Knee Pain Treatment Using LLLT/PBMT

LLLT effectively addresses a wide range of knee pain causes, from acute injuries to chronic conditions such as meniscal tears and osteoarthritis. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is a highly effective, non-invasive, and drug-free treatment for many soft tissue causes of knee pain in Melbourne, Victoria. Led by Dr Shikha Parmar, our GP with expertise in managing and resolving chronic musculoskeletal pain, this treatment involves the application of red and near-infrared light to promote cellular repair in injured tissues. LLLT is safe, painless, and targets the root cause of the injury, unlike pain medications that simply mask the pain. Supported by scientific research from respected institutions such as Harvard University and NASA, LLLT is an evidence-based therapy for soft tissue injuries, including knee pain.

Gentle. Drug-Free. Clinically Proven

KneePain

Key Points

  • Knee pain refers to discomfort in or around the knee joint, often caused by musculoskeletal issues such as muscle strain, ligament injury, tendonitis, osteoarthritis, or cartilage damage.
  • Symptoms can include sharp or aching pain, stiffness, swelling, and pain that worsens with activity such as walking, running, or climbing stairs.
  • Common causes of knee pain include patellar tendonitis, quadriceps strain, ligament injuries (such as ACL or MCL tears), knee bursitis, osteoarthritis (OA), and meniscal tears.
  • Standard treatments such as rest, ice, anti-inflammatories, and physical therapy may provide temporary relief but do not address underlying tissue healing or inflammation.
  • Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), or Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), stimulates cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing, providing a long-term solution for knee pain.
  • At Laser Pain Therapy, all LLLT knee pain treatment is GP-led by Dr Shikha Parmar, with a structured, six-week, medically supervised program and tailored rehabilitation support.
  • Backed by over 700 randomised trials, LLLT is scientifically proven to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore function in the affected area.
  • LLLT offers superior long-term outcomes compared to traditional treatments by addressing the underlying tissue injury, not just the symptoms.
Click here for FAQ/Costs

What is Knee Pain?

Knee pain refers to discomfort in or around the knee joint and can arise from several causes, including

  • soft tissue injuries: muscle or tendon strains 
  • ligament tears
  • cartilage damage
  • degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA). 

Knee pain is often aggravated by movement or weight-bearing activities, such as walking, running, or climbing stairs. 

In athletes, knee pain can occur from repetitive strain or sudden trauma, while in older individuals, it may develop due to degenerative changes in the joint.

Causes of Knee Pain Amenable to LLLT

Several musculoskeletal issues can lead to knee pain:

  • Patellar tendonitis – inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone
  • Quadriceps strain – muscle strain in the quadriceps, often causing pain in the front of the knee. Read more here.
  • Ligament injuries – tears or sprains of the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or MCL (medial collateral ligament)
  • Knee bursitis – inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sac) in the knee. Read more here.
  • Meniscal tears – damage to the cartilage that acts as a cushion between the bones in the knee joint
  • Osteoarthritis (OA) – degenerative joint disease that leads to the wear and tear of cartilage. Read more here.

Problems Leading to Knee Pain

Knee pain can develop from a variety of factors:

  • Overuse injuries, especially in athletes (running, football, cycling)
  • Sudden increases in activity or intensity (“too much, too soon”)
  • Muscle imbalances or poor posture
  • Previous knee or joint injuries
  • Biomechanical issues, such as altered gait or leg length differences
  • Age-related wear and tear, leading to conditions such as osteoarthritis

A Note on Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

For less advanced knee osteoarthritis (OA), there is a growing trend to avoid arthroscopies for painful knees, as highlighted in the article Knee Surgery for Osteoarthritis.

LLLT can significantly reduce tendonitis, bursitis, synovitis, and swelling, as well as soft tissue inflammation caused by worn or degenerative cartilage and meniscus tears, which are common contributors to knee pain in osteoarthritis.

These conditions cause the joint to become inflamed and weak, leading to ongoing pain. By alleviating pain and inflammation, LLLT enables joint rehabilitation, allowing strength training to begin and restoring function while reducing the risk of further joint damage.

