BOSTON -- The recent problems with the arthritis pain drugs Vioxx and Celebrex have many patients scrambling for safer alternatives.

LASER THERAPY Low-level laser therapy has been used for: Arthritis Bursitis Cervical neck pain Plantar Fascitis Migraines Attleboro Physical Therapy & Wellness Center (508) 226-7770 Sport Laser.com Arthritis Foundation

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." She said it has taken away the arthritis pain in her arms and hands.

"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.

The laser's maker says it reduces the inflammation that causes pain and promotes healing. 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. She's turned to the laser to avoid surgery.

"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 said, 'OK. We'd give it a try, and after we did a couple of studies on patients ourselves, it was a wonder. We swear by it," CEO 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 10. 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. I don't really have any other reason to say no," Mody said.

NewsCenter 5 contacted the Arthritis Foundation about the new therapy, but they had not heard of it.