LLLT/PBMT for the Management of Paediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions

Gentle. Drug-Free. Evidence-Informed

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment approach that uses red and near-infrared light to influence biological processes involved in tissue recovery and pain modulation. It works at the cellular level to support local inflammatory modulation, cellular energy processes and tissue recovery. PBMT/LLLT has evidence supporting its use in selected musculoskeletal pain and injury presentations, including some conditions affecting children.

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Dr Shikha S. Parmar – GP with a Special Interest in Musculoskeletal Pain and Injury Management

Dr Shikha Parmar is a highly experienced General Practitioner with over 30 years of clinical experience, including 14 years working in musculoskeletal (MSK) pain management. With a special interest in chronic injuries and pain, Dr Parmar uses a holistic approach, integrating treatments such as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), commonly known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT).

Her experience lies in managing both acute and chronic MSK conditions, particularly those that involve localised, non-autoimmune-related pain. Over the years, Dr Parmar has developed extensive experience in the application of LLLT, which she uses as a core part of her treatment approach for selected musculoskeletal presentations, aiming to support recovery with a non-invasive and drug-free treatment option.

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr Parmar is committed to advancing the understanding of MSK health and laser therapy in the medical field. She regularly attends and presents at international conferences, contributing her knowledge on the benefits and application of PBMT/LLLT in musculoskeletal pain management. She is dedicated to providing patients with evidence-informed care.

With a patient-centred approach, Dr Parmar works closely with each individual to design personalised treatment plans. Her goal is not just symptom management, but also supporting tissue recovery, rehabilitation and longer-term function where clinically appropriate. As the head of Laser Pain Therapy, Dr Parmar ensures that all treatments are led by her clinical expertise, supported by a dedicated team of professionals under her guidance.

Click here for FAQ/Costs

Why Consider LLLT for Paediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions?

Paediatric patients, particularly adolescents experiencing rapid growth, are more vulnerable to musculoskeletal issues such as Osgood-Schlatter Syndrome, Sever’s Disease and other growth-related pain conditions. The natural growth imbalance between bones and soft tissues, particularly around growth plates, can cause pain and inflammation that significantly impacts a child’s mobility and quality of life.

Standard treatments, such as rest, ice and medications, may provide symptom relief, but are not suitable or effective for every child and may not address persistent local irritation or tissue recovery processes.

LLLT/PBMT is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment approach that can be considered for selected paediatric musculoskeletal presentations after appropriate assessment. It is used with the aim of supporting pain reduction, local inflammatory modulation, tissue recovery processes and gradual return to activity where clinically appropriate.

How LLLT Works for Paediatric Conditions

LLLT uses low-intensity light to penetrate the skin and reach affected tissues. The light energy is absorbed by cellular structures, triggering biological processes involved in tissue recovery. These include:

  • Local inflammatory modulation: LLLT may help modulate the inflammatory response in tissues, which is common in musculoskeletal conditions.
  • Improving blood flow: By supporting local circulation, LLLT may assist the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the affected area.
  • Cellular energy processes: LLLT can influence the production of ATP, the cellular energy involved in tissue recovery and repair processes.
  • Pain modulation: LLLT may assist pain reduction and discomfort associated with conditions such as Osgood-Schlatter Syndrome and Sever’s Disease.

This non-invasive, drug-free approach may be useful for children where a gentle treatment option is preferred alongside activity modification and rehabilitation advice.

LLLT/PBMT for Children and Growth Plates

LLLT/PBMT is generally considered safe for children’s joints, including areas around growth plates, when delivered with appropriate clinical assessment, device selection and treatment parameters. Research discussed on our references page has not shown negative effects on bone development, cartilage or growth plates in the study contexts cited. Some studies have also explored its possible role in epiphyseal plate and bone healing contexts.

Studies have shown that LLLT/PBMT may support tissue repair and local inflammatory modulation in selected contexts. For example:

These studies collectively support the safety profile of LLLT/PBMT in selected paediatric applications, indicating no negative impact on bone growth or development in the contexts studied. This supports consideration of LLLT/PBMT for selected children with musculoskeletal conditions, provided it is applied according to established guidelines and under professional supervision. Suitability still depends on the child’s diagnosis, age, growth stage, treatment area and clinical findings.