While LLLT cannot restore cartilage (as nothing can), it can significantly improve pain and function, potentially deferring the need for surgery or assisting in symptoms pending surgery.

In essence, for chronic knee pain, including OA, LLLT can improve knee pain, enhance quality of life, and provide lasting benefits.

It’s important to note that LLLT may not be effective in cases of severe OA, where “bone is on bone,” and knee replacement surgery has been recommended. LLLT does not prevent the need for knee replacement in these cases. 

However, we have provided significant and lasting symptom relief in moderate and sometimes severe cases of knee OA. Patients have enjoyed a reduction in pain and improved mobility, allowing them to engage in strengthening exercises that further improve the condition of the joint. This has been particularly beneficial for patients awaiting surgery or when surgery is not advisable due to other medical reasons.

A Note on Ongoing Post-Surgical Knee Pain
LLLT is also effective after orthopaedic surgery, including arthroscopy and knee replacement surgery. It helps expedite recovery times, reduces pain, and reduces reliance on painkillers. LLLT supports a quicker return to normal function, minimising recovery time after surgery

Acute or Chronic Meniscal Tears and Knee Pain
Meniscal tears can occur in knees affected by osteoarthritis or be caused by acute trauma or repetitive stress. 

The pain often originates from the inflammatory reaction around the tear and the associated soft tissue, rather than the tear itself. Over time, the torn edges of the meniscus may settle or become less mobile, preventing further irritation to surrounding structures. Once the initial inflammatory response subsides, typically through rest, reduced activity, and interventions such as LLLT, pain levels often decrease and function improves.

While LLLT cannot repair a torn meniscus, it can effectively treat the surrounding inflammation and soft tissue injury, allowing the knee to stabilise and function more normally. In some cases, scar tissue can form around the tear, which can provide additional support to the meniscus and stabilise the area.

This can potentially preclude the need for an arthroscopy, which often involves the removal of meniscal tissue. 

By reducing inflammation and promoting tissue healing, LLLT helps restore function, alleviate pain, and reduce the need for surgical intervention.

However, if the tear is large, unstable, or causes ongoing dysfunction, intervention may still be necessary.

Important Note on Autoimmune Arthritis

LLLT is not suitable for the management of autoimmune-related arthritis conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. These conditions involve an immune system response that causes inflammation throughout the body, and LLLT does not address the underlying immune dysfunction. While LLLT is effective for musculoskeletal pain and inflammation caused by mechanical or degenerative issues, autoimmune arthritis requires a specific treatment approach targeting the immune system. It is important to seek guidance from a specialist for the management of these conditions.

Important Considerations About LLLT Suitability for Knee Bursitis

While LLLT is effective for many knee conditions, it cannot help knee bursitis with a visible localised swelling in front of the knee. Localised collections of fluid diagnosed as knee bursitis require draining and are not suitable for treatment with Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). However, deeper forms of bursitis, usually associated with tendon or ligament injury, osteoarthritis, or cartilage damage, can benefit from LLLT therapy.

Symptoms 

Knee pain symptoms can vary depending on the underlying condition:

  • Aching or sharp pain in or around the knee, especially with movement or activity
  • Tenderness or swelling at the front, side, or back of the knee
  • Stiffness or difficulty bending or straightening the knee
  • Pain when running, walking, or climbing stairs
  • Weakness or instability in the knee joint

How are Knee Problems Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Dr Shikha Parmar will take a detailed history of your symptoms, including the onset of pain, any recent injuries, and the impact on your daily functioning. A physical examination will assess tenderness, swelling, and any limitations in knee movement.

Imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound may be used to assess for structural issues such as osteoarthritis, ligament tears, or cartilage damage. These imaging tools help rule out other causes of knee pain and guide the treatment plan.

Knee Pain – Treatment Overview

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is a  gentle, evidence-based treatment that targets the underlying cause of knee pain: persistent inflammation, tendon and ligament injury, cartilage irritation, joint degeneration, and immune imbalance. It promotes healing without mechanical stress to vulnerable knee joint and soft tissue structures.

Why Choose Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?

