How Laser Therapy May Help Reduce Musculoskeletal Pain Naturally
Written by Dr Julian Simpson — Chiropractor with 15+ years of experience, Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation, and author/reviewer of 800+ health articles.
How Laser Therapy May Help Reduce Musculoskeletal Pain Naturally
Pain is one of the leading reasons people seek healthcare worldwide, especially for conditions involving the spine, muscles, joints and nerves. Research suggests that one in three Americans experiences chronic pain each year, with musculoskeletal conditions costing an estimated $635 billion annually through medical expenses, missed work and reduced productivity.
At Health Wise Chiropractic, we’re always looking for evidence-based ways to help patients in Sunbury, Melton and surrounding Melbourne suburbs manage pain safely and effectively. One treatment gaining increasing attention is Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy.
Unlike medications or invasive procedures, laser therapy aims to reduce inflammation, support tissue healing and assist pain relief with a very low risk profile.
What Is Low Level Laser Therapy?
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular repair and healing. Rather than generating heat, the treatment works through a photochemical reaction inside cells.
Researchers compare this process to photosynthesis in plants:
light energy is absorbed by cells
cellular activity increases
healing processes may accelerate
Studies have shown that wavelengths between 660nm and 905nm are particularly effective because they can penetrate skin, muscles, tendons and joints.
LLLT is also commonly referred to as:
Photobiomodulation (PBM)
Cold Laser Therapy
Low Level Light Therapy
The Growing Burden of Musculoskeletal Pain
Musculoskeletal pain affects millions of people every year and is one of the most common causes of:
missed work
reduced mobility
chronic disability
decreased quality of life
Traditional treatment approaches often include:
anti-inflammatory medications
steroid injections
opioid medications
surgery
While these treatments may help some people, research highlights important concerns including:
gastrointestinal bleeding
cardiovascular risks
infection risks
medication dependency
surgical complications
This is why many healthcare providers are exploring safer conservative therapies that support the body’s natural healing response.
What Does Research Say About Laser Therapy?
The research surrounding laser therapy has grown substantially over the last few decades.
According to the review article:
more than 400 Phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have been published
over 4,000 laboratory studies have investigated Low Level Laser Therapy
Research has demonstrated positive effects for:
reducing inflammation
decreasing swelling (edema)
improving tissue repair
supporting pain reduction
The paper concluded that the majority of clinical and laboratory studies showed beneficial outcomes for acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Conditions That May Benefit From Laser Therapy
Research has investigated LLLT across a broad range of musculoskeletal and nerve-related conditions, including:
Spine & Joint Conditions
Soft Tissue Injuries
Tendon injuries
Tendinopathy
Tennis elbow
Sprains and strains
Plantar fasciitis
Nerve Pain Conditions
Diabetic neuropathy
Trigeminal neuralgia
Post-herpetic neuralgia
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Chronic Pain Conditions
Fibromyalgia
Chronic regional pain syndrome
At Health Wise Chiropractic, laser therapy may be combined with:
This integrated approach helps address both pain and movement dysfunction together.
How Does Laser Therapy Work?
Laser therapy works at the cellular level.
Research suggests the light energy stimulates mitochondria — often called the “power plants” of the cell — helping increase cellular energy production (ATP).
Potential effects include:
improved circulation
reduced inflammation
decreased nerve sensitivity
enhanced collagen production
accelerated tissue healing
Studies also suggest laser therapy may:
reduce inflammatory chemicals
decrease swelling
help calm irritated nerves
reduce muscle spasm
support long-term tissue repair
One interesting finding from the research was that laser therapy may create approximately a 30% temporary neural blockade within 10–20 minutes of application, potentially helping reduce pain signalling.
Why Patients Are Looking For Non-Invasive Pain Relief
Many people today are searching for:
drug-free pain relief
non-surgical options
affordable conservative care
treatments with fewer side effects
This is especially important for people dealing with:
chronic back pain
headaches and migraines
sports injuries
nerve pain
ongoing inflammation
Laser therapy has become increasingly popular because studies report that adverse effects are generally similar to placebo treatments, making it a well-tolerated option for many patients.
Is Laser Therapy Safe?
Research suggests Low Level Laser Therapy has a strong safety profile when used correctly by trained healthcare professionals.
Important precautions include:
avoiding direct exposure to the eyes
not treating directly over known cancers
avoiding direct treatment over pregnancy areas
exercising caution with photosensitive epilepsy
At Health Wise Chiropractic, treatments are performed using professional clinical protocols designed to prioritise patient safety and comfort.
Laser Therapy at Health Wise Chiropractic
At our clinics in Sunbury and Melton, we focus on combining evidence-informed therapies to help patients move better and recover faster.
Depending on your condition, care may include:
Chiropractic adjustments
Massage therapy
Shockwave therapy
Spinal decompression
Rehabilitation exercises
Low Level Laser Therapy
Our goal is to provide affordable, conservative care options that help reduce pain while supporting long-term recovery.
Final Thoughts
The research surrounding Low Level Laser Therapy continues to grow, particularly for musculoskeletal pain and inflammation.
While laser therapy is not a cure-all and cannot correct structural instability on its own, studies suggest it may:
help reduce pain
improve healing
decrease inflammation
support recovery from injury
As more people seek non-invasive alternatives for pain management, therapies like photobiomodulation may continue to play an increasing role in modern conservative healthcare.
About the Author
Dr Julian Simpson is an Australian chiropractor with over 15 years of experience in musculoskeletal healthcare and rehabilitation.
He is a Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation and has reviewed and written more than 800 evidence-based health articles focused on spinal health, rehabilitation, sports injuries and conservative care approaches.
His treatment focus includes:
Chiropractic adjustments
Sports chiropractic
Massage therapy
Shockwave therapy
Laser therapy
Non-surgical spinal decompression
Dr Simpson provides patient care through Healthwise Chiropractic, serving communities including Sunbury, Melton, Diggers Rest and surrounding regions.
Reference
Cotler HB, Chow RT, Hamblin MR, Carroll J. The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) For Musculoskeletal Pain. MOJ Orthop Rheumatol. 2015;2(5):00068. doi: 10.15406/mojor.2015.02.00068. Epub 2015 Jun 9. PMID: 26858986; PMCID: PMC4743666.
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