Light therapy for knee pain in people preparing for weight loss surgery

This study is testing photobiomodulation—a safe, painless treatment that uses low-intensity laser light—to help reduce chronic knee pain in people with severe obesity who are getting ready for weight loss surgery. Half of the participants will receive the real light therapy combined with standard physical therapy exercises, and half will receive a placebo (fake) light therapy with the same exercises. The goal is to see whether the light therapy helps people manage their knee pain better and participate more fully in their pre-surgery rehabilitation program.

Chronic knee pain affects about 80% of people with severe obesity and often prevents them from doing the physical therapy exercises needed before surgery—which can lead to more complications after the operation. This trial is testing whether this treatment can safely reduce pain and help people become stronger and more active before their procedure.