Cold Laser Therapy FAQ — Questions Answered

Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue at the cellular level. The clinical term is photobiomodulation (PBM). Unlike surgical or cosmetic lasers, cold laser does not cut, burn, or heat the skin. At Stapleton Chiropractic, Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) uses a clinical-grade Multi-Radiance MR5 ACTIV PRO device, which is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG 370913) as a Class IIa medical device. The light energy may help support the body’s natural tissue repair and recovery processes. Individual responses vary.

It is a reasonable question. Research suggests that specific wavelengths of light are absorbed by a molecule called cytochrome c oxidase inside your cells’ mitochondria. This absorption may support cellular energy production (ATP), which the body uses for tissue repair and managing inflammation. Think of it like sunlight helping a plant grow, but using precise wavelengths targeting specific cellular processes rather than broad-spectrum light. The mechanisms are described in peer-reviewed research, including Hamblin (2017) in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery.

No. Surgical lasers use high-powered continuous beams to cut or destroy tissue. Cold laser therapy uses low-level or super-pulsed light that does not generate heat in the tissue. You will not feel burning, and there is no cutting involved. The MR5 ACTIV PRO used at Stapleton Chiropractic is classified as Class 1M, meaning it operates well below the power levels that could damage tissue. You can think of the difference as the gap between a blowtorch and a torch you would use to read at night.

PBM stands for photobiomodulation. Breaking it down: “photo” means light, “bio” means biological, and “modulation” means a regulatory change. The term was formally adopted by the World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT) in 2014 and added to the PubMed medical vocabulary in 2015. You may also hear it called low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or cold laser therapy. They all refer to the same approach. PBM is the current clinical standard because it accurately describes a process of light modulating biological function.

The key differences are power delivery and tissue penetration. LED panels use non-coherent, broad-beam light at relatively low power densities. They may be useful for skin-level concerns. Clinical cold laser devices like the MR5 ACTIV PRO deliver super-pulsed laser energy at 905 nm in nanosecond bursts, reaching deeper musculoskeletal structures. The majority of published clinical trials for musculoskeletal conditions use laser-based devices, not LED panels. Different technologies serve different purposes, and the clinical evidence we follow is based on laser-specific parameters.

Photobiomodulation was discovered in 1967 by Professor Endre Mester in Budapest, Hungary. He observed accelerated wound healing in rats exposed to low-level laser light. Since then, thousands of peer-reviewed studies have been published. It gained formal recognition when “photobiomodulation therapy” was added to the PubMed medical vocabulary in 2015. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) has offered cold laser therapy at Stapleton Chiropractic since 2014. The field has matured significantly over five decades of research and clinical use. —

Research suggests it may. A landmark systematic review by Chow et al. (2009), published in The Lancet, analysed 16 randomised controlled trials involving 820 patients and found that laser therapy significantly reduced neck pain. Patients receiving laser therapy were approximately four times more likely to experience improvement compared to placebo. At Stapleton Chiropractic, cold laser is one option that may be considered as part of your management plan, depending on your clinical assessment. Individual responses vary, and your initial consultation ($99, treatment included where appropriate) covers a thorough assessment.

Low back pain is one of the conditions where photobiomodulation research shows potential. Evidence indicates that PBM may help manage pain and support tissue recovery through anti-inflammatory and cellular repair pathways. A 2016 randomised controlled trial by Glazov et al. in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders found improvements in pain and disability for chronic non-specific low back pain. Whether cold laser is appropriate for your situation depends on a proper clinical assessment. Not every back problem responds the same way, and individual outcomes vary.

Tendinopathy is one of the better-researched applications for photobiomodulation. Bjordal et al. (2003) found evidence supporting low-level laser therapy for tendinopathy when applied at appropriate doses. Research suggests PBM may help manage the inflammatory and cellular repair processes involved in tendon conditions. At Stapleton Chiropractic, Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) assesses whether cold laser may be appropriate for your specific tendon presentation and can combine it with other management strategies as needed. Your initial consultation is $99.

Research suggests photobiomodulation may help manage pain and stiffness associated with certain joint conditions. Studies have examined its potential role in supporting tissue around affected joints and managing inflammatory responses. However, individual responses vary considerably, and cold laser does not reverse structural joint changes. At your initial consultation, Sam will assess your joint condition and discuss whether cold laser may be a suitable part of your management approach. It is often considered alongside other conservative strategies.

