Laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment used to reduce pain, inflammation and tissue irritation. If your clinician has mentioned laser therapy as an option for your injury or discomfort, you may be wondering what it involves, how it works and whether it is painful. This guide explains everything you need to know.
What Is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light, usually infrared or near‑infrared, to stimulate the cells within your tissues. Your clinician places the laser over the area of pain or injury so that light can be delivered directly to the affected structures.
The light energy is absorbed by the cells and helps them function more efficiently, supporting the healing process.
How Does Laser Therapy Work?
When certain cells, particularly cytochrome c oxidase, absorb therapeutic laser light, they produce more ATP. ATP is the energy source that cells use to repair and regenerate tissue. With more energy available, the healing process becomes more effective.
Laser therapy also provides several additional benefits:
- Increased cellular activity to support tissue repair
- Reduced pain by slowing pain signals within the nerves
- Reduced inflammation by decreasing pro‑inflammatory chemicals
- Improved lymphatic drainage to help reduce swelling
- Increased circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the area
These combined effects help you recover more quickly and comfortably.
Does Laser Therapy Hurt?
No. Laser therapy should not be painful.
At Physio‑logical, we use MLS Laser Therapy. This is a non‑thermal laser, which means it does not produce heat and cannot damage tissue. The treatment is comfortable, safe and suitable for a wide range of conditions.
MLS technology uses a patented pulse pattern that allows high power to be delivered safely. This means you receive an effective treatment without any discomfort.
What Can Laser Therapy Help With?
Laser therapy can be helpful for many conditions involving pain, inflammation or tissue irritation. It is commonly used for:
- Tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Swelling or oedema
- Sprains and strains
- Back pain
- Sciatica
- Wounds
- And other soft tissue injuries
Want to Learn More?
If you would like to find out whether laser therapy could help your condition, you can contact us today. If you are ready to begin treatment, you can book an appointment online.
