Devices

• A light therapy device emits a beam of energy, and works similarly to a laser. You need to point the light at the part of the body where you are experiencing pain. These devices come in a variety of sizes, and are designed to focus on specific areas of the body that are causing joint pain. Smaller devices can be strapped onto a knee, wrist, or elbow to help alleviate pain, while larger light therapy units allow you to stand in front of them and receive a total body treatment.
  
  

Process

• Light therapy uses Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that are effective at killing joint pain. LEDs are thousands of different types of diodes that range in power density and bandwidths of wavelengths. This type of therapy actually kills the sensation of pain by thermally damaging the fine sensory nerve endings in your joints. This damage is not permanent, and the nervous system is able to heal itself, which is why light therapy is an on-going joint treatment. It's important to understand that light therapy does not correct the cause of the pain. It only temporarily stops the pain.
  
  

Considerations

• While light therapy is considered a safe and effective remedy for joint pain, it has shown a few side effects that need to be taken into consideration before beginning treatment. Reports have indicated that light therapy patients may experience possible headaches or slight nausea, but these feelings subside a few hours after treatment. You need to avoid light therapy if you are taking medications that react to sunlight, or suffer from eye conditions that are susceptible to light.