KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS
Could cold laser be worth discussing?
Knee osteoarthritis may involve pain, stiffness and changes in comfortable movement. Research suggests photobiomodulation, also called PBM or cold laser therapy, may help some people with selected pain or function measures. Evidence certainty and treatment protocols vary. PBM is one option to discuss alongside recommended care. Individual responses vary.
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
What does the research suggest?
Two systematic reviews support a cautious discussion of PBM for knee osteoarthritis. They do not predict an individual response or support PBM as a replacement for recommended care.
Stausholm and colleagues, 2019
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 placebo-controlled randomised trials involving 1,063 participants reported lower pain and disability measures with low-level laser therapy than placebo when studied parameters were considered. This group-level finding does not promise a personal result.
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
Oliveira and colleagues, 2024
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 placebo-controlled randomised trials involving 542 participants reported lower pain at rest with PBM than placebo. It found no significant effect on the Timed Up and Go test and rated the relevant evidence as very low certainty. The authors did not recommend PBM as an isolated approach.
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
How may PBM fit with other care?
PBM does not replace exercise, load management, GP advice, physiotherapy or orthopaedic review when those options are clinically appropriate. Knee pain has different possible causes, so assessment helps determine whether cold laser therapy is suitable or whether medical review is the better next step.
At an initial consultation, Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) takes your history, assesses your knee presentation and discusses suitable options. The initial consultation is $99. Standard visits are $120 if care continues. Cold laser therapy is not covered by private health fund rebates, and there are no lock-in plans. The decision is always yours.
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
Questions about knee osteoarthritis and cold laser
Research suggests PBM may help some people with selected pain or function measures. The evidence has important certainty and protocol limits, and individual responses vary.
No. PBM may be considered as one option alongside exercise and other recommended care. GP advice, physiotherapy or orthopaedic review may be appropriate depending on your presentation.
Suitability is discussed after assessment. Any further care depends on your presentation and response, and Adelaide Cold Laser does not use lock-in plans.
The initial consultation is $99. Standard visits are $120 if care continues. Cold laser therapy is not covered by private health fund rebates.
Discuss your knee and your options
Book an initial consultation with Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) at Adelaide Cold Laser, 528 Marion Road, Plympton Park.
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.