What Is Cold Laser Therapy? Complete Guide
What Is Cold Laser Therapy? Complete Guide
A non-invasive, painless treatment using specific wavelengths of light to support tissue healing and pain relief — listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.
What Is Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy — also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) — is a non-invasive treatment that applies specific wavelengths of light to damaged or inflamed tissue. Unlike surgical lasers that cut or burn, cold lasers deliver light energy at therapeutic doses that don’t generate heat, making the treatment painless.
The therapy works at a cellular level. When photons of light are absorbed by mitochondria (the energy-producing structures within cells), they stimulate increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) — the molecule that powers cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue healing.
At Stapleton Chiropractic, we use a Class 3B therapeutic laser device listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG 370913) as a Class IIa medical device. This is the same classification applied to devices used in hospital physiotherapy departments and sports medicine clinics across Australia.
How Cold Laser Therapy Works
How Cold Laser Therapy Works
Photobiomodulation delivers light at wavelengths between 600nm and 1000nm — the therapeutic window where light penetrates skin, muscle, and joint tissue most effectively. At these wavelengths, chromophores within mitochondria (particularly cytochrome c oxidase) absorb photon energy and trigger a cascade of cellular processes including increased ATP production, reduced oxidative stress, and modulation of inflammatory mediators.
What Conditions May Respond to Cold Laser
Research has investigated cold laser therapy for a range of musculoskeletal and pain conditions. The strongest evidence exists for neck pain, osteoarthritis, tendinopathies (tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), and chronic joint pain. Emerging research is exploring applications for post-surgical healing, neuropathic pain, and chronic wound management.
What Treatment Feels Like
Most patients feel nothing during treatment — cold laser is painless and non-thermal. Some report a mild warming sensation over the treatment area. Sessions typically last 5-15 minutes depending on the area being treated. There is no downtime, no needles, and no medication involved.
Cold Laser vs Hot Laser vs LED
Surgical (hot) lasers cut tissue and generate significant heat — these are completely different devices. LED panels deliver light over a broad area but at lower power densities. Therapeutic cold lasers deliver focused, coherent light at specific wavelengths and power densities that match the parameters used in published clinical research.
Cold Laser Therapy at Stapleton Chiropractic
At Stapleton Chiropractic, cold laser therapy is delivered by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), who has completed additional training in photobiomodulation therapy. Treatment protocols are based on published dosimetry guidelines from the World Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy (WALT).
Cold laser can be used as a standalone treatment or combined with chiropractic care. For musculoskeletal conditions, combining manual therapy with cold laser may provide complementary benefits — the manual therapy addresses joint mechanics and muscle tension, while the laser targets cellular-level inflammation and tissue repair.
Your treatment protocol is determined by the condition being treated, the depth of the target tissue, and the area of the body involved. We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach — dosimetry (the amount of light energy delivered) is calculated specifically for your presentation based on WALT guidelines.
What the Research Says
A landmark systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 randomised controlled trials found that low-level laser therapy significantly reduced pain immediately after treatment and up to 22 weeks later for chronic neck pain. This remains one of the most cited studies in photobiomodulation research.
A systematic review of 11 RCTs found that LLLT with optimal dosimetry significantly reduced pain and improved function in tendinopathies including lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and Achilles tendinopathy.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that photobiomodulation therapy provided clinically significant improvements in pain and function for knee osteoarthritis when applied at doses consistent with WALT guidelines.
A comprehensive review outlined the mechanisms of photobiomodulation at the cellular level, including increased ATP production, reduced reactive oxygen species, and modulation of NF-kB inflammatory pathways — providing the biological rationale for clinical applications.
Last clinically reviewed: March 2026
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your initial cold laser consultation ($99, approximately 60 minutes) is a comprehensive assessment. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) will review your condition history, previous treatments, imaging results, and current symptoms to determine whether cold laser therapy is appropriate for your situation.