Post-surgical recovery is an area where PBM research shows some promise. Evidence indicates that photobiomodulation may help support tissue healing processes and manage post-operative discomfort. A 2018 randomised controlled trial using the same device model found decreased pain scores and inflammatory markers following hip arthroplasty (Langella et al., Lasers in Medical Science). Whether cold laser is appropriate depends on your specific surgery, healing stage, and your surgeon’s recommendations. We always coordinate with your surgical team.

Cold laser therapy is not limited to musculoskeletal conditions. Research has explored its potential role in areas including wound healing, nerve-related concerns, and tissue recovery following injury or surgery. The range of conditions that may respond to photobiomodulation is broader than many people expect. Not sure if cold laser is right for you? The best first step is a consultation where Sam can assess your situation and discuss whether PBM may be appropriate. Call (08) 8297 5277 or book online at stapletonchiropractic.com.au. —

Cold laser therapy has a strong safety profile in published research. The MR5 ACTIV PRO is classified as Class 1M laser and is listed on the ARTG as a Class IIa medical device (ARTG 370913). It does not cut, burn, or heat the tissue. A 2015 study specifically testing this device model across all skin types found no significant skin temperature increases (Grandinetti et al., Lasers in Medical Science). As with any therapeutic intervention, there are some situations where it may not be appropriate, which is why a clinical assessment is always the first step.

Significant side effects from cold laser therapy are uncommon in published literature. Some patients report mild, temporary effects such as slight warmth at the treatment site, mild tingling, or occasionally a temporary increase in awareness of the treated area. These typically resolve within hours. Serious adverse events are rare in clinical trials. At Stapleton Chiropractic, Sam discusses what to expect before treatment begins. If you have any concerns about your individual suitability, raise them during your consultation.

As a precaution, cold laser therapy is generally not applied directly over the uterus during pregnancy. This is a standard clinical precaution rather than an established risk, as limited research exists on PBM during pregnancy. Treatment to other areas of the body may still be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, let Sam know at your consultation so he can assess whether cold laser is appropriate for your situation and discuss alternative management options.

Cold laser therapy may be appropriate for children in certain circumstances, depending on the condition and clinical presentation. Paediatric suitability is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you are considering cold laser for your child, the first step is a consultation where Sam can evaluate the situation, discuss the evidence for your child’s specific concern, and determine whether PBM is a suitable option. Call (08) 8297 5277 to discuss before booking.

Cold laser therapy is not applied directly over known active malignancies. This is a standard clinical precaution across the photobiomodulation field. If you have a history of cancer or are currently undergoing cancer treatment, it is important to disclose this at your consultation. Sam will review your medical history and discuss whether cold laser is appropriate for your specific situation, taking into account the location and nature of your condition. Your oncologist’s input may also be sought.

Metal implants and tattoos are generally not a contraindication for cold laser therapy, as the light does not heat metal the way diathermy or ultrasound might. However, treatment over a tattoo may require some adjustment. Pacemakers and other implanted electronic devices require a more cautious approach. If you have any implanted devices, let Sam know before treatment so he can assess your individual situation. The initial consultation at Stapleton Chiropractic covers a thorough review of your medical history and suitability. —

At Stapleton Chiropractic, your initial cold laser consultation is $99, which includes a thorough assessment and treatment where clinically appropriate. Standard follow-up sessions start from $80. No lock-in plans, no pressure to commit to a treatment package. The decision is always yours. If you have private health insurance with chiropractic extras cover, you may be eligible for a partial rebate. Check with your fund for your specific policy details.

There is no fixed number. The number of sessions depends on your condition, how long you have had it, its severity, and how your body responds. Some people notice a change within a few sessions; others may take longer. Sam will discuss a recommended approach after your initial assessment and review your progress along the way. We do not lock you into prepaid session blocks. If at any point you feel the approach is not working for you, there is no obligation to continue.

A typical cold laser treatment session takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the area being treated and the clinical approach. Your initial consultation ($99) will be longer because it includes a full assessment, discussion of your history, and treatment where appropriate. Follow-up sessions are generally more focused. The treatment itself is usually a portion of the overall session time, as Sam may also include manual assessment or other conservative management as part of your care.

Most patients feel very little during cold laser treatment. You may notice a mild warmth or gentle tingling in the area, but many people feel nothing at all. Unlike hot lasers, there is no burning, stinging, or discomfort. The device is applied to the skin over the treatment area, and you can relax during the process. There is no downtime afterwards. You can return to work or normal activities immediately. It is one of the reasons patients appreciate the treatment: it is straightforward and non-invasive.

