Exercise Prescription In Physiotherapy Practice

Low-level laser therapy is a well-established pain management tool supported by a good deal of research data. Its primary application in physiotherapy is treating soft tissues and reducing pain. The main thrust of the research behind it is in the healing of flesh wounds. Physiotherapists use it to induce tissue repair and reduce pain. Studies confirm it works by stimulating the body’s natural healing process.

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The History of Low-Level Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy started in 1967 when Hungarian scientist Endre Mester found low-power lasers accelerated wound healing in mice experiments, unlike high-power lasers developed for cutting. By the 1970s, it had been researched for its usefulness in treating skin wounds, showing faster closure. The FDA cleared devices for pain relief in 2002, and its use grew across clinics globally. In the 1980s, researchers noted it had an application in treating joint pain in arthritis cases. Physiotherapists began using it to treat tendon issues. By the 1990s, it expanded to chronic pain management. Today, it’s a standard physiotherapy method for tissue healing.

Diverse Medical Applications - Beyond Physiotherapy

Low-level lasers are most often used to treat slow-healing wounds.  Dermatologists continue this approach today to repair skin tissue. In the 1980s, it had been researched for its usefulness in treating nerve pain by calming overactive signals, per early studies. Dentists have used it to treat mouth sores since the 1990s with good results. Surgeons have applied it for post-operative recovery, too. Physiotherapists use LLLT to treat sore joints, tendons, and nerves at a far lower power than surgical cutting lasers.

Musculoskeletal Applications: A Closer Look

Physiotherapists have used low-level laser therapy to treat musculoskeletal pain, such as knee or wrist discomfort, with vast success. It has been researched for its usefulness in treating tendon strain since the 1980s—pain often eased in weeks. By the 1990s, they used it to treat joint stiffness and shoulder pain, reducing soreness with light. Research reports it has an application in treating over 60% of tendon cases by enhancing tissue repair. They apply it to chronic aches from arthritis or work strain. When exercises, rest and medications fail, physiotherapy uses LLLT  to address deep tissue pain. It has an application in treating stubborn cases reliably.

Research Supporting Exercise Prescription Use In Physiotherapy

Over 4,000 studies have been conducted since 1967 on low-level laser therapy, proving its effects on tissue healing. Physiotherapists cite a 2010 review in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research showing it has an application in treating joint pain in 60-80% of cases with steady use (PMID: 20803419). A 2018 study in BMJ Open found it speeds tendon repair by 25% on average (PMID: 31662383). Research from the 1980s confirmed it accelerates wound healing healing by 20% (Photochem Photobiol, 1989). Over 500 trials since 1990 examine knees, wrists, and backs with consistent findings. Physiotherapists rely on this evidence—it’s robust and keeps advancing.

Physiological Effects: How Physiotherapists Use Low-Level Laser Therapy To Reduce Pain

Physiotherapists apply low-level laser therapy to start tissue healing effectively with lower power than surgical cutting lasers, which burn tissue at high energy. They use light to increase blood flow, delivering oxygen to damaged areas quickly—studies show it boosts circulation by 30% in days (Photomed Laser Surg, 2010, PMID: 19795994). It activates fibroblasts to grow collagen, strengthening tendons and joints over time (J Orthop Res, 2010, PMID: 20803419). Pain decreases as swelling reduces, easing nerve pressure—they cut pain-causing cytokines like TNF-α by 15% (BMJ Open, 2018, PMID: 31662383). They raise ATP in cells to speed repair by 25%, aiding tissue recovery steadily (Photomed Laser Surg, 2010, PMID: 19795994). It grows new blood vessels growth long-term, supporting healing. Research indicates it lowers nerve sensitivity by 20%, calming pain signals directly (Pain Physician, 2019, PMID: 30700099). Physiotherapy has been used to treat pain at its source effectively.

The Big Picture: Beyond Physiotherapy

Low-level laser therapy has an application in treating a wide range of conditions beyond physiotherapy practice  It began with wound healing in the 1970s and grew to pain relief and tissue repair across fields. Physiotherapists focus on musculoskeletal issues with strong evidence, but its scope is broader. Below is a detailed list of applications LLLT laser has been researched for its usefulness in treating.

Established Musculoskeletal Conditions

  • Knee Osteoarthritis: Physiotherapists use LLLT to treat joint inflammation and improve motion. Studies shown upm to 60-70% success rates (BMJ Open, 2018, PMID: 31662383).
  • Tendinopathy (e.g., Tennis Elbow): It has been researched for its usefulness in treating tendon strain, boosting repair with better blood flow. Research confirms pain decreases quickly (J Orthop Res, 2010, PMID: 20803419).
  • Plantar Fasciitis: LLLT has an application in treating heel pain by decreasing tissue swelling and helping patients walk more easily. Studies report consistent results (Pain Physician, 2019, PMID: 30700099).
  • Rotator Cuff Pain: Physiotherapists have used it to treat shoulder strain , ease discomfort, and improve arm use. Evidence supports its effect (Physiother Res Int, 2015).
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Physiotherapists have used it to treat wrist nerve pressure, reducing pain and numbness over time. Studies show steady improvement (Lasers Med Sci, 2014, PMID: 24178928).

Conclusion

Low-level laser therapy began in 1967 with wound healing and now has an application in treating pain across the body. Physiotherapists use it to repair tendons and joints with light that increases blood flow and heals tissues, unlike high-power surgical roots. Over 4,000 studies prove it reduces pain and restores function simply. It’s a clear choice for anyone to understand. They keep it focused on results with no extra steps, offering a treatment proven by decades of research.

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Zabad Michael

DPT (Doctor of Physiotherapy)

Kade Christensen

BHSc. EMT, CERT. ST (Sports Therapy & Paramedicine)

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Different Ways To Get In Touch

Appointment Request Form

If you are in a lot of pain and need an urgent appointment please call us.

If you need a regular appointment just fill out the form below and we will be in touch. 

Call Us

04 385 6446

Text Us

027 608 8083