Light therapy for cartilage cells
Near-infrared photobiomodulation stimulates viability and cartilage matrix synthesis in human chondrocytes
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Reduced metabolic activity led to increased cartilage production
Most people assume higher cell activity means better healing, but this study shows cells can be more productive when they're less metabolically active — suggesting a trade-off between general activity and specialized repair functions.
Practical Takeaways
If using red light therapy for joints, look for devices that specifically use 940nm wavelength at ~17 mW/cm² for 3 minutes daily
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Reduced metabolic activity led to increased cartilage production
Most people assume higher cell activity means better healing, but this study shows cells can be more productive when they're less metabolically active — suggesting a trade-off between general activity and specialized repair functions.
Practical Takeaways
If using red light therapy for joints, look for devices that specifically use 940nm wavelength at ~17 mW/cm² for 3 minutes daily
Publication
Journal
Scientific Reports
Year
2025
Authors
S. Oliveira, Débora Ferreira, Jorge Padrão, Susana O. Catarino, F. Monteiro, A. Zille, Ligia R. Rodrigues, Filipe S. Silva, B. Hinckel, Óscar Carvalho, Ana Leal
Related Content
Claims (10)
Shining a specific type of red light on cartilage cells in a dish made them produce more of the slippery substance that helps joints move smoothly
A specific red light treatment made cartilage cells in a dish produce more of a key structural protein that helps keep joints healthy
A specific red light treatment made cartilage cells in a dish produce 40% more of a key structural protein that helps keep joints healthy
A specific red light treatment made cartilage cells in a dish produce less of a protein that's typically associated with damaged or healing cartilage
A specific red light treatment made cartilage cells in a dish produce less of a protein that's typically associated with damaged or healing cartilage