Yes. At Stapleton Chiropractic, cold laser is often used alongside chiropractic care. Some patients find that the combination of manual therapy and photobiomodulation may complement each other. For example, cold laser may help manage tissue inflammation while chiropractic adjustments address joint function. Sam will assess whether a combined approach is appropriate for your presentation. A chiropractic initial consultation is $69 and a cold laser initial is $99. If both are relevant, Sam can discuss a practical plan at your first visit.

Cold laser therapy is not listed as a separate modality by Australian private health funds. However, when delivered by a registered chiropractor as part of a chiropractic consultation, it falls under your chiropractic extras cover. Most mid-to-top tier private health policies include chiropractic. Rebates and annual limits vary by fund and policy level, so check with your insurer. Medicare does not cover cold laser therapy directly, though a GP Management Plan (EPC) may provide a partial rebate for chiropractic visits. —

The primary differences are power output, delivery method, and alignment with published research. The MR5 ACTIV PRO delivers super-pulsed laser energy at 50,000 mW peak power in nanosecond bursts, which may allow photons to reach deeper musculoskeletal structures. Consumer devices typically use continuous-wave LEDs at significantly lower power levels, primarily interacting with surface-level tissue. The clinical studies that form the evidence base for musculoskeletal PBM generally use devices with parameters similar to clinical-grade equipment, not consumer products.

Different technologies serve different purposes. Some consumer devices may offer value for surface-level concerns, and there is emerging research on home-use LED devices for certain applications. However, the published clinical evidence for musculoskeletal conditions such as tendinopathy, joint pain, and tissue recovery predominantly uses laser-based devices delivering specific wavelengths, dosages, and power densities. Consumer products generally do not match these parameters, so it is difficult to draw direct comparisons with the clinical research.

The cost reflects several factors. The MR5 ACTIV PRO is a professional medical device with a replacement value of over $15,000 (USD), listed on the ARTG as a Class IIa medical device. Beyond the equipment, your session includes a clinical assessment by a registered chiropractor who determines the appropriate treatment sites, dosage, and duration based on your presentation. Published research emphasises that correct dosimetry (the right dose to the right tissue) is critical to outcomes. A clinical session provides assessment, targeted application, and professional oversight, not just exposure to light.

Consumer devices are available for purchase, and some people use them for general wellness purposes. However, there are practical considerations. Achieving equivalent dosing to a clinical device would require impractically long application times with most consumer products, if it is achievable at all. Additionally, knowing which tissue to target, for how long, and at what frequency requires clinical assessment. Self-treatment without a diagnosis may mean you are treating the wrong area or missing an underlying issue that needs professional attention. A consultation can help clarify what is actually going on.

The MR5 ACTIV PRO combines four energy sources in a single treatment head: a super-pulsed 905 nm laser, infrared LEDs at 875 nm, red LEDs at 660 nm, and a static magnetic field. Each wavelength interacts with tissue at different depths. The super-pulsed delivery method concentrates energy into nanosecond bursts, delivering high peak power while keeping average power low enough to avoid heating tissue. It is a Class 1M laser, meaning it can be applied directly to the skin without the burn risk associated with higher-class continuous-wave devices. The device has been used in multiple published studies.

Class IV lasers use continuous high-power beams (often 500 mW to 60+ watts) that generate significant heat in tissue. They must be kept moving during treatment to avoid thermal damage and require protective eyewear for everyone in the room. The MR5 ACTIV PRO is a Class 1M super-pulsed laser that delivers energy in nanosecond bursts. Peak power per pulse is high, but because each pulse is so brief, tissue is not heated. Research by Chaki et al. (2025) demonstrated that pulsed delivery can reach target tissues while keeping skin temperature below safety thresholds, whereas equivalent continuous-wave power exceeded safe temperatures. Both approaches have published research, and neither is universally superior for every application. — All content must be reviewed by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) before publication. Individual claims should be verified against current AHPRA advertising guidelines and the three-step compliance test (Section 133) before deployment to any patient-facing channel. Key references cited: Chow et al. (2009), The Lancet; Bjordal et al. (2003); Hamblin (2017), Photomedicine and Laser Surgery; Glazov et al. (2016), BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders; Langella et al. (2018), Lasers in Medical Science; Grandinetti et al. (2015), Lasers in Medical Science; Chaki et al. (2025).