Laser Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain in Sunbury – Does It Actually Work?

Laser Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain in Sunbury – Does It Actually Work?

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the biggest causes of chronic pain and disability worldwide. These conditions affect muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves — often leading to reduced movement, poor sleep, difficulty exercising, and time away from work.

Research published in a major systematic review found that approximately 1.71 billion people globally live with musculoskeletal disorders, including:

• Low back pain

• Neck pain

• Osteoarthritis

• Tendon injuries

• Plantar fasciitis

• Tennis elbow

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• 
  

For many people in Sunbury, Melton and surrounding areas, these problems slowly build over time due to:

• Poor posture

• Repetitive strain

• Gym overload

• Sporting injuries

• Work-related stress on the body

• Sedentary lifestyles

• 
  

The research also highlights that musculoskeletal pain is strongly linked to reduced quality of life, chronic pain, and even increased risk of other chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease.

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we regularly help patients manage musculoskeletal injuries using evidence-based chiropractic care combined with soft tissue therapies, rehabilitation exercises, dry needling, and modern recovery technologies including laser therapy.

When should you see a chiropractor for musculoskeletal pain?

You should consider seeing a chiropractor if:

• Pain lasts longer than a few days

• Movement is restricted

• Pain is worsening

• It’s affecting sleep or work

• You keep getting flare-ups

• Pain is limiting gym or sporting performance

• Stretching and rest are not helping

Research shows musculoskeletal conditions are one of the leading reasons people seek rehabilitation and conservative care worldwide.

Early treatment is important because persistent pain can lead to:

• Muscle weakness

• Reduced mobility

• Compensation injuries

• Loss of fitness

• Chronic inflammation

• Ongoing joint dysfunction

How can chiropractic care help musculoskeletal pain?

At Health Wise Chiropractic, treatment may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments

• Soft tissue therapy

• Dry needling

• Shockwave therapy

• Laser therapy

• Postural correction

• Rehabilitation exercises

• Ergonomic and movement advice

Recent research comparing High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) found both therapies can play a valuable role in musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

The systematic review analysed 12 randomised controlled trials involving more than 700 participants with conditions including:

• Chronic low back pain

• Tennis elbow

• Plantar fasciitis

• Knee osteoarthritis

• Shoulder impingement

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Researchers found both forms of laser therapy were considered:

• Safe

• Non-invasive

• Drug-free

• Helpful for pain management and rehabilitation

Laser therapy may help by:

• Improving circulation

• Stimulating tissue healing

• Increasing collagen production

• Reducing inflammation

• Supporting tendon repair

• Improving cellular energy production (ATP)

Some studies also showed improvements in grip strength, tendon healing, and tissue recovery.

👉 Learn more about our treatment here:Health Wise Chiropractic Musculoskeletal Treatment

What is the difference between HILT and LLLT?

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

LLLT uses lower-powered light energy to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation.

Research suggests it may help:

• Reduce swelling

• Improve circulation

• Stimulate endorphin release

• Improve tendon healing

• Reduce nerve irritation

It is commonly used for:

• Tendon injuries

• Muscle strains

• Chronic inflammatory pain

• Repetitive strain injuries

High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)

HILT uses stronger, deeper-penetrating laser energy.

Research suggests HILT may:

• Penetrate deeper tissues

• Stimulate mitochondrial activity

• Increase collagen synthesis

• Improve deeper tissue healing

• Support recovery in chronic injuries

The review found there was currently insufficient evidence to prove one laser type is clearly superior overall, but both showed promising results in rehabilitation programs.

What to expect at Health Wise Chiropractic

Your first visit includes:

• Full assessment

• Posture analysis

• Movement testing

• Functional strength testing

• Personalised treatment plan

We focus on both symptom relief and long-term correction.

Rather than only chasing pain relief, we aim to improve how your body moves and functions so you can stay active long term.

Common mistakes people make with musculoskeletal pain

• Ignoring symptoms early

• Continuing to train through pain

• Relying only on painkillers

• Poor workstation setup

• Avoiding rehabilitation exercises

• Returning to sport too quickly

Many musculoskeletal problems become chronic because underlying movement dysfunctions are never properly addressed.

How long does it take to recover from musculoskeletal injuries?

Recovery depends on:

• Severity

• Duration of symptoms

• Tissue involved

• Compliance with care

• Activity modification

• Exercise consistency

Research in the review showed treatment programs ranged from:

• 2 weeks

• Up to 12 weeks

Many patients notice improvements within the first few visits, especially when treatment is combined with rehabilitation and movement correction.

Long-standing injuries often require more structured corrective care.

Why conservative treatment matters

The research strongly supports non-surgical and non-pharmaceutical approaches for many musculoskeletal conditions.

This is important because long-term painkiller use may carry risks, while conservative rehabilitation approaches aim to:

• Improve movement

• Restore strength

• Reduce inflammation naturally

• Improve quality of life

• Prevent recurrence

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we combine multiple evidence-based therapies together to maximise recovery outcomes.

Local patients we help

We regularly help patients with musculoskeletal injuries from:

• Sunbury

• Diggers Rest

• Gisborne

• Riddells Creek

• Melton

• Strathtulloh

• Cobblebank

• Weir Views

• Thornhill Park

FAQs

Can a chiropractor help with musculoskeletal pain?

Yes. Chiropractic care focuses on improving joint movement, reducing muscle tension, restoring function, and improving overall biomechanics.

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we combine chiropractic care with massage therapy, dry needling, cupping, rehabilitation exercises, shockwave therapy, and recovery technologies.

Is laser therapy safe?

According to the systematic review, both HILT and LLLT were considered safe treatment tools with no major side effects reported.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on:

• Your condition

• How long symptoms have been present

• Your goals

• Activity demands

• Severity of tissue irritation

We also offer wellness and corrective care plans designed to support long-term recovery and performance.

Do I need a referral?

No, you can book directly with our clinic.

You can book online or by phone.

Book an appointment

If you're dealing with musculoskeletal pain, our team at Health Wise Chiropractic in Sunbury is here to help.

👉 Book online here:Book with Health Wise Chiropractic

Reviewed by Dr Julian Simpson

Reviewed by Dr Julian Simpson, Chiropractor at Health Wise Chiropractic, Sunbury — 21 Powellet Street, Sunbury & 131 Wembley Avenue, Strathtulloh.

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we regularly help patients with musculoskeletal conditions return to work, gym training, sport, and daily life with improved movement, reduced pain, and better long-term function.

reference

Saleh MS, Shahien M, Mortada H, Elaraby A, Hammad YS, Hamed M, Elshennawy S. High-intensity versus low-level laser in musculoskeletal disorders. Lasers Med Sci. 2024 Jul 11;39(1):179. doi: 10.1007/s10103-024-04111-1. PMID: 38990213; PMCID: PMC11239763.