Laser light tested for achy hands – but study halted early
NCT ID NCT04692597
First seen Jan 07, 2026 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 31 times
Summary
This study tested whether low-level laser therapy (LLLT) could reduce pain and improve hand function in people with hand osteoarthritis. Participants were active-duty military members and their families, receiving either real or sham laser treatment weekly for six weeks. The trial was terminated early, so firm conclusions are limited.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
-
Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center
Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, 89191, United States
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using the Phoenix Thera-Lase device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a non-drug, non-invasive option to ease hand pain and improve function for people with osteoarthritis.
What could go wrong
The trial was terminated early, so results are limited. It was a small study (83 people) and used a sham control, so any benefit may be modest or due to placebo.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.