Stress Fractures 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 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. This evidence-based treatment modality is supported by research from reputable institutions, including Harvard University and NASA. Applying the proven principles of LLLT, which have shown significant benefits for musculoskeletal injuries, stress fractures may experience substantial improvement through this therapy.

Gentle. Drug-Free. Clinically Proven

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Key Points:

  • Stress fractures are small, often hairline fractures in the bone caused by repetitive stress or overuse, particularly in weight-bearing bones.
  • Common sites affected by stress fractures include the foot, shin, heel, lower back, and fibula.
  • LLLT is a scientifically validated, non-invasive, and pain-free treatment for stress fractures, helping to reduce inflammation, stimulate tissue regeneration, and accelerate healing.
  • LLLT promotes healing at the cellular level by improving blood flow, enhancing oxygen delivery, and supporting collagen synthesis.
  • Conventional treatments such as rest, icing, anti-inflammatory medications, or cortisone injections may provide temporary relief but do not directly address the underlying tissue damage and inflammation.
  • LLLT accelerates healing by balancing inflammation and promoting cellular energy production, which speeds up tissue repair without causing further stress on the injured area.
Click here for FAQ/Costs

What are Stress Fractures?

A stress fracture is a small, often hairline fracture in the bone caused by repetitive force or overuse, particularly in athletes or individuals who engage in high-impact activities. Unlike fractures from trauma, stress fractures develop gradually and are typically seen in weight-bearing bones such as the shin, foot, and lower back.

Common Sites of Stress Fractures:

  • Foot (particularly the metatarsals)
  • Shin (tibia)
  • Heel (calcaneus)
  • Lower back (lumbar spine)
  • Fibula (outer leg bone)

Stress fractures are common in sports that involve running, jumping, or sudden shifts in direction. They can also occur in individuals who suddenly increase the intensity or duration of physical activity without proper conditioning.

What are Stress Fractures?

A stress fracture is a small, often hairline fracture in the bone caused by repetitive force or overuse, particularly in athletes or individuals who engage in high-impact activities. Unlike fractures from trauma, stress fractures develop gradually and are typically seen in weight-bearing bones such as the shin, foot, and lower back.

Common Sites of Stress Fractures:

  • Foot (particularly the metatarsals)
  • Shin (tibia)
  • Heel (calcaneus)
  • Lower back (lumbar spine)
  • Fibula (outer leg bone)

Stress fractures are common in sports that involve running, jumping, or sudden shifts in direction. They can also occur in individuals who suddenly increase the intensity or duration of physical activity without proper conditioning.

Causes and Risk Factors:

Stress fractures occur due to repetitive stress or overload on a bone, leading to tiny cracks. Common causes and risk factors include:

  • Overuse or repetitive high-impact activity, such as running, ballet, or basketball.
  • Improper footwear that fails to provide adequate support.
  • Sudden increases in physical activity without gradual progression.
  • Bone density issues (such as in osteoporosis).
  • Poor nutrition (e.g., insufficient calcium or vitamin D).
  • Foot abnormalities (e.g., high arches or flat feet).
  • Age (older individuals may experience decreased bone strength).
  • Gender (female athletes are more prone due to lower bone density and hormonal factors).

Symptoms of Stress Fractures:

  • Pain that develops gradually, often starting as a dull ache that worsens with activity.
  • Swelling around the injured area.
  • Tenderness to touch.
  • Pain that is relieved by rest but recurs with activity.
  • Pain during weight-bearing activities such as walking or running.

Stress fractures can sometimes be overlooked, especially in the early stages, as the symptoms may initially be subtle.

Diagnosis of Stress Fractures:

Diagnosing a stress fracture typically involves a clinical examination followed by imaging tests. Common methods include:

  • X-rays: May detect stress fractures once they have started to heal, but may not identify fractures in the early stages.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images and can detect stress fractures in the bone before healing begins.
  • Bone Scintigraphy (Bone Scan): Useful for identifying early stress fractures and areas of bone inflammation.

Treatment of Stress Fractures Using Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT/PBMT):

Treatment of stress fractures focuses on relieving pain, promoting healing, and preventing further injury. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also called Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is an effective, non-invasive treatment option that addresses the underlying tissue damage in stress fractures.

