Low Level Laser Therapy – The Treatment for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

What is Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?

Low Level Laser Therapy Application

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular repair and improve soft tissue healing. It is effective for treating a range of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including joint pain, muscle strains, back pain, and arthritis.

LLLT addresses the root cause of pain by reducing excessive inflammation, which often disrupts the body’s natural healing mechanisms, causing prolonged pain and dysfunction. Unlike pain medications that mask symptoms, LLLT promotes natural healing without side effects or risks associated with drugs.

How LLLT Works: Anti-Inflammatory and Tissue Healing

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a safe, non-invasive, and highly effective treatment for musculoskeletal injuries. It works at a cellular level to accelerate tissue repair, reduce pain, and create optimal conditions for recovery, particularly in areas where inflammation and micro-trauma persist. Key mechanisms of LLLT include:

  • Improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to injured tissues

  • Enhancing lymphatic drainage and waste removal, supporting detoxification

  • Reducing inflammation by targeting oxidative stress, a major contributor to musculoskeletal conditions

  • Stimulating cellular energy (ATP) to speed up tissue repair

  • Restoring balance to the immune response, supporting tissue regeneration

By promoting healing without applying mechanical stress to the affected area, LLLT creates an ideal environment for recovery while reducing oxidative damage and swelling, helping muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints regenerate more effectively. Read more on how Low Level Laser Therapy works.

Low Level Laser Therapy

  • uses photons of light energy to stimulate cells, creating optimal function and encourage healing
  • stimulates and energises the cells to repair and strengthen at a remarkably fast rate.
  • improves circulation and increases cellular repair functions
  • provides an environment for your body’s own natural healing processes to be activated and restored.

Once normal immune processes are restored, the excessive inflammation is reduced and healing can begin. Collagen production is stimulated so ligaments and tissues grow stronger through immune-mediated repair processes.

Why Choose LLLT at Laser Pain Therapy?

At Laser Pain Therapy, we use LLLT as the cornerstone of a holistic treatment plan tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Our program is medically supervised by Dr. Shikha Parmar, a GP with a special interest in musculoskeletal injury and pain management, ensuring the treatment is safe, non-invasive, effective, and evidence-based.

Many patients come to us after trying various treatments with limited success. LLLT is scientifically validated, gentle, and effective in addressing the root cause of musculoskeletal pain. It promotes healing without side effects, unlike common treatments such as icing, stretching, or anti-inflammatory medications, which can sometimes aggravate injuries.

  • Ice: Beyond the acute phase, ice can reduce blood flow and impede healing. Read more here.
  • Anti-inflammatories: Oral and injectables

    Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Nurofen, Alleve), diclofenac (Voltaren, Arthrexin), meloxicam (Mobic), celecoxib (Celebrex), naproxen (Naprogesic, Naprosyn), and steroid medications, including oral prednisolone or cortisone injections, can reduce pain in some conditions, particularly autoimmune or inflammatory arthritis. However, for chronic injury pain, osteoarthritis, or degenerative musculoskeletal conditions:

    • They often provide limited or no pain relief
    • Their immunosuppressive effects can delay or inhibit tissue healing
    • They can reduce the effectiveness of LLLT, which relies on a healthy immune response
    • Prolonged use may actually impede recovery

    NSAIDs can also cause side effects affecting the kidneys, blood pressure, stomach, and heart.

    Overall, anti-inflammatories are best used short-term and intermittently, mainly for temporary pain relief, rather than supporting long-term musculoskeletal healing.

  • Cortisone injections may offer short-term relief but don’t promote tissue repair and can weaken tissues.
  • PRP injections: Invasive and only effective in specific areas, with inconsistent evidence regarding their efficacy.

Whether your pain has been caused by a sports injury, accident or has developed over time, Low Level Laser Therapy is proven to offer effective, long-term relief from aches and pains.

The Intensity of LLLT

The intensity of LLLT lasers and LEDs is not high, unlike a surgical laser. There is no heating effect; instead, the effects are achieved through light stimulation to cells, so LLLT therapy is completely painless. Unlike other electrotherapy modalities, it does not aim to alter a cell or tissue. Instead, it enhances what a cell would do naturally by providing energy to the mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells.

LLLT is completely safe and has no adverse effects on normal tissues. The lasers used are not sufficiently strong to damage cells, and the treatment is non-toxic. This makes LLLT an ideal therapy for musculoskeletal injuries without the side effects associated with more invasive procedures.

Low versus High Intensity Lasers

At Laser Pain Therapy, we use Class 3B low-intensity lasers to provide a controlled and precise application of light without causing tissue damage. Unlike high-intensity lasers, which may cause harm due to excessive heat, our Class 3B lasers deliver therapeutic doses of light energy at the correct intensity. This approach promotes healing while avoiding the risks associated with higher energy lasers.

