Cold Laser Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis in Adelaide
That stabbing pain in your heel with your first steps in the morning is a hallmark of plantar fasciitis. Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive approach that research suggests may help manage plantar fascia pain. Initial consultations are $99.
What is cold laser therapy for plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis involves pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes. The hallmark symptom is sharp heel pain with the first steps of the morning or after prolonged sitting, which may ease with movement but worsen again after long periods on your feet.
Cold laser therapy (photobiomodulation) has been studied for tendinopathies including plantar fasciitis. A systematic review published in BMJ Open (2022) found significant pain reduction at completed therapy with sustained benefit at 4 to 12 weeks when WALT-recommended doses are used. The therapy works at the cellular level to support energy production and recovery in the stressed plantar fascia tissue.
How does cold laser therapy work for plantar fasciitis?
When applied to the plantar surface of the foot and heel, the light energy penetrates through the skin to reach the plantar fascia and its attachment point at the calcaneus (heel bone). The plantar fascia, like other tendons and connective tissues, has a relatively limited blood supply, which contributes to its slow healing. The downstream effects of cold laser therapy may include support for cellular repair processes in the damaged fascia, modulation of the inflammatory response at the fascial attachment, effects on nerve conduction that may help reduce the characteristic morning pain, and improved local circulation to support nutrient delivery to the healing tissue.
Who may benefit from cold laser therapy?
Cold laser therapy for plantar fasciitis may be worth considering if you experience that characteristic morning heel pain, if you have been managing plantar fasciitis for weeks or months without adequate improvement, if you are a runner or spend long hours on your feet, if you prefer to avoid cortisone injections, if you are looking for a non-invasive and drug-free option, or if orthotics and stretching alone have not resolved your symptoms. Your suitability will be assessed during your initial consultation.
What does the research say?
Plantar Fasciitis 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 plantar fasciitis 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 plantar fasciitis, the plantar fascia sits relatively close to the surface on the sole of the foot, but the tissue is dense and the calcaneal attachment point is surrounded by fatty padding. Super pulsed delivery at 905nm ensures adequate energy reaches the fascia and its attachment point, which is critical for treating the specific area where inflammation and micro-damage occur.
Frequently asked questions
Research suggests cold laser therapy may help manage plantar fasciitis pain. The BMJ Open systematic review of tendinopathies found significant pain reduction with sustained benefit at 4 to 12 weeks when appropriate doses are used. Individual responses vary.
The number of sessions depends on the severity and duration of your plantar fasciitis. Your clinician will discuss a recommended approach during your initial consultation. There are no lock-in plans.
This depends on your specific situation and will be discussed during your consultation. In many cases, modified activity can continue alongside cold laser treatment. Your clinician will provide guidance.
No. The treatment is applied to the sole of the foot and heel area and is completely painless. Most people feel nothing or a mild warmth.
Yes. Cold laser therapy complements orthotic use. The laser addresses the cellular and inflammatory components while orthotics address the biomechanical factors. Many patients use both approaches together.
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.
The chiropractic connection
Cold laser therapy works as a standalone treatment for plantar fasciitis. For those who want to understand the bigger picture, here is how the musculoskeletal system connects.
Some patients with plantar fasciitis find that biomechanical factors beyond the foot itself may be contributing to their condition. Ankle mobility, calf tension, knee alignment, and pelvic mechanics can all influence how forces are distributed through the plantar fascia. 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 assessment for musculoskeletal conditions →Clinical references
- Stausholm MB, et al. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on pain and function in tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2022.
- Ulusoy A, et al. Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in patients with plantar fasciitis. Lasers Med Sci. 2017;32(4):757-764.
- Son KM, et al. Efficacy of photobiomodulation: an umbrella review. Systematic Reviews. 2025;14:65.
- World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT). Recommended treatment doses for tendinopathies. 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 plantar fasciitis. No referral needed. The decision is always yours.
Book Your Consultation Or call (08) 8297 5277 | Email info@adelaidecoldlaser.com.au