Light Therapy for Postoperative Pain

Overseen By Mohab Ibrahim, PhD, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Arizona

Must not be taking: Chronic opioids

Disqualifiers: Severe psychological conditions, colorblindness, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if green LED light therapy can reduce pain and the need for opioid medications after knee replacement surgery. Researchers seek to discover whether this light therapy can decrease pain, alleviate anxiety, and enhance sleep quality before and after surgery. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will use green LED light therapy, and the other will use white LED light therapy for comparison. Ideal candidates are those planning knee replacement surgery who can speak, read, and write English. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative pain management options.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are on chronic opioids equal to or greater than 90 Morphine Milligram Equivalent (MME) per day, you would not be eligible to participate.

What prior data suggests that this light therapy is safe for postoperative pain management?

Studies have shown that green LED light therapy might help the body produce natural painkillers and reduce swelling. Other research found that this light therapy helped lessen pain in people with migraines and low back pain. It also seemed to improve mood and sleep quality.

No major safety concerns have been reported with green LED light therapy. However, these findings come from smaller studies, and not all possible effects are known yet. Most people tolerate the treatment well, experiencing no serious side effects.

In this study, white LED light therapy serves as a control and is not expected to have the same effects as the green light. Comparing the two should clarify any safety issues specific to green light.

Overall, existing studies suggest that green LED light therapy is safe for most people, but discussing any concerns with a healthcare provider before joining a trial is always important. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using LED light therapy for postoperative pain because it offers a non-invasive and drug-free alternative to traditional pain management methods like opioids and NSAIDs. Green LED light therapy is believed to work by reducing inflammation and promoting healing at the cellular level, which is different from the way painkillers block pain signals. Unlike medications that can have side effects or lead to dependency, this light therapy could provide a safer and more sustainable option for pain relief. Additionally, the use of LED light is simple and can be easily incorporated into a patient’s daily routine, making it accessible and convenient.

What evidence suggests that this light therapy might be effective for reducing postoperative pain?

Research has shown that green LED light therapy, which participants in this trial may receive, might help reduce pain and the need for painkillers after surgery. One study found that this light therapy can boost the body's natural pain relievers and lower inflammation. In another clinical trial, patients using green light therapy reported needing less medication and feeling less pain. Early findings also suggest it can improve sleep and mood, making recovery more comfortable. Overall, green LED light therapy offers a promising way to support healing after knee surgery. Participants in the control group of this trial will receive white LED light therapy, serving as a placebo comparator. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Mohab Ibrahim, PhD, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Arizona

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 who can read and write English, scheduled for elective knee replacement surgery. It's not suitable for those with colorblindness, severe mental health issues, chronic pain requiring high-dose opioids, or involved in legal cases related to injury compensation.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to understand, read, and write English

I am scheduled for my first knee replacement surgery.

Exclusion Criteria

You have color vision deficiency.

I have been taking opioids equal to or more than 90 MME/day for chronic pain.

My surgery cannot be delayed more than 8 weeks from joining the study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Pre-Surgery Treatment

Participants are exposed to either Green LED or White LED light for 8 weeks prior to surgery

8 weeks

Home-based exposure

Post-Surgery Treatment

Participants continue light exposure for 2 weeks after surgery, either at home or in the hospital

2 weeks

Home-based or hospital-based exposure

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Green LED light therapy
• White LED light therapy

Trial Overview The study tests if green LED light therapy (GLED) reduces the need for opioid painkillers by 20% after knee surgery. It also aims to cut post-surgery pain by 30%, lessen pre-surgery anxiety by the same amount, and improve sleep quality before and after the operation.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Active Treatment Group (Green LED) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Subjects will be exposed to a Green LED light for 8 weeks prior to surgery, during their hospital stay and for an additional 2 weeks after hospital discharge.

Group II: Control Group (White LED) Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Subjects will be exposed to a White LED light for 8 weeks prior to surgery, during their hospital stay and for an additional 2 weeks after hospital discharge.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Arizona

Lead Sponsor

Trials

545

Recruited

161,000+

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1526590022004370

Green Light Exposure Elicits Anti-inflammation ... We showed that green light increases endogenous opioid levels while lessening synaptic plasticity and neuroinflammation.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07218289

NCT07218289 | Green Light for Post-Operative Wellness Light therapy after surgery may reduce pain and pain medication requirements, and it may improve sleep, mood, and overall post-surgery recovery.

3. centerwatch.com centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT03674697/the-effect-of-light-therapy-on-post-surgical-pain?phase=3&gender=Both&page=7&state=AZ&city=Tucson

The Effect of Light Therapy on Post-Surgical Pain The second aspect is to reduce postoperative pain by 30%, improve preoperative anxiety by 30%, and improve the quality of sleep pre and ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5242385/

Long-lasting antinociceptive effects of green light in acute and ... A randomized clinical trial investigated the effect of bright light exposure in managing nonspecific back pain where patients received once a week light ...

5. lumivisage.com lumivisage.com/blog/green-light-therapy-for-pain/

Green Light Therapy for Pain | Treatment, Effectiveness & ... Green light therapy may reduce pain sensitivity in migraines, fibromyalgia, and nerve pain. Studies suggest it alters pain perception and ...

6. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/pain/fulltext/2025/06000/visual_exposure_to_green_light_therapy_reduces.8.aspx

Visual exposure to green light therapy reduces knee joint... Visual exposure to dim, green, light has been found to reduce pain levels in patients living with migraine, low back pain, and fibromyalgia.