsule thickening
-Reduced joint lubrication
How RLT helps:
-Reduces joint inflammation
-Improves synovial fluid dynamics
-Decreases stiffness
-May slow cartilage breakdown
Benefits seen:
-Reduced pain during movement
-Improved grip strength
-Decreased morning stiffness
-Less swelling around knuckles
Best wavelengths
Red (630–660 nm): superficial joints (knuckles)
NIR (810–850 nm): deeper joint structures
Does not reverse severe joint deformity
Works best in early to moderate arthritis
B. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
What causes the pain
-Median nerve compression in the wrist
-Inflammation of surrounding tendons
-Reduced blood supply to the nerve
How RLT helps:
-Reduces inflammation in flexor tendons
-Improves nerve blood flow
-Supports nerve repair and remyelination
-Reduces nerve pain and tingling
Symptoms it improves:
-Tingling and numbness
-Burning pain
-Weak grip
-Night pain
Best wavelengths
NIR (810–850 nm) is especially important due to nerve depth
Severe mechanical compression (advanced CTS) may still need splinting or surgery
RLT helps functional inflammation-based CTS more than structural collapse
C. Tendonitis & Tenosynovitis (e.g., De Quervain’s, trigger finger)
What causes the pain:
-Tendon overuse
-Micro-tears
-Tendon sheath inflammation
How RLT helps
-Increases fibroblast activity
-Improves collagen alignment
-Reduces tendon swelling
-Speeds micro-repair
Results:
-Less pain with gripping
-Reduced clicking or locking
-Faster recovery from repetitive strain
D. Neuropathic Hand Pain (Nerve Damage, Compression, Diabetes)
Causes:
-Nerve injury
-Chronic compression
-Metabolic damage
How RLT helps:
-Supports nerve regeneration
-Reduces abnormal pain signaling
-Improves mitochondrial function in nerve cells
This is especially relevant when pain:
-Burns
-Tinges
-Shoots
-Persists without visible inflammation
E. Post-Injury or Post-Surgical Hand Pain
RLT can:
-Reduce scar tissue formation
-Improve circulation
-Accelerate healing
-Reduce chronic post-traumatic pain
4. Treatment Parameters (Important for Effectiveness)
-Frequency: 5–7 sessions per week
-Chronic conditions may require ongoing use
-Session duration: 5–15 minutes per area
-Avoid overdosing (more is not always better)
-Consistency matters more than intensity
5. Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe, but caution with:
-Active cancer directly at treatment site
-Pregnancy over uterus (hands usually safe)
-Photosensitizing medications
-Direct eye exposure (eye protection recommended)
Summary
Red and near-infrared light therapy helps hand pain by energizing cells, calming inflammation, improving circulation, and stabilizing nerve signaling. It is particularly helpful for arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and neuropathic pain, especially when used consistently and early.
