Therapeutic (Low-Level) Laser Therapy (LLLT)—also known as photobiomodulation or “cold laser therapy”—employs low-intensity light (lasers or LEDs) applied to soft tissues. This non-invasive treatment aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate tissue healing by stimulating mitochondrial activity and promoting cellular recovery.
Research has shown positive outcomes for certain conditions, including significant pain and disability reduction in lower-extremity tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis, particularly in the short to medium term. For nonspecific chronic low back pain, LLLT has been found to effectively relieve pain, although its impact on functional improvement remains less clear. It may also offer modest pain relief for fibromyalgia and other musculoskeletal or neuropathic conditions.
Mechanistically, LLLT is thought to work by reducing inflammation and edema, modulating pain signals, and promoting tissue repair—making it an appealing adjunct to a broader rehabilitation plan.
