Cold Laser Therapy for Low Back Pain in Adelaide
Low back pain can stop you in your tracks. Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free approach that research suggests may help manage lower back pain and support recovery. Initial consultations are $99.
What is cold laser therapy for low back pain?
Low back pain is one of the most common health conditions in Australia, affecting approximately 4 million Australians at any given time. Whether it stems from a sudden injury, years of physical work, prolonged sitting, degenerative disc changes, or no obvious cause at all, it can significantly impact your ability to work, exercise, sleep, and enjoy daily life.
Cold laser therapy (photobiomodulation) uses specific wavelengths of light to support cellular energy production and the body's natural recovery processes. A systematic review of 20 randomised controlled trials involving 1,323 patients found a significant positive effect on pain relief versus sham for low back pain, particularly when used as an add-on therapy alongside other treatments.
How does cold laser therapy work for low back pain?
When applied to the lumbar region (lower back), the light energy penetrates through the skin and superficial tissue to reach the deeper structures including the lumbar facet joints, disc margins, spinal ligaments, and surrounding musculature. The interaction with cellular mitochondria helps restore normal energy production. For low back pain, the downstream effects may include modulation of the inflammatory response in irritated joints and discs, effects on nerve conduction that may help reduce pain signalling, support for repair processes in strained muscles and ligaments, and improved local circulation to the treated area.
Who may benefit from cold laser therapy?
Cold laser therapy for low back pain may be worth considering if you experience persistent or recurring lower back stiffness and pain, if you have degenerative disc changes or facet joint irritation, if you do physical work that places load on your back, if you prefer a non-invasive and drug-free option, or if you have tried other approaches without adequate relief. Your suitability will be assessed during your initial consultation.
What does the research say?
Low Back 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 low back 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 low back pain, the therapeutic targets (lumbar discs, facet joints, deep spinal muscles, nerve roots) sit well below the skin surface. Super pulsed delivery at the 905nm wavelength allows significant energy to reach these deeper structures without generating heat at the surface, which is critical for effective treatment of lumbar conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Research suggests cold laser therapy may help manage low back pain. A systematic review of 20 RCTs involving 1,323 patients found a significant positive effect on pain relief versus sham. The therapy appears particularly effective as an add-on to other treatments. Individual responses vary.
The number of sessions varies depending on the severity, duration, and nature of your low back pain. Your clinician will discuss a recommended approach during your initial consultation. There are no lock-in plans, and the decision about how to proceed is always yours.
Cold laser therapy may be suitable for some presentations involving disc-related symptoms. The assessment during your initial consultation will help determine whether cold laser therapy is appropriate for your specific situation. The therapy is non-invasive and does not involve manipulation of the spine.
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 may be used to help manage symptoms while you are waiting for a surgical procedure. It is non-invasive and does not interfere with surgical planning. Discuss your situation with your clinician during the consultation.
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 low back pain. For those who want to understand the bigger picture, here is how the musculoskeletal system connects.
Some patients with low back pain find that factors beyond the local area may be contributing to their symptoms. Pelvic alignment, hip mobility, and how forces are distributed through the spine can all influence lower back function. 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 low back pain →Clinical references
- Huang Z, et al. Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in patients with low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers Med Sci. 2020.
- Son KM, et al. Efficacy of photobiomodulation: an umbrella review of meta-analyses. Systematic Reviews. 2025;14:65.
- Glazov G, Yelland M, Emery J. Low-level laser therapy for chronic non-specific low back pain: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Acupunct Med. 2016;34(5):328-341.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Back problems. AIHW
- World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT). Recommended treatment doses: low back 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 low back pain. No referral needed. The decision is always yours.
Book Your Consultation Or call (08) 8297 5277 | Email info@adelaidecoldlaser.com.au