Osteoarthritis Treatment with LLLT/PBMT

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), uses red and near-infrared light applied over targeted areas. In our clinic it is used as part of a GP-led treatment approach for selected osteoarthritis presentations where local pain, stiffness, synovitis or surrounding soft tissue inflammation are contributing to symptoms.

PBMT/LLLT is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. Suitability and response vary, and treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis, severity, duration of symptoms and individual clinical factors. PBMT/LLLT has been studied for a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions. See our references page for supporting literature.

Gentle. Drug-Free.  Evidence-Informed

Osteoarthiritis

Key Points:

    • Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease caused by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints.
    • LLLT/PBMT is considered for selected OA presentations where local inflammation, pain and surrounding soft tissue irritation are contributing to symptoms.
    • Common sites of OA include weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, lumbar spine and hands, as well as the neck and foot joints.
    • LLLT/PBMT may help modulate inflammation, support local circulation and assist soft tissue recovery processes around affected joints.
    • Standard treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and exercise programs, may provide symptom relief for some people, but are not suitable or effective for everyone. Exercise programs can also be limited by pain.
    • LLLT/PBMT does not reverse cartilage loss or correct advanced structural joint change, and it does not replace surgery where surgery is clearly indicated.
    • LLLT/PBMT can be part of a medically supervised osteoarthritis treatment plan that includes rehabilitation support tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Click here for FAQ/Costs

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones breaks down over time. As the cartilage wears away, bones may rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, swelling and decreased range of motion. OA can affect any joint in the body but is most commonly found in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips and spine, as well as in the hands and fingers.

The condition typically develops gradually with age, but it can also result from joint injuries or repetitive stress on the joints. While OA cannot fully reverse cartilage loss, managing the inflammation and pain associated with it is key to improving mobility and maintaining quality of life.

Common Joints Involved

Osteoarthritis (OA) can affect a variety of joints in the body, often in a progressive manner. The most commonly affected areas include:

  • Neck (Cervical Spine):  OA in the neck can cause stiffness, pain and reduced range of motion, particularly when turning the head. This condition is often associated with age-related wear and tear, leading to cartilage degeneration and the formation of bone spurs. Read more here.
  • Lumbar Spine: OA in the lower back can lead to chronic pain, stiffness and sometimes nerve irritation. It typically results from the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the facet joints of the spine, causing pressure on surrounding structures. Read more here.
  • Hand and Finger Joints: OA commonly affects the joints in the hands and fingers, particularly at the base of the thumb and the middle and end joints of the fingers. This can result in pain, swelling and deformities such as Heberden’s nodes or Bouchard’s nodes, limiting hand dexterity and grip strength. Read more here.
  • Knee: One of the most common sites of OA, especially in weight-bearing individuals. Pain, stiffness and swelling occur due to cartilage degeneration, often resulting in reduced mobility and difficulty with movement. Read more here.
  • Hip: OA in the hip joint often causes pain in the groin area and stiffness, making it difficult to perform everyday activities such as walking or climbing stairs. Read more below.
  • Foot and Toe Joints: The big toe joint (metatarsophalangeal) and the midfoot joints are commonly affected, causing pain and deformities such as bunions or hammertoes, which can severely affect mobility. Read more here.

These joints are particularly prone to OA due to their involvement in weight-bearing activities or repetitive movements, making them more susceptible to cartilage wear over time.

Causes and Risk Factors

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, swelling and stiffness. It can affect any joint in the body but is most common in the weight-bearing joints. Risk factors for OA include:

  • Age: OA increases with age due to natural wear and tear on cartilage.
  • Previous injuries: Foot fractures, sprains or tendon injuries can lead to increased risk of OA.
  • Excessive strain: High-impact sports or standing for prolonged periods can increase stress on the joints.
  • Obesity: Excess weight puts extra stress on the joints, particularly those in the lower body.
  • Genetics: A family history of OA can predispose individuals to the condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

