Treatment of Sever’s Disease Using LLLT/PBMT

Gentle. Drug-Free. Clinically Proven

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is a highly effective, non-invasive, and drug-free treatment for Sever’s Disease in Melbourne, Victoria. Led by Dr Shikha Parmar, a GP with expertise in managing and resolving chronic musculoskeletal pain, Laser Pain Therapy incorporates LLLT as part of a holistic treatment plan. LLLT is a completely safe, painless treatment modality that targets the underlying cause of the injury rather than simply masking the pain, as pain medications often do. Supported by research from reputable institutions, including Harvard University and NASA, LLLT is an evidence-based therapy for musculoskeletal conditions, including Sever’s Disease.

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Key Points

  • Sever’s Disease is a condition that causes heel pain in growing adolescents, typically affecting children aged 8 to 14, especially those who are involved in physical activities such as running, jumping, or sports.
  • The condition is caused by a growth imbalance between the bones and soft tissues, leading to inflammation at the heel’s growth plate.
  • It is commonly associated with rapid growth spurts and aggravated by high-impact activities.
  • Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the heel, especially after physical activity.
  • Conventional treatments may include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, but these methods often provide only temporary relief and do not address the underlying issue of tendon inflammation.
  • Physical therapy, such as strengthening or stretching exercises, is not typically beneficial for Sever’s Disease and may aggravate the condition by placing additional strain on the affected area.
  • LLLT is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that effectively reduces inflammation, alleviates pain, and supports and aids long-term healing and regeneration without harmful side effects, allowing children to return to normal activity sooner
  • LLLT is safe for children, including those with musculoskeletal conditions involving growth plates. Research supports that LLLT does not negatively affect bone development or cartilage.
  • At Laser Pain Therapy, all LLLT treatments are GP-led by Dr Shikha Parmar, with a structured treatment program tailored to each patient’s needs.
  • LLLT has been scientifically proven to restore function, reduce inflammation, and improve outcomes in conditions such as Sever’s Disease.
Click here for FAQ/Costs

What is Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s Disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a condition that causes heel pain in growing adolescents, especially those who are experiencing a growth spurt. It is most commonly seen in children aged 8 to 14, particularly in those who are physically active or involved in sports that put stress on the heels, such as running, jumping, or playing soccer.

The condition arises from inflammation of the growth plate at the heel (calcaneus), caused by the natural growth imbalance between the growing bones and the surrounding soft tissues.  The Achilles tendon, which attaches to the heel, may pull on the growth plate during periods of rapid growth, causing irritation or micro-tears.

Sever’s Disease is primarily driven by the rapid growth of the heel bone during puberty, with physical activities acting as a contributing factor rather than the primary cause. Although the condition can be aggravated by repetitive activity, it is not caused by trauma or injury. The pain and discomfort are temporary and typically resolve as the child’s bones fully mature. However, if left untreated, it can affect the child’s ability to engage in physical activities, limiting sports participation and causing persistent discomfort.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) can help manage symptoms and accelerate healing, providing relief from pain and allowing children to return to normal activity sooner.

Causes of Sever’s Disease

Sever’s Disease is most commonly seen in active adolescents, especially those involved in sports that put stress on the heels, such as running, jumping, and playing soccer. The condition arises due to a natural growth imbalance between the bones and soft tissues during periods of rapid growth, which can cause discomfort, particularly in physically active children. Contributing factors include:

  • Rapid growth during puberty, which leads to a mismatch between the growth of the heel bone (calcaneus) and surrounding soft tissues, placing strain on the Achilles tendon and the growth plate at the heel.
  • Repetitive physical activity, such as running, jumping, and playing sports, which increases tension on the Achilles tendon and may exacerbate the condition, especially during periods of rapid growth.
  • Overuse or sudden increases in activity intensity or duration, particularly without adequate rest or conditioning, can further strain the Achilles tendon, aggravating the condition.
  • Tight calf muscles, which can place additional tension on the Achilles tendon, contributing to the development of Sever’s Disease.

Common Symptoms of Sever’s Disease

The symptoms of Sever’s Disease typically include:

  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness at the back or bottom of the heel, especially after physical activity.
  • Pain that worsens with activities such as running, jumping, or walking.
  • Difficulty walking or running due to heel discomfort.
  • Tenderness to touch at the heel or around the Achilles tendon.
  • The pain generally improves with rest but may recur with physical activity.

How is Sever’s Disease Diagnosed?

Sever’s Disease is typically diagnosed through a thorough clinical evaluation. Dr Shikha Parmar will assess the child’s history of heel pain, activity levels, and any potential triggers. A physical examination will be performed to check for swelling, tenderness, and pain around the heel and Achilles tendon.

Imaging, such as X-rays, may be used to rule out other causes of heel pain, such as fractures or infections. X-rays can help confirm the presence of inflammation in the growth plate or to check for other structural issues.

Sever’s Disease – Treatment Overview

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is a gentle, evidence-based treatment that targets the underlying cause of Sever’s Disease: inflammation at the Achilles tendon insertion, growth-related traction stress, and local immune imbalance at the heel growth plate. It promotes healing without mechanical stress to the developing calcaneal structures.

Why Choose Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?

Many children present after limited relief from rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, or physical therapy. These approaches may ease symptoms temporarily but often fail to address persistent tendon inflammation, and strengthening or stretching may aggravate symptoms during rapid growth phases.

Why ice, anti-inflammatories, and other conventional treatments may not support long-term recovery. Read more here.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Sever’s Disease

Sever’s Disease is an inflammatory growth-related condition rather than a problem of muscle weakness or biomechanical imbalance. Stretching or strengthening programs may increase strain on the inflamed heel and aggravate symptoms. The condition typically resolves as soft tissue adapts to bone growth and inflammation settles, often with relative rest and, where appropriate, LLLT to reduce pain and support healing, allowing gradual return to sport without corrective therapy.

How LLLT Supports Healing

LLLT uses red and near-infrared light to restore balance to the inflammatory process and stimulate tendon and soft tissue repair by:

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

All without loading or stressing the heel growth plate.

LLLT/PBMT for Children and its Safety

LLLT is considered safe for use in children, including around growth plates, with research showing no negative effects on bone growth, cartilage, or skeletal development. It supports tissue healing, reduces inflammation, and relieves pain without harmful side effects when applied under medical supervision.

Read more on our dedicated PBMT for Children page here.

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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 your child is struggling with Sever’s Disease, we invite you to contact our experienced team at Laser Pain Therapy. Our LLLT treatment offers a safe, effective, and lasting solution to restore 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 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.

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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