Cold Laser Therapy for Fibromyalgia in Adelaide
Fibromyalgia brings widespread pain, fatigue, and frustration. Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free approach that research suggests may help manage fibromyalgia-related symptoms. Initial consultations are $99.
What is cold laser therapy for fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and heightened sensitivity to pressure. It can also involve cognitive difficulties (often called "fibro fog"), headaches, and other associated symptoms. The condition can be difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to manage, often leaving patients feeling frustrated after years of searching for effective approaches.
Cold laser therapy (photobiomodulation) has been studied for fibromyalgia with encouraging results. The 2025 umbrella review by Son et al., which analysed 15 meta-analyses covering 204 RCTs and more than 9,000 participants, found moderate-certainty evidence supporting photobiomodulation for fibromyalgia-related fatigue, with a large effect size (eSMD 1.25).
How does cold laser therapy work for fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is associated with widespread pain and heightened pain sensitivity. Cold laser therapy works at the cellular level, supporting mitochondrial energy production and modulating inflammatory pathways in the targeted tissues. For fibromyalgia, the approach typically involves treating multiple tender points and areas of pain. The downstream effects may include reduced inflammation at the cellular level across multiple sites and support for energy production in fatigued tissues. Individual responses vary.
Who may benefit from cold laser therapy?
Cold laser therapy for fibromyalgia may be worth considering if you experience widespread pain across multiple body regions, if fatigue is a significant part of your condition, if you are looking for a non-invasive complement to your current management plan, if you prefer drug-free approaches or want to reduce reliance on pain medication, or if you have tried other treatments without adequate relief. Your suitability will be assessed during your initial consultation.
What does the research say?
Fibromyalgia 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 fibromyalgia 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 fibromyalgia, treatment typically involves applying the laser to multiple areas across the body. Super pulsed delivery at 905nm ensures adequate energy reaches deeper tissues at each treatment site. The ability to cover multiple areas efficiently within a single session is important for a condition that involves widespread pain.
Frequently asked questions
Research suggests cold laser therapy may help manage fibromyalgia symptoms, particularly fatigue. The 2025 umbrella review found moderate-certainty evidence supporting photobiomodulation for fibromyalgia-related fatigue with a large effect size. Individual responses vary.
Fibromyalgia is a complex condition and the number of sessions can vary significantly. Due to the widespread nature of the condition, treatment courses may be longer than for localised conditions. Your clinician will discuss expectations during your consultation. No lock-in plans.
No. Cold laser therapy is non-invasive and painless. This is particularly relevant for fibromyalgia patients, who often have heightened sensitivity. The treatment does not involve pressure on tender points.
Cold laser therapy is non-invasive and does not interact with medications. It can be used alongside your existing management plan. Always consult your prescribing doctor about any changes to medication.
Cold laser therapy is not a one-time fix for fibromyalgia. It is a supportive therapy that research suggests may help manage certain symptoms, particularly fatigue and pain. It is one tool that may form part of a broader management approach.
No referral is needed. You can book directly online or call us on (08) 8297 5277. Your initial consultation is $99 and includes an assessment.
The chiropractic connection
Cold laser therapy works as a standalone treatment for fibromyalgia. For those who want to understand the bigger picture, here is how the musculoskeletal system connects.
Some patients with fibromyalgia find that musculoskeletal factors, including spinal mobility and postural patterns, may influence their symptoms. While fibromyalgia is complex pain mechanisms, addressing musculoskeletal contributors such as spinal mobility and soft-tissue tension may form part of a broader management approach. For those interested in exploring whether structural assessment may be relevant, chiropractic care provides a thorough musculoskeletal evaluation.
At Stapleton Chiropractic (same location, 528 Marion Road), Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) provides evidence-based musculoskeletal assessment and care.
Learn more about chiropractic assessment for musculoskeletal conditions →Clinical references
- Son KM, et al. Efficacy of photobiomodulation for musculoskeletal conditions: an umbrella review of meta-analyses. Systematic Reviews. 2025;14:65.
- De Carvalho PTC, et al. Effect of laser photobiomodulation on fibromyalgia: a systematic review. Lasers Med Sci. 2018;33(3):575-583.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Chronic musculoskeletal conditions. AIHW
- World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT). Recommended treatment doses. 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 fibromyalgia. No referral needed. The decision is always yours.
Book Your Consultation Or call (08) 8297 5277 | Email info@adelaidecoldlaser.com.au