What Is Cold Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy, also called photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non-invasive treatment that uses targeted light to support your body’s natural healing at the cellular level. Unlike surgical lasers, it does not cut or burn tissue — instead, it energizes cells, reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and accelerates repair.

At our clinic, we use the Phoenix Thera-Lase, a high-powered Class IV laser delivering up to 75 watts at a 1275 nm wavelength. This allows deeper tissue penetration for faster, more effective results. Most patients feel a soothing warmth during treatment — a sign of energy reaching muscles, joints, and nerves.

Cells produce energy through mitochondria, which generate ATP — the fuel your body uses to repair and regenerate tissue. Photobiomodulation stimulates these mitochondria, boosting ATP production, reducing inflammation, and enhancing circulation.

The result? Faster healing, decreased pain, and improved function — whether you’re recovering from an injury or optimizing performance.

Not all lasers are the same. Many low-level lasers can’t reach deep tissue or deliver enough energy for meaningful results. The Phoenix Thera-Lase offers:

• High power (up to 75W) for efficient energy delivery.

• 1275 nm wavelength for deep tissue penetration.

• Shorter, more comfortable treatments.

• Clinically meaningful effects on muscles, joints, ligaments, and nerves.

Research supports photobiomodulation for:

• Reducing inflammation and pain.

• Accelerating soft tissue and nerve repair.

• Supporting post-exercise recovery and athletic performance.

• Enhancing tissue resilience.

This therapy is increasingly used in orthopedics, rehabilitation, and sports medicine because it works at the cellular level, not just to mask symptoms.

Cold laser therapy can help with:

• Joint pain and arthritis.

• Muscle strains and spasms.

• Tendon or ligament injuries.

• Neuropathy and nerve pain.

• Post-surgical healing.

• Performance recovery and functional optimization.

Sessions are gentle, painless, and relaxing, typically lasting 10–20 minutes. Most patients enjoy the warm sensation as energy penetrates the tissue. Our approach combines osteopathic principles with advanced photobiomodulation for optimal recovery, performance, and pain relief.

Prepare for your cold laser therapy session by wearing clothing to easily expose the area you plan to treat. For a shoulder, wear a tank top. For a knee, wear shorts. Or bring a change of clothing with you and we can step out while you change.