Research, including guidelines from the World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT), supports the use of Class 3B lasers as the gold standard for safe and effective treatment. These lasers ensure optimal healing benefits without the side effects of higher-intensity lasers.

upper back 2_4MB

Proven, Safe and Effective

LLLT/PBMT is supported by over 700 randomised controlled trials and more than 7,000 studies worldwide. It is:

  • Scientifically proven and evidence-based
  • Non-invasive, painless, and drug-free
  • Safe with no side effects
  • Clinically shown to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore function
  • Provides long-term relief by addressing the root cause of musculoskeletal pain

At our GP-led clinic, we combine expert medical assessment with the latest non-invasive therapies. Every patient is seen by Dr. Shikha Parmar to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Our highly trained assistants provide treatment under Dr. Parmar’s direct supervision.

What You Can Expect During Your LLLT Treatment

Treatment with our PBMT devices is completely painless and comfortable, often experienced as a gentle, pleasant warmth over the areas being treated. Each session is administered by a highly trained clinic assistant. Unlike scanning devices, our lasers are operated manually, allowing us to respond to your feedback in real time and ensure precise, personalised treatment.

Our state-of-the-art, medical-grade lasers are safe and effective, and each session is supported by tailored injury advice and a structured rehabilitation plan designed to resolve pain and restore function.

During your course of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), you will be encouraged to gently move the affected area within your pain limits, avoiding stretching or forceful activity during the initial healing phase. As inflammation subsides and tissue repair progresses, normal range of motion and function are gradually restored. At this stage, targeted exercises and stretching can be introduced to rebuild muscle and tendon strength and flexibility.

LLLT works to:

  • Reduce pain and calm inflammation
  • Promote healing of injured tendons, ligaments, and joints
  • Restore tissue structure, flexibility, and overall function
  • Support progressive rehabilitation and safe return to activity

The ultimate goal is resolution of inflammation, restoration of healthy soft tissues, and protection against further injury, allowing you to regain pain-free movement and function.

By continuing LLLT during the rehabilitation phase, we enhance tissue quality, leading to better long-term recovery compared to conventional healing alone.

Structured Treatment Plan

Our LLLT program is structured, time-limited, and supervised by Dr. Shikha Parmar. It aims to promote healing, restore function, and support a safe return to activity.

Each patient receives a comprehensive assessment, factoring in their health history, lifestyle, medications, any nutritional deficiencies, and personal needs. This holistic approach allows us to tailor the treatment plan, with LLLT at the core.

The standard treatment program includes:

  • Up to 12 LLLT sessions, with a review after 6 sessions to assess early progress
  • Individualised advice for managing the injury and modifying activities
  • A rehabilitation and return-to-function plan to support long-term recovery

While outcomes vary, we typically expect a 15–20% improvement in pain or function within the first 6 sessions. If the threshold isn’t met, which is uncommon, we reassess the treatment plan and make adjustments accordingly. 

If a positive treatment response is seen after the first 2 to 3 weeks, we recommend 6 further treatments, along with introducing our protocol of light and gradual graded rehab to help achieve up to 70 to 90% improvement in best-case scenarios.

Ongoing treatment beyond the anticipated 12-treatment protocol is generally not required, as your immune system will continue the healing process once laser therapy is withdrawn.

All treatment decisions are made collaboratively, keeping your progress, preferences, and medical context in mind.

Take the First Step Towards Lasting Pain Relief

If you’re struggling with chronic musculoskeletal pain or injury, we invite you to contact our  experienced team to learn how LLLT can offer a lasting solution to restore your comfort, mobility, and quality of life – safely and effectively.

📍 Located in Melbourne
📞 (03) 8529 2225 Contact Us

View treatment cost here 

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

Laser-Pain-Therapy-A5-Flyer-Toorak-v2-300x212

The 3 main benefits of LLLT in joint and muscle injuries are:

  • Pain relief – temporary inhibition of nerve conduction in nerve fibres.
  • Tissue repair – rapid regeneration of skin, muscle, tendons, ligament, bone and nerves.
  • Resolution of inflammation leading to effective, lasting pain relief & return to function.
  • To view cost of our affordable treatment click here
upper back 2_4MB

Proven, Safe and Effective

LLLT/PBMT is supported by over 700 randomised controlled trials and more than 7,000 studies worldwide. It is:

  • Scientifically proven and evidence-based
  • Non-invasive, painless, and drug-free
  • Safe with no side effects
  • Clinically shown to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore function
  • Provides long-term relief by addressing the root cause of musculoskeletal pain

At our GP-led clinic, we combine expert medical assessment with the latest non-invasive therapies. Every patient is seen by Dr. Shikha Parmar to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Our highly trained assistants provide treatment under Dr. Parmar’s direct supervision.

200 TOORAK RD, SOUTH YARRA

lllt

Suite 8, 200 Toorak Rd, South Yarra, VIC 3141
Mon:   9:00am – 6:00pm (later by arrangement)
Tue:    9:00am – 6:00pm (office only)
Wed:   9:00am – 6:00pm (later by arrangement)
Thur:   9:00am – 2:00pm
Frid:    9:00am – 6.00pm (later by arrangement)

Amla/Ampa

AMLA-Membership-Certificate-201920_Parmar

Walt

WALT-Member-Certificate-2023

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 cells and tissues to influence biological processes involved in tissue recovery.

