Treatment of Shoulder Bursitis Using 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 musculoskeletal pain and injury presentations, including shoulder bursitis and related rotator cuff tendon presentations.

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.

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Key Points

  • Shoulder bursitis, also called subacromial or subdeltoid bursitis, is inflammation of the shoulder’s fluid-filled bursa, often secondary to tendon injury or overuse.
  • It typically occurs alongside rotator cuff tendinopathy and is aggravated by repetitive motion, poor posture, trauma, or age-related degeneration.
  • Common symptoms include shoulder pain with movement, discomfort when lying on the affected side, morning stiffness, tenderness, and reduced range of motion.
  • Diagnosis is made through clinical assessment and may be supported by ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI to evaluate inflammation and associated tendon pathology.
  • Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), or Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is considered for selected shoulder bursitis presentations where inflammation, soft tissue irritation or tendon involvement is contributing to symptoms.
  • LLLT may be particularly relevant in the early recovery stage, where loading, stretching or repeated shoulder movement can aggravate symptoms.
  • Some commonly used approaches, such as medication, injections, repeated loading, stretching or manual pressure, are not suitable for every stage of recovery. We provide advice based on the diagnosis, symptom severity and clinical assessment.
  • Treatment is delivered under medical supervision by Dr Shikha Parmar as part of a structured, six-week program tailored to each patient’s condition.
  • PBMT/LLLT has been studied in a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions and is generally well tolerated. Individual responses vary, and outcomes depend on the condition being treated and the stage of recovery.
  • LLLT may be helpful to consider for people with persistent or recurring shoulder bursitis who have not improved with usual conservative care, after appropriate medical assessment.
Click here for FAQ/Costs

What is Shoulder Bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis, also referred to as subacromial bursitis or subdeltoid bursitis, involves inflammation of the shoulder bursa, often accompanied by injury to nearby rotator cuff tendons. In most cases, bursitis is a secondary response to strain or injury of the soft tissues of the shoulder, particularly the tendons and muscles.

A bursa is a thin, fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues such as bone, muscle, tendon, and skin. The shoulder bursa is one of these sacs, helping to cushion movement between the rotator cuff tendons and the overlying bone. When the tendons or muscles become overworked, strained, or injured, the bursa may become inflamed, resulting in bursitis.

What Causes Shoulder Bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis and the related tendon conditions are most often caused by repetitive minor impact, overuse, or sustained pressure in the area. It may also follow a sudden traumatic injury.

Continued movement of the shoulder muscles and tendons over an inflamed bursa worsens irritation and inflammation, creating a self-perpetuating cycle.

Ageing also plays a significant role. As tendons become less elastic with age, they are more susceptible to strain, which in turn places more stress on the bursa. Similarly, arthritis in the shoulder joint can irritate the bursa directly.

Bursitis frequently coexists with rotator cuff tendinopathy or small tears in the tendons (see Shoulder Pain page). Unless both are addressed, inflammation can persist.

Risk factors include:

  • Repetitive activities involving overhead motion (e.g. painting, tennis, throwing)
  • Heavy lifting or manual labour (e.g. carpentry, gardening, shovelling)
  • Poor posture at work or home
  • Trauma or falls
  • Systemic inflammatory conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, gout)

Shoulder bursitis is more common in adults – particularly those over 40 years of age – and often occurs alongside other degenerative or overuse injuries.

Symptoms 

Shoulder bursitis causes pain in the joint due to inflammation of the bursa. Pain may develop gradually or appear suddenly and severely. The shoulder may feel stiff or weak, especially during movement.

Symptoms commonly include:

  • Pain during or after physical activity
  • Discomfort when lying on the affected side
  • Morning stiffness or reduced range of motion
  • Difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back
  • Tenderness around the shoulder

How is Shoulder Bursitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of shoulder bursitis begins with a thorough clinical history and examination. Dr Shikha Parmar, our GP, will ask about the location, onset, and pattern of your pain, as well as any recent injuries, repetitive use, or occupational activities.

During the physical examination, Dr Parmar will assess:

  • Range of motion and shoulder flexibility
  • Muscle strength and joint stability
  • Presence of swelling, tenderness, or warmth over the bursa
  • Signs of associated tendon involvement

In many cases, bursitis can be diagnosed clinically. However, if the diagnosis is uncertain or symptoms are persistent, imaging may be recommended:

  • Ultrasound: Excellent for visualising inflamed bursae, fluid accumulation, and tendon pathology in real-time.
  • X-ray: Helps rule out bony abnormalities or calcific bursitis.
  • MRI: Offers detailed visualisation of soft tissues and may be used if more complex injury is suspected.

Shoulder Bursitis – Treatment Overview

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is a gentle, non-invasive treatment approach used as part of a structured program for selected shoulder bursitis presentations. It may help modulate inflammation, calm irritated tissues and support soft tissue recovery without adding mechanical loading or stressing sensitive shoulder structures.

Why Choose Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?

Many patients present after limited relief from rest, physiotherapy, massage, exercises, injections, or anti-inflammatory medication. These approaches may ease symptoms temporarily, but are not suitable for every stage of recovery, especially if loading or stretching aggravates sensitive shoulder tissues.

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:

  • Help modulate inflammation and oxidative stress
  • Support local circulation and oxygenation
  • Support lymphatic drainage
  • Support cellular energy production (ATP)
  • Support tendon and bursal tissue recovery processes where irritation is present
  • Assist pain reduction without mechanical loading or stressing the shoulder joint
shoulder

Proven, Safe, and Effective

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 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
  • 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 Shoulder Bursitis Treatment Options?

If you are struggling with persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, or reduced range of motion from bursitis, 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 to arrange your consultation.
📍 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 $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 etc, 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 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.

 
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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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