Common Paediatric Conditions Treated with LLLT/PBMT

LLLT/PBMT can be considered for selected paediatric musculoskeletal conditions, including:

  • Osgood-Schlatter Syndrome: A common condition in adolescents that causes knee pain due to irritation where the patellar tendon attaches to the tibial tuberosity. LLLT/PBMT may help modulate local inflammation and pain, supporting gradual return to activity where appropriate. Read more here.

  • Sever’s Disease: A condition that causes heel pain in growing children, often during periods of rapid growth. LLLT/PBMT may help modulate local inflammation and support tissue recovery processes in the heel. Read more here.

  • Tendonitis: LLLT/PBMT can be considered for selected tendon presentations in children, such as Achilles tendon irritation, where local inflammation and tendon irritation are contributing to symptoms. Read more here.

  • Muscle Strains and Sprains: LLLT/PBMT may support tissue recovery processes and local inflammatory modulation in selected muscle strains or sprains.

Why Choose Laser Pain Therapy?

At Laser Pain Therapy, all LLLT treatments are GP-led by Dr Shikha Parmar, a highly experienced GP with a special interest in managing chronic musculoskeletal pain. Dr Parmar’s assessment helps ensure that treatment recommendations are tailored to the individual child’s needs and supervised appropriately.

Each treatment program is designed around the specific condition and the child’s activity level, with the aim of supporting pain reduction, improved function and gradual return to usual activities. Our LLLT treatments are delivered as part of a structured, six-week program, with review of progress and activity guidance.

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What to Expect from LLLT Treatment

LLLT for paediatric musculoskeletal conditions aims to support:

  • Pain reduction and local inflammatory modulation
  • Tissue recovery processes where damage or irritation is present
  • Improved tolerance of movement and activity in the affected area
  • Rehabilitation and activity modification to support longer-term recovery

As treatment progresses, a favourable response may involve reduced pain and improvement in function, allowing children to gradually return to physical activities with improved comfort and mobility.

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Non-Invasive and Supported by Research

Photobiomodulation has been studied in peer-reviewed literature across a range of pain and injury conditions. The strength of evidence varies depending on the condition, treatment parameters and clinical context. LLLT/PBMT is:

  • Non-invasive and drug-free
  • Generally well tolerated
  • Used with the aim of supporting pain reduction, local inflammatory modulation and tissue recovery processes where irritation is present
  • Delivered after GP assessment and as part of a structured treatment program

At our GP-led clinic, every patient is assessed by Dr Shikha Parmar to confirm diagnosis and rule out serious pathology. Treatment is delivered by trained assistants under direct medical supervision.

Treatment Plan

Our Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) program for paediatric musculoskeletal conditions is medically supervised by Dr Shikha Parmar. The treatment plan includes:

  • Up to 12 LLLT sessions, with a review after 6 sessions to assess progress
  • Individualised advice for managing the condition and modifying activities
  • A guided rehabilitation and recovery plan to support function and reduce the risk of recurrence where clinically appropriate

Progress is reviewed during the program. Many patients notice appreciable improvement after the first 6 treatments. If there has not been sufficient improvement by this review point, the treatment plan will be reassessed and further treatment may not be recommended.

If a favourable treatment response is seen, a further 6 treatments may be recommended, along with gradual graded rehabilitation. Ongoing treatment beyond the anticipated 12-session protocol is generally not required, as the program is designed to support the body’s own recovery processes.

Ready to Discuss Your Child’s Treatment Options?

If your child is struggling with a musculoskeletal condition such as Osgood-Schlatter Syndrome, Sever’s Disease or tendonitis, we invite you to contact our team at Laser Pain Therapy to discuss the suitability of LLLT for your child’s presentation. Assessment is required before treatment recommendations can be made.