While traditional treatments may provide short-term relief, they do not always address the core issue – inflammation and micro-trauma to the bone and surrounding soft tissues. Here’s why LLLT is especially effective in treating stress fractures:

Why Conventional Treatments May Fail:

  • Conventional treatments such as rest, icing, or medication only address symptoms but do not target the root cause of stress fractures. They may not facilitate healing at the cellular level, where tissue repair actually occurs.
  • Long-term rest or inactivity can result in muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, which may lead to weakness, compensatory injury, and slower recovery.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections may suppress symptoms temporarily but delay long-term healing by interfering with natural tissue regeneration and collagen synthesis.

Conventional Treatments:

  • Rest and immobilisation are often recommended, but these methods do not actively promote tissue regeneration and may leave patients feeling weak and deconditioned after long periods of rest.
  • Icing: Used to reduce swelling, but beyond the acute phase, it can impede circulation and hinder healing by restricting blood flow. Read more here.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications: While helpful in reducing symptoms, they may delay the natural healing process by suppressing inflammation too much.
  • Cortisone Injections: Though effective at reducing inflammation, these injections do not promote tissue repair and can weaken tendons and bones over time, leading to a recurrence of the injury.
  • Surgical interventions: Sometimes required if the stress fracture does not heal with conservative treatment, but surgery is invasive and carries risks.

Why LLLT is Helpful in Improving Recovery:

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) offers significant advantages over traditional treatments by directly addressing the tissue healing process:

  • Reducing Inflammation: Inflammation is a critical part of the healing process, but when it becomes excessive, it can delay recovery. LLLT helps to balance the inflammatory response, promoting optimal conditions for healing.
  • Promoting Tissue Regeneration: LLLT stimulates the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy molecule that powers cells. This accelerates the repair of damaged tissues, including bone and soft tissues.
  • Improving Blood Flow: LLLT enhances circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the injured site, which speeds up recovery.
  • Stimulating Collagen Synthesis: Collagen is a crucial component for the healing of tendons, ligaments, and bones. LLLT stimulates the cells responsible for collagen production, enhancing tissue strength and integrity.
  • Pain Reduction: LLLT helps manage pain by reducing oxidative stress and promoting natural healing at the cellular level, without the side effects associated with medications.

By targeting inflammation, pain, and tissue regeneration at the cellular level, LLLT promotes true healing without mechanical stress, ensuring that patients recover faster and with less risk of re-injury.

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Proven, Safe, and Effective

LLLT has been extensively studied, with more than 700 randomised controlled trials and over 7,000 studies supporting its efficacy. It is used worldwide in clinics, hospitals, and elite sports institutions.



Treatment Plan

Our Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) program is structured, time-limited, and medically supervised by Dr Shikha Parmar. 

Each patient receives a comprehensive assessment that takes into account their health history, medications, lifestyle, work, personal activity demands, and any nutritional deficiencies. This holistic approach allows us to tailor the care plan with LLLT at the core, supported by personalised advice.

Our standard treatment program includes: 

  • Up to 12 LLLT sessions, with a review after 6 to assess early progress
  • Individualised advice for managing the injury and activity modification
  • A guided rehabilitation and return-to-function plan to support long-term recovery 

While outcomes vary, we typically expect a 15–20% improvement in pain or function within the first 6 sessions if the treatment is likely to be effective. If this threshold isn’t met – which is uncommon – we will reassess the treatment plan, and treatment is generally not continued. The number of sessions can be adjusted based on progress and discussed in detail with the patient. 

If there is a treatment response after the 2 to 3 weeks, we recommend 6 further treatments, along with introducing our protocol of light and gradual graded rehab, to effect a path to resolution of perhaps up to 70 to 90% improvement in best case scenario. Ongoing treatment beyond an anticipated 12-treatment protocol is not required, as your own immune system will continue the healing process once laser therapy is withdrawn.

All treatment decisions are made collaboratively, keeping the patient’s progress, preferences, and medical context in mind.

Ready for Lasting Relief?

If you are struggling with persistent pain or dysfunction from a stress fracture, 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 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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“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.

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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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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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