  • Pain: Often aggravated by weight-bearing activities such as walking or standing.
  • Swelling: Inflammation around the joint can lead to noticeable swelling.
  • Stiffness: Reduced range of motion, particularly in the morning or after inactivity.
  • Joint Deformities: Bunions, hammertoes or joint enlargement may occur.
  • Grinding sensation: A feeling of grating or “bone-on-bone” contact when moving the joint.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing osteoarthritis involves a comprehensive evaluation, including:

  • Medical history: Dr Shikha Parmar will assess symptoms, duration, lifestyle factors and any previous joint injuries.
  • Physical examination: Assessing joint tenderness, swelling and range of motion.
  • Imaging: X-rays are commonly used to confirm cartilage loss, joint space narrowing and the presence of bone spurs, while MRI or ultrasound may be used for evaluating soft tissue damage or to assess the full extent of degeneration.

Osteoarthritis – Treatment Overview

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is considered as part of a structured program for selected osteoarthritis presentations where persistent soft tissue inflammation surrounds worn or degenerative joints. While cartilage loss itself cannot currently be reversed, pain in osteoarthritis may also arise from inflamed tendons, ligaments, bursae and joint capsules. LLLT/PBMT may help modulate these local inflammatory processes without mechanical stress to vulnerable joints.

Why Consider Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?

Many patients present after limited relief from anti-inflammatory medications, injections, exercise programs, stretching or massage. These standard treatments may temporarily ease symptoms but are not suitable or effective for everyone, and may aggravate sensitive tissues if introduced too early. LLLT/PBMT can be considered where local inflammation persists and where excessive mechanical loading must be avoided during 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 and may support:

  • Helping modulate inflammation and oxidative stress
  • Local circulation and oxygenation
  • Lymphatic drainage
  • Cellular energy production (ATP)
  • Soft tissue recovery processes around affected joints where irritation is present
  • Assisting pain reduction without loading or stressing the affected joint

Important Note on Hip Joint Conditions

LLLT/PBMT is most relevant where pain is driven by associated soft tissue problems such as gluteal tendinopathy, trochanteric bursitis or surrounding inflammatory irritation. Its effects are limited for conditions primarily caused by structural cartilage damage. The therapy is best suited for managing pain and inflammation in soft tissues surrounding the joint, and may complement rehabilitation even when cartilage issues are present.

Conditions that are less responsive to LLLT/PBMT are usually evident on imaging and include:

  • Hip dysplasia in younger individuals
  • Femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI/Cam deformities)
  • Moderate to severe osteoarthritis (OA)

On the other hand, if imaging shows only mild osteoarthritis, the source of pain may still be soft tissue-related and potentially suitable for consideration. LLLT/PBMT does not restore cartilage or repair labral tears, but may help modulate inflammation and swelling that contribute to pain in osteoarthritic hips, allowing rehabilitation to be introduced more comfortably.

In some moderate or severe hip osteoarthritis presentations, symptom relief may still be possible when surrounding soft tissues are contributing to pain. Improving the health of surrounding soft tissues may assist function while a person is awaiting surgery or when surgery is not advisable for other medical reasons. Suitability depends on clinical assessment and imaging findings.

Hip joint labral tears are often identified on imaging and may be incidental findings. Surgery is generally reserved for patients with clear mechanical symptoms and appropriate imaging findings. In many adults, symptoms may arise from associated soft tissue inflammation rather than the tear itself, and this may be considered as part of assessment and management planning.

Irradia

Non-Invasive and Supported by Research

PBMT/LLLT is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. It has been studied in a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions. Individual responses vary, and outcomes depend on the condition being treated and the stage of recovery.  Read more here.

See how LLLT may support the cellular environment involved in tissue recovery 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
  • Early progress review after the first 6 treatments
  • Individualised advice and activity modification
  • Guided rehabilitation to support longer-term function

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, further treatment may not be recommended.

View the full treatment protocol and expected outcomes here.

Ready to Discuss Your Osteoarthritis Treatment Options?

If you are struggling with persistent osteoarthritic pain, we invite you to contact our team at Laser Pain Therapy to discuss the suitability of LLLT for your presentation. Treatment suitability and outcomes vary, and assessment is required before recommendations can be made.

Contact us today to arrange your consultation.
📍 Located in Melbourne
📞 (03) 8529 2225 Contact Us

View osteoarthritis 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 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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