Treatment of Undisplaced Fractures Using 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 the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain, Laser Pain Therapy integrates LLLT as part of a holistic treatment plan. LLLT is a highly effective, painless, and completely safe treatment in Melbourne, Victoria. LLLT treats the underlying cause of the injury. Supported by scientific research from respected institutions such as Harvard University and NASA, LLLT is an evidence-based therapy for soft tissue injuries, including undisplaced fractures.
Gentle. Drug-Free. Clinically Proven
Key Points:
- Undisplaced fractures occur when the bone breaks but the fragments remain aligned, typically requiring stabilisation to ensure proper healing.
- Common sites for undisplaced fractures include the wrist, metatarsals, scaphoid, clavicle, ribs, fibula, hip, and vertebral body.
- LLLT can be an excellent adjunct treatment for fractures that are healing slowly or showing delayed union. It promotes accelerated healing by reducing inflammation, enhancing blood flow, and stimulating tissue regeneration.
- Splints, braces, and supports are used to immobilise the fracture, keep the bone in alignment, and limit movement, providing pain relief and aiding tissue healing.
- LLLT addresses the root cause of slow or non-union fractures by supporting the body’s natural healing process, improving bone repair, and reducing the risk of further injury or complications.
- LLLT is a safe, non-invasive, and effective treatment for promoting faster recovery in undisplaced fractures, complementing traditional treatments such as immobilisation.
What are Undisplaced Fractures?
An undisplaced fracture is a type of bone fracture where the bone has cracked or broken, but the fragments remain in near-normal alignment. Unlike displaced fractures, where the bone fragments are misaligned, an undisplaced fracture typically requires less intervention, but still needs to be carefully managed to prevent complications.
The periosteum (the outer membrane of the bone) and the surrounding soft tissues often remain partially intact, which helps to stabilise the fragments and reduce the likelihood of further displacement.
The key principle in treating these fractures is to maintain alignment, protect the fracture, and allow natural healing while managing the load placed on the injured area.
Causes of Undisplaced Fractures:
Undisplaced fractures typically occur due to:
- Trauma or sudden impact: A direct blow or fall, such as falling onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH injury).
- Overuse: Repetitive stress on bones from activities such as running, jumping, or other high-impact movements.
- Bone density issues: Conditions such as osteoporosis or osteopenia, where bones are more fragile and prone to fracture under less force.
- Age: Older individuals, particularly those with diminished bone strength, are more susceptible to fractures.
- Sports: Activities such as basketball, tennis, or gymnastics can contribute to repetitive stress and subsequent fractures.
Common Sites Involved:
Undisplaced fractures can occur in several locations throughout the body. Common areas include:
- Wrist (distal radius): Often occurs from low-energy falls, especially in older adults (FOOSH injuries).
- Metatarsals (especially the 5th metatarsal): Typically results from stress fractures or inversion injuries to the foot.
- Scaphoid (wrist): A common site in younger adults due to FOOSH injuries.
- Clavicle: Typically occurs after direct shoulder trauma, often during sports or falls.
- Ribs: May result from blunt chest trauma, intense coughing, or osteoporotic fractures in older individuals.
- Fibula (Weber A ankle fracture): Usually caused by low-energy inversion injuries to the ankle.
- Hip (undisplaced femoral neck fracture): Common in elderly individuals after early-stage falls.
- Vertebral body: Compression fractures in osteoporotic individuals without significant trauma.
- Tibial plateau: Often occurs in elderly individuals due to low-energy valgus stress.
Symptoms of Undisplaced Fractures:
The symptoms of an undisplaced fracture may vary depending on the location and severity of the injury but generally include:
- Pain: Typically, pain is localised to the fracture site and worsens with movement or pressure.
- Swelling: Swelling may occur around the injured area, particularly in the first 24–48 hours.
- Tenderness: The area may be sensitive to touch.
- Bruising: Discoloration may appear over time around the injury site.
- Limited mobility: Difficulty moving the affected limb or joint due to pain or instability.
Diagnosis of Undisplaced Fractures:
Diagnosing an undisplaced fracture involves:
- Medical History: A thorough assessment of how the injury occurred and symptoms experienced.
- Physical Examination: Checking for tenderness, swelling, and bruising around the injury site, as well as assessing the range of motion.
- Imaging: X-rays are typically used to confirm the fracture, though early fractures may be subtle and require follow-up imaging. In some cases, MRI or CT scans may be needed to detect small or hairline fractures.
Undisplaced Fractures – 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 undisplaced fractures: persistent inflammation, micro-trauma, and delayed tissue repair. It promotes healing without mechanical stress to vulnerable bone and surrounding soft tissue.
Why Choose Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?
Many patients present after limited relief from rest, splints, anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, or prolonged activity restriction. These approaches may temporarily ease symptoms but often fail to address deeper bone and soft tissue healing and can contribute to deconditioning. LLLT is particularly helpful where inflammation, micro-trauma, and delayed union persist, and where excessive loading may delay recovery.
Why ice, anti-inflammatories, and cortisone may not support long-term recovery. Read more here.
- Prolonged rest or immobility can cause muscle wasting and joint stiffness, leading to weakness, compensatory strain, and slower recovery. It does not actively promote tissue repair.
- Surgery is rarely required for undisplaced fractures, but invasive interventions carry additional risks and recovery challenges.
How LLLT Supports Healing
LLLT uses red and near-infrared light to restore balance to the inflammatory process and stimulate bone and soft tissue repair by:
- Improving circulation and oxygenation
- Enhancing lymphatic drainage
- Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
- Increasing cellular energy (ATP)
- Supporting collagen production and tissue regeneration
All without loading or stressing the fracture site or surrounding structures.
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 pain from an undisplaced 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.
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