Complete Guide to Cold Laser Therapy in Adelaide
Complete Guide to Cold Laser Therapy in Adelaide
Everything you need to know about low-level laser therapy (LLLT) — how it works, what conditions it may help, the research behind it, and what to expect at Stapleton Chiropractic.
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What’s in This Guide
Cold Laser Therapy at a Glance
TGA ARTG 370913
(Chow et al. 2009)
($99 Initial Consult)
What Is Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy — also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) — is a non-invasive treatment that applies specific wavelengths of light to tissue to support the body’s natural recovery processes. Unlike surgical or cosmetic lasers, cold lasers do not cut, burn, or heat tissue. The term “cold” refers to the fact that the light energy output is below the threshold for thermal tissue damage.
How Does Photobiomodulation Work?
When photons from the laser reach cells, they are absorbed by chromophores — primarily cytochrome c oxidase within the mitochondria. This interaction supports the electron transport chain and may increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that cells use for energy. Research suggests this process may help with cellular repair, modulation of inflammatory markers, and local circulation.
The proposed biological mechanisms include:
- ATP production: Enhanced mitochondrial function may support cellular energy availability during tissue recovery.
- Inflammatory modulation: Research suggests photobiomodulation may influence prostaglandins, interleukins, and other inflammatory mediators.
- Circulation: LLLT may support local microcirculation, which can assist nutrient delivery and waste removal from damaged tissues.
- Nerve function: Some studies indicate photobiomodulation may influence nerve conduction velocity and nerve cell metabolism.
Cold Laser vs. Surgical Laser — What’s the Difference?
Surgical lasers (Class 4) use high-powered beams to cut or ablate tissue, typically at outputs exceeding 500 milliwatts. Cold lasers (Class 3B, such as the device we use at Stapleton Chiropractic) operate at lower power levels. They are designed to deliver therapeutic light energy without generating significant heat in the target tissue. The TGA regulates these devices in Australia — our unit carries ARTG listing 370913.
Conditions We Address with Cold Laser Therapy
The following table summarises the 12 primary conditions for which we offer cold laser therapy, along with the approximate strength of available research evidence, typical treatment protocols, and a key supporting study for each. Click any condition for an in-depth page.
| Condition | Evidence Level | Course Length | Key Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neck Pain | Strong | Shorter course | Chow et al. 2009, The Lancet |
| Low Back Pain | Strong | Standard course | Yousefi-Nooraie et al. 2008, Cochrane Review |
| Knee Osteoarthritis | Strong | Standard course | Huang et al. 2015, Osteoarthritis & Cartilage |
| Tendinopathy | Strong | Shorter course | Bjordal et al. 2006, Physical Therapy |
| Shoulder Pain | Moderate | Standard course | Haslerud et al. 2015, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders |
| Sciatica & Nerve Pain | Moderate | Standard course | Konstantinovic et al. 2010, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery |
| Arthritis (General) | Moderate | Standard course | Brosseau et al. 2005, Cochrane Review |
| Plantar Fasciitis | Moderate | Shorter course | Macias et al. 2015, Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics |
| Headaches & Migraines | Moderate | Shorter course | Loeb et al. 2018, Cephalalgia |
| TMJ Disorders | Moderate | Shorter course | Maia et al. 2012, Cranio |
| Sports Recovery | Moderate | Shorter course | Leal-Junior et al. 2015, Lasers in Medical Science |
| Fibromyalgia | Emerging | Extended course | Armagan et al. 2006, Rheumatology International |
Evidence levels are based on published systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials available as of 2025. “Strong” indicates multiple high-quality systematic reviews; “Moderate” indicates at least one systematic review or multiple RCTs; “Emerging” indicates limited but promising clinical trial data. Individual outcomes vary.
How Cold Laser Treatment Works at Stapleton Chiropractic
Initial Consultation & Assessment
Your first visit ($99) includes a thorough history, orthopaedic and neurological examination, and discussion of your goals. We determine whether cold laser therapy is appropriate for your presentation and develop a tailored management plan.
Treatment Protocol Design
Based on your assessment, we select the appropriate wavelength, dosage (measured in joules per cm²), and treatment area. Protocols are informed by published dosage guidelines — particularly the World Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy (WALT) recommendations.
Cold Laser Application
During each session, the laser probe is applied directly to the skin over the affected area. Sessions typically take 5–15 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area. Most people report feeling nothing or a mild warmth. Protective eyewear is provided for safety.
Progressive Review
We reassess your progress at regular intervals throughout the course of care. Treatment frequency and duration are tailored to your specific condition and response. Adjustments are made based on your progress, and the decision to continue is always yours.
Expected Outcomes Timeline
Some people notice changes early in their treatment course, while others may require more time before experiencing meaningful improvement. Research suggests that adequate dosage and treatment frequency are important factors in achieving positive outcomes. Results vary between individuals.
Evidence & Research
Cold laser therapy (LLLT/PBM) has been the subject of thousands of peer-reviewed studies. The following evidence cards highlight key publications that inform our clinical approach.
Landmark Systematic Review — Neck Pain
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 randomised controlled trials found that LLLT reduced pain immediately after treatment in acute and chronic neck pain compared with placebo.
Cochrane Review — Low Back Pain
A Cochrane systematic review examined LLLT for non-specific low back pain and found short-term improvements in pain and disability outcomes compared with sham laser.
Meta-Analysis — Knee Osteoarthritis
A meta-analysis of RCTs demonstrated that LLLT, when delivered at recommended dosages, was associated with reductions in knee pain and improvements in function.
Systematic Review — Tendinopathy
LLLT at recommended WALT dosages provided clinically significant pain reduction in tendinopathy compared to placebo.
Exercise Recovery & Performance
Photobiomodulation applied before exercise may reduce muscle fatigue and markers of muscle damage, potentially supporting faster recovery.
TGA Regulatory Framework
Our Class 3B laser is registered under ARTG listing 370913, meeting the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s safety and quality requirements for therapeutic devices in Australia.
Note: Research evidence supports the use of LLLT for various musculoskeletal conditions, but individual responses vary. We do not claim that cold laser therapy will produce specific outcomes for every patient.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Laser Therapy
General Questions
Safety & Side Effects
Treatment Process
Cost & Coverage
Conditions & Effectiveness
Comparing Cold Laser to Other Treatments
Our Device & Technology
Explore Conditions In Depth
Each condition has a dedicated page with detailed information about how cold laser therapy is applied, the specific research evidence, and what to expect during treatment.
Related Chiropractic Condition Pages
Pricing
Includes assessment & first treatment
Follow-up cold laser treatment
No referral required. Cold laser therapy is a private fee service. No referral needed. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Ready to Find Out If Cold Laser Therapy Is Right for You?
Book your initial assessment at Stapleton Chiropractic. We’ll examine your condition, discuss the evidence, and create a tailored management plan.
Book Your $99 Initial Assessment
(08) 8297 5277
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