Laser treatment provides astonishing arthritis relief, without side effects of drugs like Vioxx

Phototherapy is safe, effective, painless and relatively inexpensive. And it works.

• The recent problems with the arthritis pain drugs Vioxx and Celebrex have many patients scrambling for safer alternatives.
• NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported that some are turning to a laser that promises to take away pain with no side effects.
• A few times a week, Angela Grube gets treated with a "cool laser."
• "I've tried Celebrex and Vioxx, Bextra, the different things out there, and I've found this has less side effects, less risks than taking all that," she said.
• It was FDA-approved in 2002 for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Marion Prince has such severe carpal tunnel she needs help holding a pencil.
• "I think if I can do something that's noninvasive, I'm better off," she said.
• "Everybody gets excited when they hear the word laser and it sounds new and innovative," Brigham and Women's Hospital's Dr. Elinor Mody said.
• But skeptics argue surgery, physical therapy, drugs, or braces are more effective options -- with research studies to back them up.
• Still, physical therapists using the device say the manufacturer has done studies, and they're convinced by their own experience.
• We swear by it," physical therapist Mike Dozier said.
• Wanda Grenier said that she's finally getting relief from arthritis in her back, and she's ready to start therapy on her knees.
• This is a much better approach and a less painful approach then some of the others I've already endured," she said.
• A single treatment session costs between $12 and $24.
• Most need multiple treatments, and it's not always covered by insurance.
• "I can probably tell you it's not going to do you any harm as long as you don't mind paying for it.