Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment delivered by qualified podiatrists to support pain management and tissue recovery. We may use it as part of your treatment plan for conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy and some soft tissue injuries.
Your podiatrist uses a handheld device to deliver specific wavelengths of light through your skin to a targeted area of tissue in your foot. This light energy is absorbed by your cells where it influences cellular processes involved pain reduction, wound healing, tissue regeneration, and reducing inflammatory responses.
Laser therapy may also be used in podiatry for selected skin and nail conditions, such as fungal nail infections and warts, as well as to support wound healing. This form of laser therapy is a little different from other types of laser treatment you may be familiar with:
In podiatry, laser therapy is generally used as one part of a wider treatment plan, rather than as a standalone treatment. Depending on what is contributing to your symptoms, your plan may also include load management, orthotics, footwear advice, exercise or other therapies.
Your podiatrist first assesses what is causing your symptoms and whether laser therapy is likely to add value alongside the other parts of your treatment plan.
Depending on your diagnosis, it may be considered for conditions such as:
Pain under the heel or along the plantar fascia is often most noticeable with the first few steps after rest or when activity levels increase. Laser therapy may be used alongside other treatments.
This can cause pain, stiffness or thickening around the Achilles tendon and is common in runners and people involved in jumping or field sports. Laser therapy may be used alongside exercise-based rehabilitation.
Laser therapy during early management may reduce swelling in ankle sprains.
These conditions require a holistic approach. Laser therapy is used as one part of a broader treatment plan that may also consider training load, biomechanics, conditioning, footwear choices and other factors.
If foot or lower limb pain is affecting your daily life or training, book an assessment with a Brisbane Foot & Orthotics podiatrist to find out if laser therapy has a place in your treatment plan.
Your podiatrist assesses the treatment area, then applies the laser device directly over the affected tissue. Sessions are usually brief and often combined with other treatment, such as exercises or advice on training load. Most patients feel a mild warmth or tingling, or nothing at all, and it shouldn’t cause pain during or after the session.
This depends on your condition, how long you’ve had symptoms and how you respond. Your podiatrist will outline an expected course of sessions and adjust it based on your progress.
Laser therapy may be included in a management plan for plantar heel pain or Achilles tendinopathy, alongside strategies such as eccentric exercise, footwear advice and load management. Your podiatrist will confirm whether it’s appropriate after your assessment.
Session length depends on the size of the treatment area and your individual protocol. Laser therapy is non-invasive, so most patients return to normal activity straight after their appointment, including exercise where appropriate.
Yes. It’s typically used as one part of a broader plan that may include custom orthotics, targeted exercises, taping or footwear changes, depending on what’s driving your symptoms.
No referral is needed to see a podiatrist. Costs depend on your individual treatment plan. Get in touch with the clinic and we’ll talk you through pricing and any private health rebates that may apply.