The assessment includes a physical examination of the affected area, discussion of treatment expectations, and — if cold laser is indicated — your first treatment session. You’ll understand exactly what the treatment involves, how many sessions may be recommended, and what outcomes are realistic for your condition.
Not every condition responds to cold laser therapy, and we’re transparent about that. If your presentation is unlikely to benefit, Dr Johnson will explain why and discuss alternative approaches. There is no obligation to continue after your initial consultation.
Who May Benefit from Cold Laser Therapy
People with Chronic Neck Pain
You’ve tried physiotherapy, massage, and over-the-counter medication, but neck pain persists. Cold laser therapy has some of the strongest published evidence for chronic neck pain — the landmark Chow et al. (2009) Lancet study found significant pain reduction lasting up to 22 weeks.
Athletes and Weekend Warriors
A nagging tendon injury — tennis elbow, Achilles pain, rotator cuff strain — isn’t responding to rest alone. Cold laser therapy may support tendon healing by stimulating cellular repair processes, and treatment doesn’t require any downtime from training.
Arthritis Sufferers
Joint pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis limit your daily activities. Research suggests cold laser therapy may help reduce pain and improve function in arthritic joints, particularly knees and hands, when applied at the right dosimetry.
Post-Surgical Patients
You’ve had surgery on a joint, tendon, or disc and recovery is slower than expected. Cold laser therapy may complement your rehabilitation by supporting tissue healing at the cellular level. Always coordinate with your surgeon before adding any treatment.
People Who Prefer Non-Drug Options
You want to manage pain without increasing your medication load. Cold laser therapy is non-invasive, painless, has no known drug interactions, and requires no recovery time — making it an option worth exploring for musculoskeletal pain management.
Transparent Pricing
Cold Laser Initial Consultation
SA avg: $95.50
Follow-Up Session
SA avg: $64.33
Source: Australian Chiropractors Association Consultation Fee Survey 2025 (SA data)
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Choose a time that suits you. No referral needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cold laser therapy, also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular energy production. The Multi-Radiance MR5 ACTIV PRO device delivers red and infrared light that penetrates superficial and deeper tissues. At the cellular level, light is absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores (primarily cytochrome c oxidase), which enhances adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production — the cell’s primary energy currency. This increased energy availability is thought to reduce inflammation, accelerate tissue repair, and modulate pain signalling.
Cold laser therapy uses much lower power (typically 10–100 mW/cm²) to stimulate cellular function without thermal damage. Surgical lasers use high energy density to cut or vaporise tissue through heat. LED light therapy uses similar wavelengths but differs in coherence and penetration depth — lasers produce coherent, collimated light that penetrates deeper into tissue. The Multi-Radiance MR5 ACTIV PRO combines both laser and LED technology, allowing treatment at multiple tissue depths.
Research suggests photobiomodulation may assist in managing several musculoskeletal conditions. Evidence-supported applications include tendinopathy (Achilles tendon, lateral epicondylitis/tennis elbow, rotator cuff), knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain, lower back pain and lumbar strain, neck pain and cervical dysfunction, and wound healing acceleration. Some evidence supports cold laser for neuropathic pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. We perform a thorough assessment to determine whether your specific condition has published evidence supporting cold laser treatment.
Photobiomodulation has a substantial evidence base spanning more than three decades. A systematic review in Seminars in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2021) analysed 100+ randomised controlled trials and found low to moderate evidence supporting LLLT for musculoskeletal pain and tissue healing. Evidence is stronger for specific conditions (tendinopathy, knee osteoarthritis) than others. Individual response varies significantly; approximately 60–70% of patients show measurable improvement, while others show minimal or no response.
Treatment frequency depends on your specific condition, tissue depth, baseline inflammation level, and individual healing capacity. Acute conditions generally respond over shorter treatment courses than chronic conditions, which may require more extended care. Dr Sam will assess your situation and recommend an appropriate treatment plan during your initial consultation. Progress is reviewed regularly, and if improvement is not evident, we discuss whether continued cold laser is the right approach for you.