Contact us today to arrange your consultation.
📍 Located in Melbourne
📞 (03) 8529 2225 Contact Us

View treatment cost here

Cost / FAQ

At Laser Pain Therapy, we use the terms Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) interchangeably, as they both refer to the same therapeutic approach. “LLLT” specifically focuses on the use of laser light, while “PBMT” is the broader scientific term describing how light interacts with cells and tissues to influence biological processes involved in tissue recovery.

Both terms refer to light-based therapy that acts on cellular processes involved in local inflammatory modulation, tissue recovery, and healing.

The initial consultation with Dr Shikha Parmar requires up to 60 minutes where your condition is fully assessed along with your medical history. Dr Parmar will take a thorough history of your problem from its onset, through its progression to now. She will review any imaging reports pertaining to your problem, and may recommend further investigations. Dr Parmar will give you a detailed explanation of your problem, and will discuss our holistic approach and management plan including the utilisation of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). If your condition is amenable to LLLT the treatment is commenced at the initial consultation. A medical consultation with Dr Shikha Parmar, GP, is billed and is rebatable through Medicare for patients who hold a Medicare card.


The fee for an initial consultation including Low Level Laser Therapy treatment is $265.00. This includes a Medicare rebate for the GP consultation of $87.10, the out of pocket cost being $177.90.


Pension and Health Care Card holders receive a further reduced fee for the initial consultation of $215.00 only with the out of pocket fee (gap fee) being $127.90.

For each subsequent follow-up consultation involving review of progress, tailored advice and management, and Low Level Laser Therapy treatment, a fee of $135.00 applies. This includes a Medicare rebate for the GP consultation of $45.05, the out of pocket cost (gap fee) being $89.95.

Longer review visits are charged at $215.00 which includes a Medicare rebate $87.10, the out-of-pocket cost being $127.90.

A $15.00 surcharge applies to appointments after 6pm.

Fees may be subject to change and will be confirmed with you at the time of booking. We utilise specialised equipment from Europe and the USA, operated with the assistance of highly trained clinic assistants. No further rebate can be claimed from private health insurance. We are unable to offer bulk billing.

Yes. LLLT/PBMT has been used clinically in Europe for nearly 30 years and has been the subject of substantial published research. The literature includes double-blind studies, laboratory studies, randomised controlled trials, clinical studies and systematic reviews. The strength of evidence varies according to the condition being treated, treatment parameters and clinical context.

Published literature includes papers in journals such as:

  • Nature, Pain, PNS, Blood, BMJ, Spine, Muscle and Nerve, The Lancet, Circulation and BJSM
  • Around 30 LLLT papers published per month
  • Over 4000 laboratory studies and over 400 randomised controlled trials

Over 2,500 clinical studies and published research reports have investigated the use of LLLT/PBMT across a variety of health issues. In the LLLT dental literature alone, involving 370 studies, more than 90% of these studies have reported clinical value for laser therapy.

LLLT has been used in veterinary practices for decades. In recent years, professional sports teams have also begun utilising LLLT/PBMT.

In the last 20 years, 8 systematic reviews have reported findings in favour of LLLT/PBMT in selected clinical contexts, including:

  • American College of Physicians Guidelines include a “strong recommendation” for Low-Level Laser Therapy as a non-invasive treatment for acute, subacute & chronic low back pain. (2017) Click here
  • BMJ LLLT for chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found “moderate quality of evidence” and “clinically important benefits” in the short term. (2016) Click here
  • BMJ sports medicine journal, systematic review of surgical and conservative interventions for frozen shoulder found “strong evidence” for LLLT. (2010) Click here
  • The BMJ clinical evidence recommendations for tennis elbow 2011 now include LLLT Click here
  • American Physical Therapy Association guidelines recommend LLLT for Achilles tendonitis. (2010) Click here
  • Lancet systematic review: “LLLT reduces pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in patients with chronic neck pain”. (2009) Click here
  • World Health Organisation Bone and Joint Task Force for neck pain reported Low Level Laser Therapy as “more effective than no treatment, sham, or alternative interventions”. (2008) Click here

Laser Therapy does not heat or cut tissue, unlike high intensity lasers. The question is often asked: “If it’s a laser, aren’t lasers used in surgical operations to cauterise tissue?” The answer is yes. High intensity surgical lasers can cauterise or cut tissue. The lasers used at Laser Pain Therapy are Class 3B low level lasers, a well-researched class in LLLT, designed for low-intensity therapeutic application. Our lasers use light energy to influence cellular processes rather than heat or cut tissue.