Many patients present after limited relief from medications, rest, ice, injections, physiotherapy, or exercise programs. These approaches may temporarily ease symptoms but often fail to address deeper tissue inflammation and may aggravate symptoms if introduced too early. LLLT is particularly helpful where tendon, ligament, cartilage, or joint inflammation persists, and where excessive loading may delay recovery.

Why ice, anti-inflammatories, cortisone, and PRP may not support long-term recovery.  Read more here.

How LLLT Supports Healing

LLLT uses red and near-infrared light to restore balance to the inflammatory process and stimulate joint and soft tissue repair by:

  • Improving circulation and oxygenation
  • Enhancing lymphatic drainage
  • Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
  • Increasing cellular energy (ATP)
  • Supporting cartilage, ligament, and tendon regeneration

All without loading or stressing the knee joint.

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Proven, Safe, and Effective

It is non-invasive, painless, and supported by extensive clinical research. Read more here.

See how LLLT helps restore the cellular environment needed for repair here.

Our Treatment Program

All patients are assessed by Dr Shikha Parmar (GP). Treatment is delivered within a structured six-week program, including:

  • Up to 12 LLLT sessions
  • Review after 6 sessions
  • Individualised advice and activity modification
  • Guided rehabilitation for durable recovery

Patients who respond typically show 15–20% improvement within the first 6 sessions, with best-case improvement of 70–90% over the full program.

View the full treatment protocol and expected outcomes here.

Ready for Lasting Relief?

If you are struggling with knee pain or related soft tissue injuries, we invite you to contact our experienced team at Laser Pain Therapy. Our LLLT treatment offers a safe, effective, and lasting solution to restore your comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

Contact us today to arrange your consultation and take the first step towards recovery.
📍 Located in Melbourne
📞 (03) 8529 2225 Contact Us

View knee pain treatment cost here

Cost / FAQ

At Laser Pain Therapy, we use the terms Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) interchangeably, as they both refer to the same therapeutic approach. “LLLT” specifically focuses on the use of laser light, while “PBMT” is the broader scientific term describing how light interacts with the body to promote healing.

Both therapies stimulate cellular activity, reduce inflammation, repair tissue, and accelerate the healing process.

The initial consultation with Dr Shikha Parmar requires up to 60 minutes where your condition is fully assessed along with your medical history. Dr Parmar will take a thorough history of your problem from its onset, through its progression to now. She will review any imaging reports pertaining to your problem, and may recommend further investigations. Dr Parmar will give you a detailed explanation of your problem, and will discuss our holistic approach and management plan including the utilisation of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). If your condition is amenable to LLLT the treatment is commenced at the initial consultation. A medical consultation with Dr Shikha Parmar, GP, is billed and is rebatable through Medicare for patients who hold a Medicare card.

The fee for an initial consultation including Low Level Laser Therapy treatment is $257.00. This includes a Medicare rebate for the GP consultation of $84.90, the out of pocket cost being $172.10.

Pension and Health Care Card holders receive a further reduced fee for the initial consultation of $207.00 only with the out of pocket fee (gap fee) being $122.10.

For each subsequent follow-up consultation  involving review of progress, tailored advice and management etc, and Low Level Laser Therapy treatment, a fee of $129.25 applies. This includes a Medicare rebate for the GP consultation of $43.90, the out of pocket cost (gap fee) being $85.35.

Longer review visits are charged at $210.20 which includes a Medicare rebate $84.90, the out-of-pocket cost being $125.30.
An $8.00 surcharge applies to appointments after 6pm.

Fees may be subject to change and will be confirmed with you at the time of booking. We utilise state of the art equipment from Europe and the USA operated with the assistance of highly trained clinic assistants.  No further rebate can be claimed from private health insurance. We are unable to offer bulk billing.

Yes.  LLLT has been in active and beneficial use in Europe for nearly 30 years. There are more than 200 double blind positive studies confirming the clinical effect of LLLT.
Published in the world’s top scientific journals:

  • Nature, Pain, PNS, Blood, BMJ, Spine, Muscle and Nerve, The Lancet, Circulation, BJSM
  • 30 LLLT papers published a month
  • Over 4000 laboratory studies and over 400 randomised controlled trials

Over 2,500 clinical studies and published research reports have shown the effectiveness of LLLT for a variety of health issues. Looking at the limited LLLT dental literature alone (370 studies), more than 90% of these studies do verify the clinical value of laser therapy.
LLLT has been a staple in veterinary practices for decades.
In the past 6 years, professional sports teams have begun utilising LLLT.

