Low Level Laser Therapy – The Treatment for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Full Program at Laser Pain Therapy

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 with the aim of supporting cellular processes involved in tissue recovery. It is used for selected chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including joint pain, muscle strains, back pain, and arthritis-related soft tissue irritation.

Excessive inflammation can disrupt the body’s natural tissue recovery mechanisms, causing prolonged pain and dysfunction. Pain medications can reduce symptoms and improve comfort, but they are usually directed at symptom control rather than local tissue recovery. LLLT/PBMT is used with the aim of supporting local inflammatory modulation, cellular energy processes and tissue recovery where clinically appropriate.

How LLLT Works: Anti-Inflammatory and Tissue Healing

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment for selected musculoskeletal injuries and pain presentations. It works at a cellular level with the aim of supporting tissue repair, pain reduction and a more favourable environment 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
  • Helping modulate inflammation by influencing pathways associated with oxidative stress
  • Supporting cellular energy processes, including ATP production
  • Supporting tissue recovery processes and local immune response where irritation or injury is present

By supporting tissue recovery without applying mechanical stress to the affected area, LLLT may help reduce oxidative stress and swelling and assist recovery processes in muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints where clinically appropriate. Read more on how Low Level Laser Therapy works.  

Low Level Laser Therapy
  • uses photons of light energy to influence cellular signalling and support tissue recovery processes
  • supports cellular energy processes and local tissue function where irritation or injury is present
  • may assist circulation and local cellular recovery functions
  • provides an environment in which the body’s own tissue recovery processes can be supported

As local immune and inflammatory processes settle, pain sensitivity may reduce and rehabilitation can often be introduced more comfortably. Collagen production and soft tissue adaptation are part of normal immune-mediated repair processes.

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?

Many patients come to us after trying various other approaches with only limited or temporary relief. LLLT/PBMT is an evidence-informed, gentle treatment option used as part of a structured program for selected musculoskeletal pain and injury presentations. It aims to support tissue recovery and local inflammatory modulation without adding mechanical stress to sensitive tissues.

Common, standard approaches such as icing, stretching, exercises, massage or anti-inflammatory medications may temporarily ease symptoms but are not suitable for every stage of recovery. In some cases, these can aggravate sensitive or inflamed tissues, including exercise introduced too early.

  • Ice: Beyond the first 24 hours, repeated icing may impede recovery by reducing blood flow needed for repair. Read more here.
  • Anti-inflammatories: while they can reduce inflammation temporarily, they may suppress aspects of the natural healing response. They can also carry side-effects and systemic risks when overused.
  • Cortisone (or steroid) injections: may provide short-term relief but do not directly promote tissue repair, and repeated injections may weaken soft tissues in some circumstances.
  • PRP injections: are invasive, may be uncomfortable, and are only suitable in selected areas. Evidence supporting their benefit varies depending on the condition and injection site.

At Laser Pain Therapy, we utilise Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy, as a primary component of a holistic, medically supervised six-week treatment program, including rehabilitation support tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Led by Dr Shikha Parmar, a GP with a special interest in musculoskeletal injury and pain, our clinic provides non-invasive, evidence-informed care under direct medical supervision.

LLLT/PBMT is considered for selected acute and chronic injury or degenerative musculoskeletal conditions where inflammation and micro-trauma persist and where mechanical stress must be avoided during recovery.

 

Whether your pain has been caused by a sports injury, accident or has developed over time, Low Level Laser Therapy can be considered as part of a structured treatment program where your presentation is suitable.

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. Unlike other electrotherapy modalities, it does not aim to force a cell or tissue response. Instead, it supports processes a cell is already capable of performing by providing light energy to the mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells.

LLLT/PBMT is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. The lasers used are not sufficiently strong to cut or thermally damage tissue. This makes LLLT/PBMT a treatment approach that can be considered for selected musculoskeletal injuries where a non-invasive option is clinically appropriate.

Low versus High Intensity Lasers

At Laser Pain Therapy, we use Class 3B low-intensity lasers to provide a controlled and targeted application of light. Unlike high-intensity lasers, which may cause tissue effects through heat, Class 3B low level lasers deliver light energy at therapeutic doses. This approach aims to support tissue recovery processes while avoiding the heat-based tissue effects associated with higher energy lasers.

Research, including dosage guidance from the World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT), supports the use of appropriate wavelengths, dosing and treatment parameters. These factors are important in delivering a controlled dose of light to targeted tissues.

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Non-Invasive and Supported by Research

LLLT/PBMT has been studied in peer-reviewed literature for a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions. The strength of evidence varies depending on the condition, treatment parameters and clinical context. See our references page for supporting literature.

LLLT/PBMT is:

  • Evidence-informed and used for selected musculoskeletal pain and injury presentations
  • Non-invasive and drug-free
  • Generally well tolerated
  • Used with the aim of supporting pain reduction, local inflammatory modulation and tissue recovery processes where irritation is present
  • Delivered in our clinic after GP assessment and as part of a structured treatment program

At our GP-led clinic, we combine expert medical assessment with non-invasive therapy. Every patient is seen by Dr Shikha Parmar to support correct diagnosis and management planning. 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 reduce pain sensitivity, support tissue recovery and improve tolerance of activity where clinically appropriate.

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 where appropriate.

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 longer-term recovery

Progress is reviewed during the program. Many patients notice appreciable improvement after the first 6 treatments. If there has not been sufficient improvement by this review point, treatment may be adjusted or further treatment may not be recommended.

If a favourable treatment response is seen after the first 2 to 3 weeks, a further 6 treatments may be recommended, along with light and gradual graded rehabilitation. Ongoing treatment beyond the anticipated 12-treatment protocol is generally not required. All treatment decisions are made collaboratively, keeping your progress, preferences, and medical context in mind.

Ready to Discuss Your Treatment Options?

If you’re struggling with chronic musculoskeletal pain or injury, we invite you to contact our experienced team to discuss whether LLLT may be suitable for your presentation and how our structured treatment program can help.

📍 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

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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
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Non-Invasive and Supported by Research

PBMT/LLLT is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. It has been studied for a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions. See our references page for supporting literature.

See how LLLT may support the cellular environment involved in tissue recovery here.

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

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Walt

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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.

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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

 

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
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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

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