TL;DR
Cold laser therapy, also called low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation, uses low-power light to reduce pain and inflammation and support tissue healing. It does not cut or burn the skin.
- It is used for joint, tendon, muscle and nerve pain, including knee arthritis, neck and back pain and tendinitis.
- Sessions are short and usually painless. Most courses run several sessions.
- Research supports it for some conditions, and results vary from person to person.
- It works best as part of a plan that includes movement and exercise.
What is cold laser therapy?
Cold laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light at low power. Unlike surgical lasers, it does not heat or cut tissue, which is why it is called “cold”. The light passes through the skin and is absorbed by cells in the treated area. It is also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and photobiomodulation (PBM).
How does cold laser therapy work?
The light is absorbed by mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of cells. Research suggests this can:
- Increase cell energy production
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve local blood flow
- Calm pain signaling in nerves
The effect depends on the dose, the wavelength and how deep the target tissue is.
What conditions does cold laser therapy treat?
- Knee osteoarthritis and other joint pain
- Neck pain and low back pain
- Tendinitis and tendinopathy, such as tennis elbow and Achilles pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Peripheral neuropathy symptoms
- Jaw pain (TMJ)
- Muscle strains and sports injuries
See laser therapy for neuropathic pain and knee osteoarthritis treatment.
What does the evidence say?
Reviews of randomized trials have found that low-level laser therapy can reduce pain and improve function in knee osteoarthritis and chronic neck pain when the correct dose is used. Results in other conditions are more mixed. Laser therapy is usually one part of a plan rather than a stand-alone cure.
What does a session feel like?
- You sit or lie comfortably while the handheld device is placed over the area.
- Most people feel nothing, or mild warmth.
- Sessions usually take 5 to 15 minutes.
- Eye protection is worn.
- You can return to normal activity right away.
Many people need several sessions over a few weeks before judging the result.
Who should avoid cold laser therapy?
Laser therapy is generally safe, but it is usually not used:
- Directly over the eyes
- Over a known or suspected cancer
- Over the abdomen or low back during pregnancy
- Over areas with recent steroid injections or active bleeding, in some cases
Tell the provider about your medical history before starting.
How is it different from high-intensity laser therapy?
High-intensity laser therapy uses more power to reach deeper tissue and often produces noticeable warmth. Cold laser uses lower power. Both are types of photobiomodulation. Learn more in our in-depth look at laser therapy for pain and about our laser therapy.
Frequently asked questions
Does cold laser therapy work for pain?
Research supports it for some conditions, such as knee osteoarthritis and neck pain, when the right dose is used. Results vary.
Is cold laser therapy painful?
No. Most people feel nothing or mild warmth.
How many cold laser sessions will I need?
Many people need several sessions over a few weeks. The number depends on the condition.
Is cold laser therapy safe?
It is generally safe when used correctly. Eye protection is worn, and it is avoided over certain areas.
Are home red light devices the same as cold laser therapy?
They share a principle, but clinical devices deliver a focused, controlled dose to a specific target. A home panel is not a direct substitute.
Take the next step
If this sounds like what you are dealing with, you do not have to figure it out alone. A pain management provider can evaluate what is going on and walk you through drug-free, non-surgical options that may fit your situation.
Ready to get real relief?
We verify your coverage before your visit and build a non-surgical plan that fits you.
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Sources: Stausholm MB, et al. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis. BMJ Open. 2019;9(10):e031142; Chow RT, et al. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain. Lancet. 2009;374(9705):1897-1908.