Initial cold laser consultation and treatment is $99. This includes assessment of your condition, explanation of how photobiomodulation may assist your specific situation, baseline measurements, and your first laser session. Subsequent sessions are $120 per visit. Cold laser therapy does not accept private health insurance reimbursement. For questions about cost, phone (08) 8297 5277 or email wecanhelp@stapletonchiropractic.com.au.
Your session begins with assessment of the treatment area and checking for contraindications. The Multi-Radiance MR5 ACTIV PRO applicator is positioned directly over or near the target tissue. You wear protective eyewear. The laser is activated — you may feel gentle warmth and see a faint red or infrared glow. The treatment is painless. Session duration varies from 5–15 minutes depending on tissue depth and condition severity. Most patients can return immediately to regular activities.
Photobiomodulation using the Multi-Radiance MR5 ACTIV PRO is considered a safe, non-invasive treatment when delivered by trained practitioners. No significant side effects have been reported at therapeutic doses. The main contraindications are: active infection or fever, pregnancy (insufficient evidence for safety over fetal areas), active cancer, and photosensitising medications. Patients with pacemakers or other implanted devices should inform us before treatment. We screen thoroughly for contraindications before commencing treatment.
Yes, photobiomodulation integrates well with other treatment approaches and often produces better outcomes when combined. Cold laser combined with exercise produces superior results for tendinopathy and musculoskeletal pain. Combining laser with manual therapy (chiropractic adjustment, massage) addresses both biomechanical dysfunction and tissue-level healing. Cold laser does not interact with oral medications or supplements, though certain photosensitising drugs require caution.
Response timelines vary significantly between individuals. Acute conditions generally respond sooner than chronic, long-standing conditions. Research suggests that objective measurable changes (reduced inflammation, improved range of motion) may precede subjective symptom relief. Progress is assessed regularly, and we will be transparent about whether cold laser therapy is producing meaningful benefit for your situation.
No. Photobiomodulation has good evidence for specific musculoskeletal and tissue healing applications but is not a universal treatment. Individual response is variable — approximately 60–70% of treated patients show measurable improvement, while 30–40% show minimal or no response. Photobiomodulation is not a substitute for surgery when surgery is indicated. We perform careful assessment to determine whether your condition is a suitable candidate.
Cold laser, corticosteroid injections, and anti-inflammatory medications represent different mechanisms. Steroid injections reduce inflammation through immunosuppression but carry risks with repeated use. NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation but do not accelerate tissue healing. Photobiomodulation stimulates cellular repair mechanisms and modulates inflammation without systemic effects. We discuss all available options during your consultation.
Light at specific wavelengths (600–1100 nm) penetrates tissue and is absorbed by mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase in the electron transport chain. Light absorption enhances ATP synthesis — the cell’s primary energy molecule. Increased ATP availability reduces cellular stress, modulates reactive oxygen species, and activates signalling cascades that reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair. Red light (660 nm) penetrates superficial tissues; infrared light (980 nm) penetrates deeper structures.
Photobiomodulation at therapeutic doses is extremely well-tolerated with minimal reported side effects. The most common mild effects are temporary warmth or slight redness at the treatment site. Some patients report temporary mild soreness the next day. Serious adverse effects are extremely rare when contraindications are properly screened. Contraindications include active infection, pregnancy (over fetal areas), active malignancy, and photosensitising medications.
The Multi-Radiance MR5 ACTIV PRO is a hybrid laser-LED device combining both technologies for enhanced tissue penetration. It delivers dual wavelengths: red light (660 nm) for superficial tissue and infrared light (980 nm) for deep penetration. The device includes proprietary modulation patterns that enhance cellular stimulation. Multi-Radiance devices are used extensively in published clinical research, providing a stronger evidence base than some competitor devices.
Ready to Discuss Your Options?
Book your $99 consultation and find out whether cold laser therapy may help manage your condition.
Or call (08) 8297 5277
528 Marion Road, Plympton Park · 7am–7pm Weekdays · 8am–12pm Saturdays
