Human subjects received transcutaneous irradiation on the skin overlying peripheral nerves with a low-power helium–neon laser (1 MW, 632.5 nm, 20 Hz) for 20 s to each site. This treatment was accompanied by irradiation of the skin overlying painful joints for 4–8 min according to a predetermined protocol. Control group (n = 34) received treatment by an apparatus that looked identical to the laser apparatus but emitted no radiation. Laser or placebo therapy was repeated 3 times a week for 10 weeks. Subjects in the experimental group exhibited a highly significant reduction in pain intensity. Low-power laser may represent an adjunct in the management of the pain of rheumatoid arthritis.