Both terms refer to light-based therapy that acts on cellular processes involved in local inflammatory modulation, tissue recovery, and healing.

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 $265.00. This includes a Medicare rebate for the GP consultation of $87.10, the out of pocket cost being $177.90.


Pension and Health Care Card holders receive a further reduced fee for the initial consultation of $215.00 only with the out of pocket fee (gap fee) being $127.90.

For each subsequent follow-up consultation involving review of progress, tailored advice and management, and Low Level Laser Therapy treatment, a fee of $135.00 applies. This includes a Medicare rebate for the GP consultation of $45.05, the out of pocket cost (gap fee) being $89.95.

Longer review visits are charged at $215.00 which includes a Medicare rebate $87.10, the out-of-pocket cost being $127.90.

A $15.00 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 specialised 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/PBMT has been used clinically in Europe for nearly 30 years and has been the subject of substantial published research. The literature includes double-blind studies, laboratory studies, randomised controlled trials, clinical studies and systematic reviews. The strength of evidence varies according to the condition being treated, treatment parameters and clinical context.

Published literature includes papers in journals such as:

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

Over 2,500 clinical studies and published research reports have investigated the use of LLLT/PBMT across a variety of health issues. In the LLLT dental literature alone, involving 370 studies, more than 90% of these studies have reported clinical value for laser therapy.

LLLT has been used in veterinary practices for decades. In recent years, professional sports teams have also begun utilising LLLT/PBMT.

In the last 20 years, 8 systematic reviews have reported findings in favour of LLLT/PBMT in selected clinical contexts, including:

  • American College of Physicians Guidelines include a “strong recommendation” for Low-Level Laser Therapy as a non-invasive treatment 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 reported Low Level Laser Therapy as “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 lasers used in surgical operations to cauterise tissue?” The answer is yes. High intensity surgical lasers can cauterise or cut tissue. The lasers used at Laser Pain Therapy are Class 3B low level lasers, a well-researched class in LLLT, designed for low-intensity therapeutic application. Our lasers use light energy to influence cellular processes rather than heat or cut tissue.

Regulatory bodies assess LLLT/PBMT devices according to intended use and device class. Device selection, dosing and clinical supervision are important for appropriate application.

For the past 30 years, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) technology has been formally accepted in many parts of the world such as Canada, USA, Brazil, Europe, Scandinavia, Russia and Japan. Published research and clinical experience over this period support a favourable tolerability profile. LLLT/PBMT is non-invasive and generally well tolerated.

Industry has been using laser diodes for years in applications such as bar code readers, CD players, DVD players, laser printers and pointers. Some bio-stimulation laser devices have been listed as non-significant risk (NSR) devices in specific regulatory contexts.

Hundreds of research studies have investigated Laser Therapy in pain and tissue recovery settings. Laser Therapy is non-invasive and non-thermal. Over 400 LLLT clinical trials (RCTs) and over 2500 laboratory studies have been published. Comparisons with pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory medication depend on the condition being treated, study design and treatment parameters.

LLLT has also been investigated for tissue recovery processes, muscle fatigue, muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS.

Most patients tolerate LLLT/PBMT well. Patients may occasionally experience mild discomfort or aching after treatment. This is usually temporary and should settle within 24 to 48 hours.

LLLT/PBMT uses red and near-infrared light and does not use ionising radiation. No mutational effects have been observed from light with wavelengths in the red or infrared range and doses used within LLLT/PBMT in published studies.

Where a patient has known or suspected cancer, this requires medical assessment and appropriate management. LLLT/PBMT at Laser Pain Therapy is not used as a treatment for cancer.

The effects of LLLT/PBMT on cancer cells have been studied in vitro and in animal models, but these findings should not be translated into broad clinical claims about treating cancer or tumour behaviour in people. Treatment decisions are made according to the patient’s clinical context and medical history.

Similarly, laboratory findings involving bacteria or viruses can differ from clinical infection management. This section should not be read as a claim that LLLT/PBMT treats bacterial or viral infection. If infection is suspected, appropriate medical assessment and treatment are required.

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.

Get In Touch

Expect reply within 3 business days. Please check your spam folder.

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

 

Location

TRANSPORT ACCESS:
Train: South Yarra Station, 100m, 1 minute walk
Tram: Route 58, stop no. 127

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.

 
Call now: 03 8529 2225
Contact Us

Our Mission

We are dedicated to providing advanced, evidence-informed and affordable medical care for selected musculoskeletal pain and injury presentations. Our approach combines GP-led assessment, individual treatment planning, non-invasive PBMT/LLLT, and practical guidance to support pain relief, recovery, function, and quality of life.

Disclaimer

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

Scroll to Top