Meet the PBMT/Laser Therapy Doctor

Meet Dr Shikha Parmar – GP
MBChB (Auck), DipPaed, DipObs, FRACGP
Expert in Managing Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain & Injury

Dr Shikha Parmar, is a vocationally trained GP of 30 years. In 2011, Shikha turned her interest to the practice and delivery of Photobiomodulation Therapy where she has been focused on operating a dedicated musculoskeletal, soft tissue medical clinic which offers PBM therapy at the centre of a holistic treatment approach.

View Dr Parmar’s credentials and speaking engagements here

Chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a significant issue in Australia, affecting around 30% of the population, leading to illness, disability, and contributing to a substantial portion of the disease burden in the country.

One in five Australians over the age of 45 live with persistent pain, which significantly impacts their ability to work, engage in daily activities do the things they enjoy. For many individuals, seeking relief often means consulting with their general practitioner (GP), but the burden of MSK conditions is often most apparent in allied health settings, such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care.

Chronic MSK disorders have a broader impact not only on individuals but also on families, workplaces, and communities. These conditions often lead to reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, and decreased quality of life. PBMT addresses these challenges by offering a proven solution for patients whose conditions have proven resistant to other treatment modalities.

Dr-SS-Parmar
Dr Shikha Parmar’s Approach to MSK Pain Management

Dr Parmar’s journey with PBMT began after recognising the limitations of conventional treatments in managing chronic MSK pain. This led Dr Parmar to explore Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), a scientifically supported therapy based on infrared light’s healing benefits.

After completing internationally recognised training in this innovative field, Dr Parmar began treating patients with LLLT, quickly witnessing rapid and consistent results.

““As a family doctor, I would be faced several times a day with patients with musculoskeletal pain, which may not be the main reason for their visit to me. My standard answer would be to prescribe painkillers to provide temporary relief, knowing these may carry side-effects and would not address the underlying cause of the problem.
Patients had often failed to gain relief from other modes of physical therapy, and I would feel helpless at not being able to offer definitive management of their pain stemming from injury or inflammation.”

“ Learning about the healing benefits of infra-red light through Low-Level Laser Therapy was exremely exciting and welcome. I was surprised & delighted with the results, not nearly as much as my patients, but quickly began to expect speedy resolution of their symptoms. I feel this is the way forward in managing musculoskeletal pain.
PBMT is an evidence-based, non-invasive treatment that promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and accelerates recovery.
This form of non-invasive therapy has become mainstream and widely accepted in the UK, Europe, parts of Asia, and North and South America—and now, it is here in Australia.”

A Holistic Model of Chronic Pain Management

Dr Parmar’s approach to managing musculoskeletal pain is grounded in a holistic model that combines scientific research with patient-centred care. Through LLLT, Dr Parmar addresses the root cause of chronic pain rather than merely masking symptoms. 

With over 30 years of clinical experience and extensive training, Dr Parmar has become a leading practitioner of PBMT/LLLT in Australia, helping patients recover more quickly without the side effects associated with conventional treatments.

The Rise of Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) in Managing Chronic Pain

PBMT is becoming increasingly recognised as a global solution for chronic musculoskeletal pain, with applications in treating conditions a wide range of conditions contributing to chronic pain and debility such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and post-surgical rehabilitation. At Laser Pain Therapy, Dr Parmar uses PBMT as a core part of a holistic treatment plan that targets the root causes of musculoskeletal pain and injury. 

Global Contributions and Insights

Dr Parmar’s contributions to the field extend beyond her clinical practice. Her work has earned her a place as an international speaker at conferences such as the World Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy (WALT) and the North American Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy (NAALT). At the 29th WALT Conference in 2023, she was invited to be a plenary speaker, where she shared her expertise on applying PBMT in clinical settings to alleviate chronic pain.

Dr Parmar has also presented her work on PBMT at international conferences, most recently at the 2024 World Congress of the World Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy (WALT) in London. In her talk titled “Clinical Pearls for the Musculoskeletal PBMT Practitioner”, Dr Parmar shared insights on how clinicians can effectively implement PBMT in real-world patient care. Her goal being to inspire clinicians to embrace PBMT, advancing the field for the betterment of patient outcomes.

View Dr Parmar’s credentials and speaking engagements here

Dr Parmar’s presentations continue to educate healthcare professionals on the potential of PBMT to provide long-term relief for patients suffering from chronic pain.

A Compassionate and Comprehensive Approach to Patient Care

Dr Parmar’s patient care philosophy is rooted in compassion, empathy, and the biopsychosocial model of healthcare. She understands that chronic pain affects not only the body but also the emotional and psychological well-being of patients. 

She combines PBMT with a holistic treatment plan that considers the patient’s comorbidities, lifestyle, and personal goals to ensure the best outcomes.

We do not claim we can help everyone but endeavour to validate patient concerns and provide advice in a respectful, caring environment. It is our privilege and we take very seriously the task of helping sufferers of chronic musculoskeletal pain address their condition with a safe, non-invasive, proven, affordable and medically supervised treatment plan. We offer a holistic approach to chronic pain management combining the approach with state-of-the-art medical grade, leading edge equipment. We strive to provide a positive experience and treat patients with emapthy and compassion.
This form of non-invasive therapy has become mainstream and widely accepted in the UK, Europe, parts of Asia, and North and South America—and now, it is here in Australia. PBMT is an evidence-based, non-invasive treatment that promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and accelerates recovery”.

Global Impact of Musculoskeletal Conditions and Dr Parmar’s Role in Advancing PBMT for Better Patient Outcomes

Through the years, Dr Parmar has developed and utilised a model that bridges the gap between scientific research and practical therapeutic intervention. This model has been refined over thousands of patient encounters, where scientific knowledge has been translated into tangible improvements in patient morbidity. By focusing on treating patients rather than relying solely on imaging results, Dr Parmar’s approach addresses the core issues, consistently resulting in positive clinical outcomes.

Dr Parmar’s dedication to PBMT and its implementation has led to reduced disease burden, decreased reliance on pharmacotherapy, and improved quality of life for many patients. Her work continues to inspire clinicians globally to embrace PBMT and apply it in the real-world clinical setting, improving patient outcomes worldwide.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Parmar enjoys a variety of personal interests, including music, fitness, learning French, and reading. She also cherishes spending time with her family, both here in Australia and overseas.

📍 Located in Melbourne
📞 (03) 8529 2225 | Contact Us
View treatment cost here.

Dr Shikha S. Parmar
MBChB (Auck.), DipPaed, DipObs, FRACGP

Citation:
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/australian-burden-of-disease-study-2022/contents/summary#Chronic%20diseases 
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/burden-of-musculoskeletal-conditions-in-austra/summary
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-disease/chronic-pain-in-australia/summary
Britt H, Miller GC, Charles J, Henderson J, Bayram C, Pan Y, Valenti L, Harrison C, O’Halloran J, Fahridin S 2010. General practice activity in Australia 2009-10. General practice series no. 27. Cat. no. GEP 27. Canberra: AIHW
http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=6442472732&libID=6442472713
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/health-conditions-disability-deaths/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/overview 

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.

Map Location

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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Our Mission

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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