Cold Laser Therapy for Neck Pain in Adelaide
Persistent neck pain can affect everything from your sleep to your ability to work. Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free approach that research suggests may help manage chronic neck pain. Initial consultations are $99.
What is cold laser therapy for neck pain?
Neck pain is extremely common, affecting up to two-thirds of Australians at some point in their lives. It can arise from a wide range of causes, including sustained postures at a desk, sleeping position, stress-related tension, degenerative changes, or acute injury. For many people, neck pain becomes a recurring issue that limits daily activities and quality of life.
Cold laser therapy (also known as photobiomodulation or low level laser therapy) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support cellular energy production and the body's natural recovery processes. For neck pain, the evidence is particularly strong. A landmark study published in The Lancet found that patients receiving LLLT were approximately four times more likely to experience clinically meaningful improvement compared to placebo.
How does cold laser therapy work for neck pain?
When applied to the cervical region (the neck area), the light energy penetrates through the skin to reach the deeper muscles, joints, and nerve structures. The interaction with cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria helps restore normal cellular energy production. For neck pain specifically, the downstream effects may include reduced inflammation in the cervical facet joints and surrounding soft tissues, effects on nerve conduction that may help reduce pain signalling, and support for repair processes in stressed or damaged tissue.
Who may benefit from cold laser therapy?
Cold laser therapy for neck pain may be worth considering if you experience persistent or recurring neck stiffness, if you spend long hours at a desk or screen, if you have tried other approaches without adequate relief, if you prefer a non-invasive and drug-free option, or if you are managing a condition such as cervical spondylosis or degenerative disc changes. Your suitability will be assessed during your initial consultation.
What does the research say?
Neck Pain is among the conditions with meaningful research support for cold laser therapy.
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 neck pain presentation.
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.
2. Assessment. A focused physical assessment relevant to your condition, including range of motion and functional testing where appropriate.
3. Suitability discussion. Based on the assessment, we will discuss whether cold laser therapy may be appropriate for your situation 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.
Our technology: why it matters
We use the Multi Radiance Super Pulsed Cold Laser, a TGA-listed Class IIa medical device (ARTG #370913) cleared by the FDA.
For neck pain, the therapeutic targets (cervical facet joints, deep cervical muscles, nerve roots) sit beneath several layers of tissue. Super pulsed delivery allows significant energy to reach these structures without heat at the surface. The Cochrane Cervical Overview found that super-pulsed LLLT specifically increases the chance of a successful pain outcome for neck pain.
Frequently asked questions
Research suggests cold laser therapy may help manage chronic neck pain. A systematic review published in The Lancet, analysing 16 RCTs with 820 patients, found that LLLT reduced pain for up to 22 weeks. Patients receiving LLLT were approximately four times more likely to improve than those receiving placebo. Individual responses vary.
The number of sessions varies depending on the severity and duration of your neck pain. 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.
Chronic neck pain can result from many factors, including sustained postures (desk work, screen time), degenerative changes in the cervical spine, previous injury, stress-related muscle tension, or a combination of factors. A thorough assessment during your consultation helps identify what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Yes. Cold laser therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or alongside other approaches you may already be receiving. It is non-invasive and does not interfere with most other therapies. Your clinician can discuss how it fits with your current management plan.
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 neck pain. For those who want to understand the bigger picture, here is how the musculoskeletal system connects.
Some patients with chronic neck pain find that factors beyond the neck itself may be contributing to their symptoms. Spinal alignment, thoracic (upper back) mobility, and postural habits can all influence how the cervical spine functions. 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 neck pain →Clinical references
- Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RAB, Bjordal JM. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials. The Lancet. 2009;374(9705):1897-1908. PubMed
- Gross AR, Dziengo S, Boers O, et al. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013. PubMed
- Son KM, et al. Efficacy of photobiomodulation: an umbrella review of meta-analyses. Systematic Reviews. 2025;14:65.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Musculoskeletal conditions. AIHW
- World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT). Recommended treatment doses for low level laser therapy: neck pain. WALT guidelines
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 neck pain. No referral needed. The decision is always yours.
Book Your Consultation Or call (08) 8297 5277 | Email info@adelaidecoldlaser.com.au