Objective
To assess the safety and effectiveness of high-density light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation therapy in patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA) and compare the pre- and post-intervention symptoms.
Methods
Twenty-three patients with hand OA underwent eight sessions of high-density LED irradiation therapy directed at the five most painful areas in the finger joints. Each session lasted for 18 minutes; and the sessions were conducted twice a week, for 4 weeks. We evaluated the degree of pain using the visual analogue scale, ring size, and passive range of motion (flexion+extension) for two most painful joints from the baseline to post-therapy (weeks 4 and 6).
Results
High-density LED irradiation therapy significantly reduced the pain posttreatment compared with that observed at the baseline (p<0.001). Although improvements were observed in ring size and joint range of motion at 4 and 6 weeks, they were not statistically significant (p>0.05). No adverse events were observed.
Conclusion
We examined the safety and effectiveness of high-density LED irradiation therapy in reducing pain and hand swelling and improving joint mobility in patients with hand OA. These results suggest that high-density LED irradiation therapy has the potential to be an important strategy for managing hand OA.

Citations

• Letter to the Editor: Efficacy and Safety of High Density LED Irradiation Therapy for Patients With Hand Osteoarthritis: A Single-Center Clinical Study
  Vanshika Agarwal, Jeyanthi. S, Adarsh Sharma
  Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2025; 49(1): 1.     CrossRef
• Response: Efficacy and Safety of High Density LED Irradiation Therapy for Patients With Hand Osteoarthritis: A Single-Center Clinical Study (Ann Rehabil Med 2024;48:50-6)
  Jiseon Hong
  Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2025; 49(1): 3.     CrossRef
• Photobiomodulation Literature Watch December 2023
  James D. Carroll
  Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery.2024; 42(10): 660.     CrossRef