In the last 10 years 8 systematic reviews have found in favour of LLLT

  • American College of Physicians Guidelines include a “strong recommendation” for Low-Level Laser Therapy as a non-invasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute & Chronic Low Back Pain. (2017) Click here
  • BMJ LLLT for chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found “moderate quality of evidence” and “clinically important benefits” in the short term. (2016) Click here
  • BMJ sports medicine journal, systematic review of surgical and conservative interventions for frozen shoulder found “strong evidence” for LLLT. (2010) Click here
  • The BMJ clinical evidence recommendations for tennis elbow 2011 now include LLLT Click here
  • American Physical Therapy Association guidelines recommend LLLT for Achilles tendonitis. (2010) Click here
  • Lancet systematic review: “LLLT reduces pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in patients with chronic neck pain”. (2009) Click here
  • World Health Organisation (Bone and Joint Task Force) for neck pain Low Level Laser Therapy “more effective than no treatment, sham, or alternative interventions” (2008) Click here

Laser Therapy does not heat or cut tissue, unlike high intensity lasers. The question is often asked “If it’s a laser aren’t they used in surgical operations, to cauterise tissue?” The answer is “Yes” – hot lasers are able to cauterise (cut) tissue. However, the ones we use are “Low Level Lasers” of class 3B, the most researched and proven class in LLLT, and with designed parameters that make it impossible to damage even one cell in the body. Our lasers stimulate and energise the cells.

In the past 4 years, the FDA has ruled that LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy) is safe and the only contraindication (warning) is not to use it directly in the eyes.

For the past 30 years the technology of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been formally accepted in many parts of the world such as Canada, USA, Brazil, Europe, Scandinavia, Russia and Japan. In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from its use. It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

Industry has been using laser diodes for years in such applications as barcode readers, CD players, DVD players, laser printers and pointers. The FDA has listed bio-stimulation lasers as non-significant risk (NSR) devices.

Hundreds of research studies have shown Laser Therapy to be safe and effective. Laser Therapy is non-invasive, non-toxic and non-thermal. Unlike other forms of radiation, Laser Therapy is beneficial rather than harmful to tissue. Over 400 LLLT clinical trials (RCTs) and over 2500 laboratory studies have been published. It has proven more effective and safer than pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories across a range of musculoskeletal conditions.

LLLT also improves healing and reduces muscle fatigue, muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS.

There are normally no adverse effects from LLLT, however, patients occasionally experience mild discomfort/ache after treatment. This is due to a restimulation of the inflammatory phase and should settle down after 24 – 48 hours.

The answer is no. No mutational effects have been observed resulting from light with wavelengths in the red or infrared range and of doses used within LLLT. But what happens if I treat someone who has cancer and is unaware of it? Can the cancer’s growth be stimulated? The effects of LLLT on cancer cells in vitro have been studied, and it was observed that they could be stimulated by laser light. However, with respect to a cancer in vivo, the situation is rather different. Experiments on rats have shown that small tumours treated with LLLT can recede and completely disappear, although laser treatment had no effect on tumours over a certain size. It is probably the local immune system, which is stimulated more than the tumour.

The situation is the same for bacteria and virus in culture. These are stimulated by laser light in certain doses, while a bacterial or viral infection is eradicated more quickly after treatment with LLLT.

Laser Therapy should be avoided in the following instances:

  • Over the womb for women in pregnancy
  • Over cancerous tumour, primary or secondary (LLLT is not a treatment for these conditions)
  • Direct irradiation of the eyes

At Laser Pain Therapy, we use state-of-the-art, TGA-approved laser devices, applied by highly trained assistants. Our laser devices deliver the appropriate red and infrared laser energy to trigger the desired tissue response. With the application of up to 37 diodes (laser lights) across multiple devices, we ensure time-efficient treatment without compromising dosage or energy delivery. Unlike LED devices, our laser technology provides deeper penetration and more effective tissue healing.

