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Laser therapy has been gaining popularity in recent years as an effective form of pain management in physiotherapy. It involves the use of low-level lasers or high-power lasers to treat various conditions and injuries, including chronic pain, muscle strains, and joint injuries.
In this blog, we explore the different aspects of laser therapy in physiotherapy, including its equipment, types, benefits, and contraindications.
Laser therapy in physiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to stimulate healing and reduce pain. The laser emits photons that are absorbed by cells in the body, which then produce energy and trigger a cascade of biochemical reactions that support healing.
This therapy is typically used alongside other physiotherapy treatments to provide pain relief and support the recovery process, rather than as a stand-alone replacement for physiotherapy.
Chronic pain can have a real impact on physical and mental wellbeing, contributing to fatigue, anxiety, and limits on daily activity. Laser therapy in physiotherapy is one tool among several for managing pain and supporting recovery from chronic sports injuries, and its non-invasive nature makes it a reasonable option for people looking for a lower-risk approach alongside their main treatment.
Laser therapy in physiotherapy uses specialized equipment that delivers laser light to the affected area of the body. There are two main types:
Class 3 lasers, also known as cold lasers, are used in low-level laser therapy (LLLT). These are less than 500 milliwatts (mW) in power and are considered safe for use in physiotherapy. They’re often used to treat superficial tissues and injuries such as skin wounds, joint pain, and muscle strains.
Class 4 lasers are greater than 500 mW and are sometimes referred to as high-power laser therapy (HPLT). These are used for deeper tissues and injuries such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and deep muscle strains, and are associated with reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and promoting tissue repair.
LLLT (low-level laser therapy), also known as cold laser therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-power lasers to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. It’s called “cold” because it doesn’t produce heat, and patients usually don’t feel pain or discomfort during treatment. LLLT is commonly used for conditions such as arthritis, back pain, neck pain, and sports injuries.
HPLT (high-power laser therapy) uses high-power lasers to deliver a higher dose of energy to the affected area. It’s usually used for deeper tissues and can produce some heat, which may cause mild discomfort but can also provide more immediate pain relief in some cases.
How they work to relieve pain
Both LLLT and HPLT work by stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. The lasers penetrate the skin and are absorbed by cells in the affected area, converting light energy into chemical energy that can help trigger biochemical reactions involved in reducing inflammation and supporting healing
These potential benefits make laser therapy a treatment option worth discussing with a physiotherapist for a range of conditions, including acute and chronic pain, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders. As with any treatment, individual results vary.
Acute and chronic pain conditions: including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain.
Soft tissue injuries: such as sprains, strains, and tears, as part of soft tissue injury treatment.
Arthritis and joint pain: laser therapy may help as part of managing inflammation associated with arthritis and other joint conditions.
Post-surgical recovery: laser therapy may support the healing process after surgery alongside standard post-operative care.
Other conditions: including carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and fibromyalgia.
Laser therapy in physiotherapy isn’t right for everyone. Situations where it’s generally avoided include:
Laser therapy in physiotherapy is generally considered low-risk, with some points worth knowing:
No. Laser therapy is generally used alongside physiotherapy and other treatments, not as a stand-alone replacement.
Most patients feel no pain during LLLT, at most a mild warming sensation. HPLT can sometimes cause brief mild discomfort due to the heat it produces.
Session length varies by condition and laser type, typically a matter of minutes rather than an hour-long appointment.
People who are pregnant, have cancerous or suspected cancerous lesions, have a pacemaker, or have a history of seizures should discuss alternatives with their provider. See the contraindications section above for the full list.
No. It's non-invasive, with no incisions, and most patients resume normal activity immediately afterward.
BioFlex Pakistan offers laser therapy as part of its physiotherapy and pain management services, using equipment intended to target the affected area directly.
BioFlex Pakistan patients have shared their experiences with laser therapy treatment; you can read some of these directly on our success stories page rather than take our word for it.
If you’re considering laser therapy as part of your physiotherapy plan, a proper assessment is the best starting point. It can tell you whether this treatment fits your specific condition, rather than assuming it will work the same way for everyone.
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