Cold Laser Therapy for Arthritis in Adelaide
Arthritis pain and stiffness can make everyday tasks a struggle. Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free approach that research suggests may help manage arthritis-related pain and inflammation. Initial consultations are $99.
What is cold laser therapy for arthritis?
Arthritis is not a single condition but a term covering more than 100 different types of joint disease. The most common forms are osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear degeneration of joint cartilage), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition affecting joint linings), and gout. What they share is joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion that can significantly affect quality of life.
Cold laser therapy (photobiomodulation) works at the cellular level to support energy production and the body's natural recovery processes. Research has shown particular promise for knee and hand osteoarthritis, where systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials have found evidence supporting pain reduction and improved function when appropriate doses are used.
How does cold laser therapy work for arthritis?
When specific wavelengths of light are applied to an arthritic joint, the energy is absorbed at the cellular level, helping to restore normal mitochondrial function and ATP production. For arthritis, the downstream effects may include modulation of the inflammatory response within the joint capsule and surrounding tissues, support for cellular repair processes in damaged cartilage and synovial membrane, effects on nerve conduction that may help reduce pain signalling, and improved local circulation to support nutrient delivery and waste removal from the joint.
Who may benefit from cold laser therapy?
Cold laser therapy for arthritis may be worth considering if you have osteoarthritis in the knees, hips, hands, or other joints, if you experience morning stiffness and joint pain that limits your daily activities, if you prefer a non-invasive complement to your current management plan, if you want to explore drug-free options for pain management, or if other approaches have not provided adequate relief. Your suitability will be assessed during your initial consultation.
What does the research say?
Arthritis 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 arthritis 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 arthritis, the therapeutic targets vary by joint. Knee and hip joints require deeper penetration than hand joints. Super pulsed delivery at 905nm ensures adequate energy reaches the joint capsule, cartilage surfaces, and surrounding inflammatory tissue regardless of depth, which is essential for effective treatment of deeper joints like the hip.
Frequently asked questions
Research suggests cold laser therapy may help manage arthritis-related pain and improve function, particularly for osteoarthritis. A systematic review of 22 RCTs found evidence supporting LLLT for knee osteoarthritis when appropriate doses are used. Individual responses vary.
The strongest research evidence is for osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee. There is also emerging evidence for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions. Your clinician will assess your specific type and presentation during the consultation.
The number of sessions varies depending on the type of arthritis, which joints are affected, and the severity. Your clinician will discuss a recommended approach during your initial consultation. There are no lock-in plans.
No. Cold laser therapy is non-invasive and painless. It does not generate heat or damage tissue. Most people feel nothing or a mild warmth during the session.
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.
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 arthritis. For those who want to understand the bigger picture, here is how the musculoskeletal system connects.
Some patients with arthritis find that joint mobility in the surrounding areas may influence their symptoms. For example, hip arthritis can be affected by pelvic and lumbar spine function, while hand arthritis can be influenced by wrist and elbow mechanics. 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 arthritis and joint conditions →Clinical references
- Stausholm MB, et al. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis. BMJ Open. 2019;9(10):e031142.
- Son KM, et al. Efficacy of photobiomodulation: an umbrella review. Systematic Reviews. 2025;14:65.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Arthritis. AIHW
- World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT). Recommended treatment doses for arthritis. 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 arthritis. No referral needed. The decision is always yours.
Book Your Consultation Or call (08) 8297 5277 | Email info@adelaidecoldlaser.com.au