What is Laser Therapy?

Low-intensity laser therapy (LILT), also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT), cold laser therapy, or photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-power lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation.

How it works: Unlike high-intensity surgical lasers that cut or destroy tissue with heat, low-intensity lasers use light energy at wavelengths (typically red or near-infrared light, around 600-1000 nanometers) that penetrate the skin and are absorbed by cells.

LILT is an effective treatment for many soft tissue conditions such as back pain, injuries, TMJ disorders, sprains, arthritis, strains, and more.

Benefits of Laser Therapy

Pain Reduction

Laser therapy reduces both acute and chronic pain by:

• Inhibiting pain signals from peripheral nerves.
• Increasing endorphin release, the body’s natural painkillers.
• Reducing inflammation and edema, which relieves pressure on pain receptors.

Patients often experience relief from conditions such as arthritis, back pain, neck pain, tendinitis, neuralgia, and sports injuries.

PubMed: Low-level laser therapy for chronic non-specific low back pain: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Accelerated Tissue Repair & Cell Growth

The laser light stimulates mitochondrial activity in cells, enhancing the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) — the cell’s energy currency.
This leads to:

• Faster cell regeneration.
• Enhanced collagen synthesis and fibroblast activity, which speed up wound healing.
• Improved muscle and ligament repair following injury.

MDPI: Changes in Cell Biology under the Influence of Low-Level Laser Therapy

Reduced Inflammation and Swelling

Laser therapy has an anti-inflammatory effect through:

• Vasodilation, improving blood and lymphatic circulation.
• Reduced interstitial fluid accumulation.
• Decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., prostaglandins).

This makes it valuable in treating joint inflammation, soft-tissue injuries, and post-surgical swelling.

PubMed: Biological effects of low level laser therapy

Enhanced Blood Flow and Oxygenation

LILT light promotes angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and increases oxygen delivery to tissues.

• Chronic wounds (ulcers, diabetic wounds).
• Ischemic conditions where circulation is compromised.

PubMed: Low level laser therapy promotes bone regeneration by coupling angiogenesis and osteogenesis

Non-Invasive, Drug-Free, and Safe

• The treatment does not use needles or medications.
• Can be used alongside other treatments (e.g., chiropractic, massage, osteopathy, physiotherapy, medications).
• Suitable for a wide range of patients of any age or level of fitness.

What to Expect During a Session

Each session is includes a combination of therapies that is adapted to your needs. The appointment lasts about an hour and can include the use of low intensity laser therapy, massage therapy, manual osteopathy, and somatics as necessary.

The appointments are gentle. We do not use injections or other invasive treatments.

Typically for many conditions, relief can be expected within 4 to 6 appointments, however this does vary from patient-to-patient and by condition. Some may require more or less treatments. These appointments are typically about one week apart but the therapist may adjust this frequency to best suit your needs.

Is Laser Therapy Right for You?

Laser Therapy is safe for most individuals and cam be used alongside other treatments. There may be medications, conditions, or other circumstances where Laser Therapy is not the right choice. In that circumstance, we can offer more focused Manual Osteopathy, Massage Therapy, and Somatics to help you feel better.