Cold Laser Therapy

🔦 What Is Cold Laser Therapy?

Cold Laser Therapy, also known as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation Therapy, is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses specific wavelengths of low-intensity light to stimulate tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. Unlike surgical or high-heat lasers, cold lasers do not cut or burn tissue — instead, they penetrate the skin gently and safely to reach the deeper cellular level.

At Lakeside Chiropractic, our chiropractor uses the MR5 ACTIV PRO LaserStim®, one of the most advanced therapeutic lasers available, which delivers targeted light energy combined with electrostimulation to accelerate the body’s natural recovery process.

💡 How Does It Work?

When cold laser light is absorbed by your tissues, it triggers a biological process called photobiomodulation. This process leads to a cascade of healing effects at the cellular level:

• Stimulates ATP production (cellular energy), speeding up tissue repair and regeneration
• Reduces inflammation by decreasing pro-inflammatory chemicals like prostaglandins
• Improves circulation and oxygenation, allowing damaged tissues to heal more efficiently
• Enhances lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling and fluid build-up
• Modulates nerve activity, helping calm irritated or hypersensitive nerves that contribute to chronic pain

Laser therapy sessions are painless, relaxing, and typically last 5-10 minutes. Most people experience a mild warmth or tingling sensation during treatment, but there is no downtime or side effects.

Cold laser can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Acute or chronic neck and back pain
• Sciatica or nerve entrapment syndromes
• Arthritis and joint degeneration
• Tendonitis, bursitis, and repetitive strain injuries
• Sports injuries, sprains, and muscle tears
• TMJ (jaw) pain and headaches
• Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and foot conditions
• Fibromyalgia and widespread myofascial pain
• Post-surgical recovery and scarred tissue management

Cold laser is often combined with other treatments like chiropractic care, exercise rehabilitation, soft tissue therapy, and dry needling for comprehensive care.

📚 Relevant Research & Clinical Evidence

Cold laser therapy has been extensively studied over the last two decades, with evidence supporting its benefits for musculoskeletal and neurological conditions:

• A study made about the efficacy of LLLT found that it significantly reduced pain in both acute and chronic neck pain with lasting results compared to placebo.
• Recent 2022 study demonstrated positive effects of LLLT on knee osteoarthritis, including improved range of motion and reduced swelling.
• It is also been proved that LLLT accelerated muscle repair and recovery post-injury. As can be seen in this clinical evidence support study.

While results can vary between individuals, the therapy is considered low-risk and well-tolerated by most patient populations.

❓ Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• No — cold laser is completely non-invasive and painless. Most patients report a gentle warmth or light tingling sensation. It does not cut, heat, or damage the skin in any way.

2. How many sessions will I need?

• This varies depending on your condition. Acute injuries may respond within 3–6 sessions, while chronic conditions like arthritis or nerve pain may require 8–12 sessions for optimal results. Your practitioner will tailor a treatment plan based on your needs.

3. Is cold laser safe for everyone?

• Yes — laser therapy is safe for most people, including older adults, athletes, and post-operative patients. However, it’s not used over certain areas like the eyes, active cancers, or directly over a developing fetus during pregnancy.

4. Can laser therapy replace other treatments?

• Cold laser works best as part of a multimodal care plan — alongside chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, and rehab. It can speed healing, reduce inflammation, and help you respond more quickly to other therapies.

5. How is your laser different from a TENS machine or home light therapy devices?

• The MR5 ACTIV PRO LaserStim® used in our clinic offers a therapeutic wavelength range and energy output far beyond typical home-use LED or TENS devices. It also includes neuroadaptive electrostimulation, allowing deeper tissue penetration and more targeted pain relief than conventional devices.

6. Do we provide cold laser therapy treatment?

• YESS!! Feel free to visit our sister website at www.coldlaserperth.com.au to find out more information or call us at 9300 0095 to book in an initial consultation.

If you're curious about the conditions we can help treat with Cold Laser Therapy, click here to learn more.