Osteoarthritis Treatment with LLLT/PBMT

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), involves the application of red and near-infrared light to injuries to stimulate cellular repair. Led by Dr. Shikha Parmar, a GP with expertise in managing chronic musculoskeletal pain, Laser Pain Therapy integrates LLLT as a core component of a holistic osteoarthritis treatment plan. LLLT is a highly effective, painless, and completely safe therapy available in Melbourne, Victoria. By targeting the underlying cause of the injury, LLLT provides lasting relief and accelerates healing. Supported by research from reputable institutions, including Harvard University and NASA. Supported by scientific research from respected institutions such as Harvard University and NASA, LLLT is an evidence-based therapy for which can aid the symptoms and dysfunction of osteoarthritis.

Gentle. Drug-Free. Clinically Proven

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 (Low-Level Laser Therapy) is an effective, non-invasive treatment for OA, addressing the underlying inflammation, pain, and tissue degeneration by promoting healing at the cellular level.
  • 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 helps by reducing inflammation, stimulating tissue regeneration, improving blood flow, and accelerating cellular repair, leading to faster and more effective healing. 
  • Traditional treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications or cortisone injections, often mask symptoms without addressing the root cause of the condition and may interfere with the natural healing process. Exercise programs can also be limited by pain, further hindering recovery.
  • LLLT provides long-term relief by targeting the underlying mechanisms of OA, helping to improve joint function and mobility without the side effects associated with pharmaceuticals or invasive procedures.
  • LLLT can be part of a holistic, medically supervised osteoarthritis treatment plan, which 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 begin to 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 foot and toe 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 a gentle, evidence-based treatment that targets the primary driver of osteoarthritis pain: persistent soft tissue inflammation surrounding worn or degenerative joints. While cartilage loss itself cannot currently be reversed, much of the pain in osteoarthritis arises from inflamed tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules. LLLT reduces this inflammation without mechanical stress to vulnerable joints.

Why Choose Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?

Many patients present after limited relief from anti-inflammatory medications, injections, exercise programs, stretching, or massage. These approaches may temporarily ease symptoms but often fail to address deeper inflammatory processes and may aggravate sensitive tissues if introduced too early. LLLT is particularly helpful where 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 to restore balance to the inflammatory process and stimulate soft tissue and joint repair by:

  • Improving circulation and oxygenation
  • Enhancing lymphatic drainage
  • Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
  • Increasing cellular energy (ATP)
  • Supporting soft tissue regeneration and immune balance

All without loading or stressing the affected joint.

Important Note on Hip Joint Conditions

While LLLT is most effective for pain caused by soft tissue issues such as gluteal tendinopathy or trochanteric (hip) bursitis, 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 can complement recovery even when cartilage issues are present.

Conditions that are less responsive to LLLT usually evident in imaging 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 treatable with LLLT. While the therapy doesn’t restore cartilage or repair labral tears, it can reduce the inflammation and swelling that contribute to pain in osteoarthritic hips, helping restore strength and function.

In many cases of moderate or severe hip osteoarthritis, we have provided significant symptom relief. And improving the health of surrounding soft tissues can delay the need for surgery or help manage symptoms while waiting for it. We’ve also had success in improving pain and mobility for patients who aren’t candidates for surgery or are on long surgical waitlists.

Hip joint labral tears are often identified on imaging, but they are frequently incidental findings and do not always cause pain or functional limitations. Surgery is generally reserved for very young patients with clear mechanical symptoms, as operating on labral tears alone rarely improves pain or function in most adults. In many cases, symptoms arise from associated soft tissue inflammation rather than the tear itself, which may respond to our management which includes LLLT.

Irradia

Proven, Safe, and Effective

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

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

Our Treatment Program

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

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

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

View the full treatment protocol and expected outcomes here.

Ready for Lasting Relief?

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

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

View 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 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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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 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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