Photobiomodulation does not reverse cartilage loss or cure osteoarthritis. What the research suggests is that it may help reduce pain and improve daily function. A meta-analysis of 22 trials found significant pain reductions, particularly when recommended treatment parameters were used. Think of it as a tool that may help you move more comfortably and do more of the things you enjoy. Individual responses vary.

No. Most people feel a gentle warmth or nothing at all during treatment. The Multi-Radiance MR5 ACTIV PRO uses super-pulsed technology, which delivers therapeutic energy without heating the skin surface. There is no recovery time and you can return to normal activities immediately.

The evidence for knee osteoarthritis suggests that results are typically observed over a course of treatment rather than a single session. The largest meta-analysis found that pain reduction peaked 2–4 weeks after completing a treatment course. During your first visit, Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) will assess your situation and discuss what may be appropriate. There are no lock-in plans at Adelaide Cold Laser.

Exercise is one of the most important things you can do for knee osteoarthritis. Guidelines from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners recommend exercise as a first-line approach. Photobiomodulation may complement your exercise routine by potentially helping manage pain, which may make movement easier. We can discuss what types of activity may be suitable based on your assessment.

Your first visit is $99, which includes a thorough assessment and treatment where clinically appropriate. Ongoing care options are discussed at your initial consultation. No lock-in plans. If you prepay for sessions you do not end up using, we refund them in full. The decision is always yours.

Cold laser therapy delivered by a registered chiropractor is typically claimable under chiropractic extras cover with most private health funds. We provide a receipt after each visit for you to claim via your fund’s app. Check with your fund regarding your specific level of cover.

No. Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners in Australia. You can book directly without a referral from your GP. If you have a GP Management Plan (EPC plan), you may be eligible for a partial Medicare rebate.

Photobiomodulation works through a different mechanism to most other treatments. It delivers specific wavelengths of light to the tissues, which may influence cellular processes at the mitochondrial level. This is different to medication (which targets pain pathways systemically), cortisone injections (which suppress local inflammation), or exercise (which strengthens surrounding structures). Research suggests that cold laser therapy may be most effective when used alongside other approaches as part of a broader management plan. Individual responses vary.

The evidence base for knee OA is one of the strongest in the photobiomodulation field. A 2019 meta-analysis published in BMJ Open analysed 22 placebo-controlled randomised trials involving 1,063 participants and found statistically significant pain reductions. A more recent 2024 analysis in Physical Therapy confirmed these findings with a moderate effect size. Both studies reported no adverse events. The World Association for Laser Therapy has published specific treatment parameter recommendations based on this evidence.

Photobiomodulation has an excellent safety profile. Across the 22 knee OA trials in the largest meta-analysis, no adverse events were reported. The Multi-Radiance MR5 ACTIV PRO is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG 370913). A 2025 international expert consensus confirmed that red and near-infrared light PBM does not induce DNA damage. Cold laser therapy is not appropriate during pregnancy over the abdomen, directly over active cancers, or over the eyes without appropriate protection.

“Wear and tear” is a common description but does not fully capture what is happening. Osteoarthritis involves an active process including inflammation, changes to the bone beneath the cartilage, and alterations to the joint capsule and surrounding muscles. It is not simply a matter of the joint wearing out. Understanding this is important because it means there are multiple targets for management — not just the cartilage itself.

The clinical trials have included participants with a range of osteoarthritis severity. The largest meta-analysis included participants meeting American College of Rheumatology criteria, which covers mild to severe presentations. However, individual responses vary. During your assessment, Dr Sam Johnson will evaluate your presentation and discuss whether cold laser therapy is likely to be appropriate for your level of severity.

We use the Multi-Radiance MR5 ACTIV PRO, a super-pulsed laser listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG 370913). It delivers multiple wavelengths simultaneously — including 905 nm super-pulsed laser, 875 nm infrared, and 640 nm red light — which research suggests may optimise tissue penetration and therapeutic effect. This is the same class of device used in many of the clinical trials referenced on this page.

Research has not specifically addressed whether photobiomodulation delays knee replacement surgery. What the evidence does suggest is that it may help reduce pain and improve function, which may allow some people to manage their symptoms more effectively. Any decisions about surgery should be made in consultation with your orthopaedic surgeon. Photobiomodulation is a complementary approach, not a replacement for surgical assessment when indicated.