Cold Laser Therapy for Headaches and Migraines in Adelaide
Persistent headaches and migraines can be exhausting and disruptive. Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free approach that research suggests may help manage headache and migraine symptoms. Initial consultations are $99.
What is cold laser therapy for headaches, migraines,?
Headaches and migraines take many forms, from tension-type headaches related to neck and shoulder tension, to cervicogenic headaches (originating from the neck), to migraines with their characteristic throbbing pain, sensitivity to light, and sometimes aura. For many people, headaches become a recurring pattern that affects work, relationships, and quality of life.
Cold laser therapy (photobiomodulation) works at the cellular level and may help manage headache symptoms through its effects on the cervical spine structures, surrounding musculature, and neural pathways. Research suggests that reducing nerve irritability in the upper cervical region, which connects directly to the brainstem's pain-processing centres, may help modulate the headache response.
How does cold laser therapy work for headaches?
Many headaches, particularly cervicogenic headaches and tension-type headaches, involve the upper cervical spine and suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull. When cold laser is applied to this region, the light energy penetrates to reach the upper cervical joints, the suboccipital muscle group, and the nerve structures that relay pain signals. The downstream effects may include reduced inflammation and tension in the upper cervical structures, effects on nerve conduction in the trigeminocervical complex (the neural pathway linking the neck to headache centres), support for relaxation of the suboccipital and cervical musculature, and improved local circulation to structures that may be in spasm or under strain.
Who may benefit from cold laser therapy?
Cold laser therapy for headaches may be worth considering if you experience recurring tension-type headaches, if your headaches seem to originate from neck stiffness or tension, if you have been told you may have cervicogenic headaches, if you experience migraines and want to explore complementary approaches, if you prefer drug-free options or want to reduce reliance on pain medication, or if other approaches have not provided adequate relief. Your suitability will be assessed during your initial consultation.
What does the research say?
Headaches and Migraines 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 headaches and migraines 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 headaches, the key treatment targets are the upper cervical joints (C1-C3) and the suboccipital muscles, which sit relatively close to the surface at the base of the skull. However, reaching the deeper cervical structures with adequate energy is important for sustained benefit. Super pulsed delivery at 905nm ensures the light energy reaches both superficial and deeper cervical structures effectively.
Frequently asked questions
Cold laser therapy may help manage migraine symptoms, particularly where cervical spine (neck) factors are contributing. Research on cervical LLLT has shown sustained pain reduction, and many migraine presentations involve upper cervical involvement. Individual responses vary and suitability is assessed during consultation.
Tension-type headaches often involve the cervical spine and surrounding musculature. Cold laser therapy applied to the upper cervical region and suboccipital muscles may help manage the muscular and neural components that contribute to tension headaches.
The number of sessions depends on the type, frequency, and severity of your headaches. Your clinician will discuss a recommended approach during your initial consultation. There are no lock-in plans.
No. The treatment is applied to the neck and base of the skull and is completely painless. Most people feel nothing or a mild warmth.
Cold laser therapy does not require you to stop any medications. It can be used alongside your existing management plan. Any changes to medication should be discussed with your prescribing doctor.
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 headaches and migraines. For those who want to understand the bigger picture, here is how the musculoskeletal system connects.
Many headaches, particularly cervicogenic headaches, originate from dysfunction in the upper cervical spine. The joints, muscles, and nerves at the base of the skull are closely connected to the brain's pain-processing centres. For those interested in understanding whether spinal and postural factors may be contributing to their headaches, a chiropractic assessment provides a thorough evaluation of cervical spine function.
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 headaches and migraines →Clinical references
- Chow RT, et al. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain. The Lancet. 2009;374(9705):1897-1908.
- Gross AR, et al. Low Level Laser Therapy for Neck Pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013.
- Headache Australia / Deloitte Access Economics. Migraine in Australia Whitepaper. 2018.
- 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 headaches and migraines. No referral needed. The decision is always yours.
Book Your Consultation Or call (08) 8297 5277 | Email info@adelaidecoldlaser.com.au