How many LLLT sessions do I need?

The number of sessions depends on your condition and how long you have had it. Acute conditions may respond in 3–6 sessions, while chronic conditions typically require 6–12 sessions. Sessions are usually scheduled 2–3 times per week to begin with, then spaced out as the condition improves. Our podiatrists will recommend a tailored treatment plan at your initial assessment.

What conditions can LLLT treat in podiatry?

LLLT is effective for a range of foot and lower limb conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, Morton’s neuroma, ankle sprains, arthritic joints, shin splints, wound healing, and post-surgical recovery. It can be used alongside other podiatry treatments such as orthotics, shockwave therapy, and exercise rehabilitation.

Is LLLT covered by health insurance?

Health fund rebates are available for podiatry consultations that include laser therapy through most major health funds including HBF, Medibank, BUPA, and NIB. As BUPA and Medibank preferred providers, we offer maximum rebates. Call us on (08) 9417 3737 for current fee information.

How is LLLT different from shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic (sound) waves to stimulate healing in chronic tendon conditions and is particularly suited to calcific tendinopathy and long-standing plantar fasciitis. LLLT uses low-intensity light energy to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate tissue repair. LLLT is gentler, completely painless, and is well suited to acute injuries, sensitive areas, and patients who cannot tolerate the discomfort of shockwave therapy. The two treatments can also be combined for optimal outcomes.

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) — Cockburn Central

Q: Is low level laser therapy painful?

No. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is completely painless. The laser device is held gently against the skin and most patients feel nothing at all, or a very mild warmth. There is no cutting, no needles, and no discomfort. It is one of the gentlest treatment modalities available in podiatry.

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or cold laser therapy, is a painless, non-invasive treatment used at Cockburn Podiatry to reduce pain and inflammation, and to accelerate the healing of injured tissue. It is an effective tool for both acute and chronic foot and lower limb conditions, and can be used alongside other podiatry treatments for faster, more complete recovery.

How Does Low Level Laser Therapy Work?

LLLT uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light (typically 630–1000 nm) to penetrate into soft tissue without generating heat. At the cellular level, this light energy is absorbed by mitochondria — the energy-producing structures within cells — triggering a cascade of beneficial biological effects:

Reduced inflammation — modulates the inflammatory response, reducing swelling and pain in acute and chronic conditions
Pain relief — reduces the sensitivity of pain receptors (nociceptors) and promotes the release of endorphins
Accelerated tissue repair — stimulates collagen synthesis and cell regeneration, speeding recovery of damaged tendons, ligaments and fascia
Improved circulation — promotes local vasodilation and increased blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients to healing tissue
Wound healing — enhances the proliferative phase of wound healing, useful for diabetic foot ulcers and post-surgical sites

Unlike surgical lasers, LLLT uses low-intensity light that does not cut or heat tissue. The treatment is completely safe, painless, and has no known side effects at therapeutic doses.

Conditions Treated with LLLT at Cockburn Podiatry

Plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain
Achilles tendinopathy — both insertional and mid-portion
Morton’s neuroma (interdigital neuroma)
Ankle sprains and ligament injuries — acute and sub-acute
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)
Arthritic foot and ankle joints — including hallux rigidus and metatarsophalangeal joint arthritis
Bursitis — retrocalcaneal and adventitious bursae
Wound healing — diabetic foot ulcers, post-surgical wounds, slow-healing abrasions
Post-surgical recovery — to reduce swelling and accelerate tissue repair after nail surgery or other podiatric procedures
Sever’s disease — calcaneal apophysitis in active children and adolescents

What to Expect During Your LLLT Session

Initial Assessment

Before commencing laser therapy, our podiatrist will assess your condition, confirm your diagnosis, and determine whether LLLT is appropriate for you. We will explain the treatment, answer any questions, and outline how many sessions are likely to be needed.

The Treatment

The laser handpiece is placed directly against the skin over the treatment area. You will feel nothing, or at most a very gentle warmth. Each treatment area takes approximately 5–15 minutes to treat depending on the size of the area and the dose required. There is no preparation required and no recovery time — you can return to normal activities immediately after your session.

Treatment Course

The number of sessions depends on your condition:

Acute injuries (sprains, recent flare-ups): typically 3–6 sessions, 2–3 times per week
Chronic conditions (long-standing tendinopathy, arthritis): typically 6–12 sessions, initially 2–3 times per week, tapering as improvement occurs
Wound care: frequency and duration tailored to wound status

Many patients notice improvement after just a few sessions. The full benefit continues to develop in the days and weeks following each treatment as the biological healing response unfolds.

LLLT vs. Shockwave Therapy — Which Is Right for You?

Both LLLT and shockwave therapy are non-invasive, evidence-based treatments for foot and lower limb pain, but they work differently and suit different presentations:

LLLT is painless and ideal for acute injuries, sensitive areas, patients who cannot tolerate discomfort, wound care, and arthritic conditions. It can also complement shockwave therapy.
Shockwave therapy is particularly suited to chronic, calcified, or long-standing tendon conditions (e.g. plantar fasciitis present for more than 3 months, calcific Achilles tendinopathy) where a stronger mechanical stimulus is needed to restart the healing process.

Our podiatrists will recommend the most appropriate treatment — or a combination — based on your diagnosis, chronicity, and personal preferences.

Is LLLT Safe?

LLLT is extremely safe when administered by trained clinicians at appropriate doses. It is non-toxic, non-thermal at therapeutic levels, and has no known adverse effects. It is suitable for most patients including children, elderly patients, and those with complex health conditions. The only contraindications are treatment directly over active malignancy, treatment of the thyroid gland, and use over the pregnant uterus. Eye protection is worn during all sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is low level laser therapy painful?

No. LLLT is completely painless — most patients feel nothing at all, or a very mild warmth. There are no needles, no cutting, and no discomfort.

How many sessions will I need?

Acute conditions typically respond in 3–6 sessions. Chronic conditions usually require 6–12 sessions. Our podiatrists will advise at your initial consultation.

How is it different from shockwave therapy?

Shockwave uses high-energy sound waves suited to chronic tendon conditions. LLLT uses gentle light energy to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing — it is painless and works well for a broader range of conditions including acute injuries and wound care. Both can be combined for optimal outcomes.

Is it covered by my health fund?

Health fund rebates apply to podiatry consultations that include laser therapy through most major funds. As BUPA and Medibank preferred providers, we offer maximum rebates. Call (08) 9417 3737 for current fee information.

Serving south Perth: We treat patients from Atwell, Success, South Lake, Yangebup, Hammond Park, Aubin Grove, Jandakot, Beeliar, Coogee, Baldivis and the wider Cockburn area.

Find out if LLLT is right for you. Call (08) 9417 3737 or book a consultation online. Cockburn Podiatry is located at Cockburn Central, serving Atwell, Success, Hammond Park, Jandakot, Coogee and surrounds.