Dr Shikha Parmar, an experienced GP with over 30 years in General Practice and 14 years of expertise in photobiomodulation therapy, leads our clinic, making her one of the most experienced doctors in this field. Treatment at Laser Pain Therapy is medically supervised, ensuring each patient receives a thorough assessment that takes into account not only their presenting condition but also relevant health factors, such as co-morbidities, medications, lifestyle, work, personal activity demands, and nutritional deficiencies. This holistic approach allows us to tailor care with LLLT at the core, supported by personalised advice.

Additionally, our treatment plans are finite, with clear goal-setting and regular progress reviews, ensuring that each patient is on track towards long-term recovery and optimal outcomes.

At Laser Pain Therapy, we use advanced equipment with laser diodes, not LED lights. Unlike LEDs, laser diodes provide more focused light with deeper penetration, making them significantly more effective for treating musculoskeletal conditions.

Our state-of-the-art equipment features 37 laser diodes, allowing us to efficiently cover a larger surface area. This optimises treatment time, ensuring deeper penetration for superior results. Unlike devices that use just 2-4 diodes, our technology delivers more effective treatment in less time, promoting faster healing, reduced inflammation, and long-lasting pain relief.

The effects of LLLT are accumulative. The good news is that for most patients undergoing a treatment program, the results from the treatments are sustained. While some patients get immediate results, improvements are often not noticed until after 3 to 5 treatments. Most patients usually require 6-12 treatments to achieve resolution of the problem or a lasting effect.

More severe conditions will require more treatments than less severe injuries. Since each person’s condition varies in severity the doctor will determine after reviewing your condition how laser treatments may benefit you and how many you might require

Your situation will be assessed after 6 treatments and if there is no improvement after 6 to 8 treatments (very uncommon), LLLT will not be continued and alternatives will be looked at for your future management.

You will need to follow precautions in order to avoid re-injury or the pain may return. Low Level Laser Therapy not only helps injured tissues heal faster, it also makes them stronger and less vulnerable to re-injury.

Contact us to book a consultation at our clinic or to learn more about how this form of therapy could help you.

No. Low level lasers do not generate perceivable heat. Therefore, when the laser contacts the skin the patient experiences no burning as a result of the laser. Most people feel nothing at all while a few may feel a slight tingling or warmth during the treatment.

No. As Dr Shikha Parmar is a General Practitioner a doctor’s referral is not required.

With our dedicated clinic in Melbourne, contact us at Laser Pain Therapy to discuss how we can assist you

Images and Illustrations Disclaimer
Please note that the images, diagrams, and illustrations used on this website are for demonstration and illustrative purposes only. They are intended to provide a general overview of Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). The specific methods and equipment we use at Laser Pain Therapy may differ from those depicted. For instance, while some images may show a small laser being applied to the skin, we utilise advanced cluster lasers equipped with multiple diodes, offering superior coverage and effectiveness for treating musculoskeletal conditions. Our treatment protocols are tailored to each patient’s unique needs, using the latest technology for optimal results.

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“The use of low levels of visible or near infrared light for reducing pain, inflammation and edema, promoting healing of wounds, deeper tissues and nerves, and preventing cell death and tissue damage has been known for over forty years”.

Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School: Mechanisms of Low Level Light Therapy (2006). Proceedings of SPIE, 6140, 614001

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Laser Pain Therapy

South Yarra, Victoria
Suite 8, 200 Toorak Road
(Ground floor from William St)
South Yarra, Vic 3141
Ph: 03 8529 2225
Email us:
info@laserpaintherapy.com.au

Easy free street parking:
If driving you will find many free 1P and 2P spots on and around Toorak Rd and William St near the clinic.

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TRANSPORT ACCESS: Train: South Yarra Station, 100m, 1 minute walk Tram: Route 58, stop no. 127
Call now: 03 8529 2225
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We are dedicated to helping our patients with the most technically advanced, proven and affordable medical therapies. Our treatment modalities offer evidence-based, safe, non-invasive and painless solutions to improve health, well-being and quality of life.

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The contents of this website have not been evaluated by the Australian Government Department of Health. The information of this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the author, who retains copyright as listed…..Continue Reading

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