Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
The term Laser is the acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser light is monochromatic, collimated, and coherent.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), or cold laser therapy, is a safe and non-invasive treatment that supports tissue healing, reduces inflammation, and relieves pain. It produces no heat, vibration, or sound, making it comfortable for musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions.
LLLT uses specific wavelengths of light that interact with your cells to stimulate repair, calm irritated tissue, and support your body’s natural healing processes. This cellular interaction — known as photobiomodulation — can help accelerate recovery and enhance the effectiveness of your physiotherapy treatment.
For Laser:
A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis found that LLLT is an effective treatment modality to reduce pain in adult patients with musculoskeletal disorders. They also noted that adherence to the World Association of Laser Therapy (WALT) dosages improved effectiveness.
A 2017 review titled "Effective treatment options for musculoskeletal pain in primary care: A systematic overview of current evidence" concluded that the evidence on effectiveness of laser therapy for shoulder pain or acute or chronic neck pain was inconclusive. With regards to knee pain low level laser therapy may confer added benefits to exercise and / or surgical treatment.
How Laser Therapy Works
The light used in LLLT is highly focused and capable of reaching both superficial and deeper tissues depending on its wavelength. Wavelengths between 660 nm and 905 nm have been shown to:
Benefits of Low-Level Laser Therapy
LLLT may be used alone or alongside other physiotherapy techniques to support recovery. Clinically supported benefits include:
Reduced Inflammation
Pain Relief
Accelerated Tissue Repair
LLLT stimulates cellular repair by activating:
fibroblasts (connective tissue healing)
keratinocytes (skin repair)
endothelial cells (blood vessel health)
lymphocytes (immune response)
This makes it particularly helpful for slow-healing injuries, postoperative recovery, and inflammatory conditions.
How We Use Laser Therapy in Physiotherapy
Laser therapy is often used to enhance your physiotherapy treatment plan. It may be incorporated alongside:
- manual therapy
- therapeutic exercise
- dry needling
- swelling and inflammation management
- movement retraining
Our goal is always to support healing from the inside out, reduce discomfort, and help you move more comfortably and confidently.
Laser therapy is gentle, safe, and fast — making it an excellent option for patients seeking relief from pain or inflammation while supporting long-term recovery.