Cold Laser Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis in Adelaide
Knee pain from osteoarthritis can make everyday activities a challenge. Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free approach that research suggests may help manage knee OA pain and support improved function. Initial consultations are $99.
What is cold laser therapy for knee osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint conditions in Australia, affecting an estimated 2.2 million Australians according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. It involves the gradual wearing down of cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. For many people, it affects the ability to walk, climb stairs, or simply enjoy daily activities.
Cold laser therapy (also known as photobiomodulation or low level laser therapy) is a non-invasive, drug-free approach that uses specific wavelengths of light to support cellular energy production and the body's natural recovery processes. For knee osteoarthritis, research suggests that cold laser therapy may help manage pain, reduce inflammation at the cellular level, and support improved joint function.
How does cold laser therapy work for knee OA?
When specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light are applied to the knee, the light energy is absorbed by an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria. This interaction helps restore normal cellular energy production (ATP), providing the fuel cells need for repair and recovery processes. The downstream effects may include modulation of the inflammatory response, support for tissue repair in damaged cartilage and surrounding structures, and effects on nerve conduction that may help reduce pain signalling.
The therapy is called "cold" because, unlike surgical or cosmetic lasers, it does not generate heat or damage tissue. Treatment is painless, with most people feeling nothing or a mild warmth during the session.
Who may benefit from cold laser therapy?
Cold laser therapy for knee osteoarthritis may be worth considering if you are looking for a non-invasive alternative or complement to medication, if you have been managing knee OA with anti-inflammatories and want to explore additional options, if you are waiting for surgery and want to manage symptoms in the meantime, or if you prefer a drug-free approach to pain management. Your suitability will be assessed during your initial consultation.
What does the research say?
Knee osteoarthritis has one of the strongest evidence bases for cold laser therapy. Here are some key findings from peer-reviewed research.
Individual responses vary. These findings represent population-level research outcomes.
What happens at a cold laser therapy consultation?
Your initial consultation ($99) at Adelaide Cold Laser includes a musculoskeletal assessment to determine whether cold laser therapy may be suitable for your knee osteoarthritis presentation. Here is what the process looks like:
1. We listen to your story. We will discuss your symptoms, how long they have been present, what makes them better or worse, and what you have tried so far. Understanding your experience is the starting point.
2. Assessment. A focused physical assessment of your knee, including range of motion, palpation, and functional testing. This helps us understand the current state of your joint and surrounding tissues.
3. Suitability discussion. Based on the assessment, we will discuss whether cold laser therapy may be appropriate for your situation, what a typical course of treatment involves, and what you might realistically expect. No pressure, no commitments.
4. Treatment may begin. Where clinically appropriate, cold laser treatment may begin at your first visit. A typical session takes 15 to 30 minutes. The treatment is painless and non-invasive.
*Subject to clinical assessment and individual presentation. The decision about how to proceed is always yours.
How do cold laser therapy fees compare?
Cold laser therapy consultation fees in Australia typically range from $150 to $250 for an initial appointment. At Adelaide Cold Laser, your initial consultation is $99, which includes a full musculoskeletal assessment and, where appropriate, treatment may begin on the same visit.
No lock-in plans. No pressure. The decision is always yours.
Why does the laser technology matter for knee OA?
We use the Multi Radiance Super Pulsed Cold Laser, a TGA-listed Class IIa medical device (ARTG #370913) cleared by the FDA. We specifically chose this technology for conditions like knee osteoarthritis because of how it delivers light energy to deeper joint structures.
Super pulsed delivery means the laser fires in ultra-short, high-powered bursts (billionths of a second). Each pulse delivers significant energy to the joint without heat building up at the skin surface. This is particularly important for the knee, where the therapeutic target (cartilage, synovial membrane, subchondral bone) sits beneath layers of skin, muscle, and the joint capsule.
The 2024 network meta-analysis identified the 904-905nm wavelength as the most effective for knee osteoarthritis pain. This is the exact wavelength our laser operates at. Combined with its ability to reach the treatment doses recommended by the World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT), our technology is well matched to the research evidence for knee OA.
Frequently asked questions
Research suggests cold laser therapy (photobiomodulation) may help manage knee osteoarthritis pain and improve function. A systematic review of 22 randomised controlled trials involving 1,063 patients found that LLLT at recommended doses reduced pain beyond placebo. A 2024 network meta-analysis identified the 905nm wavelength as the most effective. Individual responses vary, and suitability is assessed during your consultation.
The number of sessions varies depending on the severity and duration of your condition. Your clinician will discuss a recommended approach during your initial consultation, based on your individual presentation. There are no lock-in plans, and the decision about how to proceed is always yours.
No. Cold laser therapy is non-invasive and painless. Unlike surgical or cosmetic lasers, it does not generate heat or damage tissue. Most people feel nothing during treatment, though some report a mild warmth in the treated area.
Cold laser therapy is generally well tolerated. Our Multi Radiance Super Pulsed Laser is a TGA-listed Class IIa medical device (ARTG #370913) and is FDA cleared. It has been used safely for decades across clinical settings worldwide, including by professional sports teams and at the Olympic Games.
Cold laser therapy is non-invasive, drug-free, and does not require injections or surgery. It works at the cellular level by supporting the body's natural energy production and repair processes. It can be used as a standalone therapy or alongside other treatments you may already be receiving.
No referral is needed. You can book directly online or call us on (08) 8297 5277. Your initial consultation is $99 and includes a musculoskeletal assessment to determine whether cold laser therapy may be suitable for your needs.
The chiropractic connection
Cold laser therapy works as a standalone treatment for knee osteoarthritis. For those who want to understand the bigger picture, here is how the musculoskeletal system connects.
Some patients with knee osteoarthritis find that factors beyond the knee itself may be contributing to their symptoms. Changes in how the hip, pelvis, or lower back move can alter the way forces are distributed through the knee joint. For those interested in understanding whether structural factors may be relevant to their presentation, a chiropractic assessment can help explore these connections.
At Stapleton Chiropractic (same location, 528 Marion Road), Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) provides evidence-based musculoskeletal assessment and care.
Learn more about chiropractic care for joint conditions →Clinical references
- Stausholm MB, Naterstad IF, Joensen J, et al. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials. BMJ Open. 2019;9(10):e031142. Full text
- Son KM, Cho NH, Lim SH, Kim HA. Efficacy of photobiomodulation for knee osteoarthritis: an umbrella review of meta-analyses. Systematic Reviews. 2025;14:65. PubMed
- Alayat MSM, et al. Comparative effects of different wavelengths of low-level laser therapy on knee osteoarthritis: a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Lasers Med Sci. 2024. PubMed
- Huang Z, Chen J, Ma J, et al. Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2015;23(9):1437-1444.
- World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT). Recommended treatment doses for low level laser therapy: knee osteoarthritis. WALT guidelines
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Osteoarthritis. AIHW
Reviewed by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), Stapleton Chiropractic Adelaide. Last reviewed: March 2026.
Ready to explore your options?
Book a consultation to discuss whether cold laser therapy may be suitable for your knee osteoarthritis. No referral needed. The decision is always yours.
Book Your Consultation Or call (08) 8297 5277 | Email info@adelaidecoldlaser.com.au