What Conditions May Be Treated With Photobiomodulation?
The evidence for photobiomodulation varies considerably depending on the diagnosis, wavelength, dose, treatment schedule, and device being used.
At Synergy Wellness, cold laser therapy may be considered as an adjunct for selected musculoskeletal conditions such as:
Laser therapy is not appropriate for every patient or every diagnosis, and it should not replace evaluation of the underlying cause of persistent pain.
What Does the Research Say?
Photobiomodulation has been studied for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, but the quality and consistency of evidence varies.
For example, clinical research has reported short-term pain and functional improvements in some patients with tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and knee osteoarthritis.
Other studies have produced smaller effects or inconsistent results. Treatment parameters matter, including wavelength, energy dose, number of treatments, treatment location, and the condition being treated.
For this reason, we view photobiomodulation as one possible component of a broader conservative treatment plan rather than a stand-alone cure.
Cold Laser Therapy for Tendon Problems
Low-level laser therapy has been studied for tendon-related conditions including Achilles tendinopathy, lateral epicondylitis, and other repetitive-use injuries.
Research suggests that appropriate dosing may reduce pain in some patients, although results vary between studies.
Tendon rehabilitation usually also requires progressive strengthening, load management, activity modification, and correction of contributing biomechanical factors.
Cold Laser Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Photobiomodulation has also been investigated for plantar fasciitis.
Clinical trials and systematic reviews suggest that properly dosed low-level laser therapy may provide short-term pain reduction for some patients.
It is generally used along with other conservative measures such as calf and plantar fascia stretching, strengthening, appropriate footwear, activity modification, and rehabilitation.
Cold Laser Therapy for Arthritis and Joint Pain
Photobiomodulation has been studied for osteoarthritis and other joint-related pain conditions.
Some research in knee osteoarthritis has found improvements in pain, although the certainty of evidence remains limited and photobiomodulation should generally complement established treatments such as therapeutic exercise and physical therapy.
Cold Laser Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Low-level laser therapy has been investigated as a conservative treatment option for symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Treatment decisions should depend on the severity of nerve compression, examination findings, duration of symptoms, strength changes, and other neurological findings.
Progressive weakness, muscle wasting, severe nerve compression, or persistent neurological deficits may require additional testing or referral rather than relying on laser therapy alone.
Laser Therapy and Physical Rehabilitation
At Synergy Wellness, photobiomodulation is often considered in the context of a broader rehabilitation program.
Depending on the diagnosis, care may also include:
- Physical therapy
- Therapeutic exercise
- Mobility and flexibility work
- Progressive strengthening
- Soft-tissue treatment
- Activity modification
- Chiropractic care when appropriate
- Ergonomic or sports-related modifications
What Is the Difference Between Laser and LED Therapy?
Both lasers and light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, can be used for photobiomodulation.
Laser light is typically more collimated and coherent, while LED light is generally less collimated and less coherent.
However, the clinical effectiveness of a photobiomodulation treatment depends on much more than whether the light source is technically a laser or an LED.
Important factors include wavelength, irradiance, energy delivered, treatment duration, tissue depth, and dosage.
For that reason, it is too simplistic to say that LED therapy cannot produce meaningful photobiomodulation effects merely because it is not a laser.
Why Do Wavelengths Matter?
Light wavelength is measured in nanometers, or nm.
Different wavelengths interact with tissue differently and have different penetration characteristics.
Red and near-infrared wavelengths are commonly used in photobiomodulation because they can reach superficial and deeper musculoskeletal tissues to varying degrees.
The optimal wavelength and treatment parameters depend on the intended clinical application.
What Laser Equipment Does Synergy Wellness Use?
Synergy Wellness uses professional therapeutic laser equipment from Multi Radiance Medical.
These systems combine multiple light wavelengths and pulsed treatment parameters intended for professional therapeutic use.
Specific FDA clearances apply to individual devices and particular indications. An FDA-cleared device should not be interpreted to mean that every possible use of photobiomodulation has been reviewed or approved by the FDA.
