Laser therapy for knee pain can be used as a non-invasive option supporting exercise and load management, especially in targetable structures such as periarticular pain in knee osteoarthritis, patellofemoral pain, and the pes anserinus region.
In which types of knee pain do we consider it?
- Periarticular pain and stiffness in knee osteoarthritis
- Patellofemoral pain
- Patellar tendon pain
- Pes anserinus region tenderness
- Selected soft tissue pains that make transitioning to exercise difficult
The role of 980 nm in the knee
In superficial probe application, the goal is not to directly “regenerate” the cartilage inside the joint. 980 nm is used for analgesic and biomodulatory purposes in periarticular soft tissues, tendons, and painful areas. Due to its more superficial thermal character, 1470 nm is evaluated only selectively in appropriate anatomical targets.
Scientific data
Systematic reviews on high-intensity laser in knee osteoarthritis have reported pain reduction and improvement in some functional measures. In a 2024 network meta-analysis, HILT + exercise was found to be associated with better outcomes in pain and WOMAC function compared to placebo + exercise. In a 2026 patellofemoral pain meta-analysis, pain reduction was reported; however, the certainty of evidence was found to be very low, and all studies were conducted in combination with exercise. For this reason, we view laser not as a substitute for knee exercises, but as an adjunct that can facilitate participation in treatment.
Our approach at our Bodrum clinic
In knee pain, we evaluate factors such as joint range of motion, quadriceps strength, patellofemoral loading, hip muscles, gait pattern, and weight/metabolic load together. If laser is to be applied, the target area is determined by examination, and the plan is mostly combined with individualized exercise.
When does another evaluation take priority?
If there is acute trauma, locking, marked instability, a hot-red swollen joint, fever, or a suddenly developing large effusion, priority is given to the evaluation of the underlying cause.
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Detailed guides for knee pain
- Knee osteoarthritis / calcification
- Patellofemoral pain / anterior knee pain
- Patellar and quadriceps tendon pain
- Pes anserinus pain and bursitis
- Pain following prepatellar bursitis
- Iliotibial band syndrome
References
- High-intensity laser therapy on pain relief in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis. PMID: 37458008.
- Efficacy of HILT and LLLT combined with exercise therapy in knee osteoarthritis: network meta-analysis. 2024. PMID: 39193110.
- Efficacy of HILT for patellofemoral pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. 2026. PMID: 42286680.