Regulatory bodies assess LLLT/PBMT devices according to intended use and device class. Device selection, dosing and clinical supervision are important for appropriate application.

For the past 30 years, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) technology has been formally accepted in many parts of the world such as Canada, USA, Brazil, Europe, Scandinavia, Russia and Japan. Published research and clinical experience over this period support a favourable tolerability profile. LLLT/PBMT is non-invasive and generally well tolerated.

Industry has been using laser diodes for years in applications such as bar code readers, CD players, DVD players, laser printers and pointers. Some bio-stimulation laser devices have been listed as non-significant risk (NSR) devices in specific regulatory contexts.

Hundreds of research studies have investigated Laser Therapy in pain and tissue recovery settings. Laser Therapy is non-invasive and non-thermal. Over 400 LLLT clinical trials (RCTs) and over 2500 laboratory studies have been published. Comparisons with pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory medication depend on the condition being treated, study design and treatment parameters.

LLLT has also been investigated for tissue recovery processes, muscle fatigue, muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS.

Most patients tolerate LLLT/PBMT well. Patients may occasionally experience mild discomfort or aching after treatment. This is usually temporary and should settle within 24 to 48 hours.

LLLT/PBMT uses red and near-infrared light and does not use ionising radiation. No mutational effects have been observed from light with wavelengths in the red or infrared range and doses used within LLLT/PBMT in published studies.

Where a patient has known or suspected cancer, this requires medical assessment and appropriate management. LLLT/PBMT at Laser Pain Therapy is not used as a treatment for cancer.

The effects of LLLT/PBMT on cancer cells have been studied in vitro and in animal models, but these findings should not be translated into broad clinical claims about treating cancer or tumour behaviour in people. Treatment decisions are made according to the patient’s clinical context and medical history.

Similarly, laboratory findings involving bacteria or viruses can differ from clinical infection management. This section should not be read as a claim that LLLT/PBMT treats bacterial or viral infection. If infection is suspected, appropriate medical assessment and treatment are required.

Laser Therapy should be avoided in the following instances:

  • Over the womb for women in pregnancy
  • Over a cancerous tumour, primary or secondary (LLLT is not a treatment for these conditions)
  • Direct irradiation of the eyes

At Laser Pain Therapy, we use state-of-the-art, TGA-approved laser devices, applied by highly trained assistants. Our laser devices deliver red and infrared laser energy at selected treatment parameters to support the intended tissue response. With the application of up to 37 diodes (laser lights) across multiple devices, we support time-efficient treatment without compromising dosage or energy delivery. Unlike LED devices, our laser technology provides deeper penetration and more targeted tissue application.

Dr Shikha Parmar, an experienced GP with over 30 years in General Practice and 14 years of expertise in photobiomodulation therapy, leads our clinic, making her one of the most experienced doctors in this field. Treatment at Laser Pain Therapy is medically supervised, ensuring each patient receives a thorough assessment that takes into account not only their presenting condition but also relevant health factors, such as co-morbidities, medications, lifestyle, work, personal activity demands, and nutritional deficiencies. This holistic approach allows us to tailor care with LLLT at the core, supported by personalised advice.

Additionally, our treatment plans are finite, with clear goal-setting and regular progress reviews, supporting each patient to stay on track with their recovery plan and treatment goals.

At Laser Pain Therapy, we use advanced equipment with laser diodes, not LED lights. Unlike LEDs, laser diodes provide more focused light with deeper penetration, making them suitable for targeted musculoskeletal treatment.

Our state-of-the-art equipment features 37 laser diodes, allowing us to efficiently cover a larger surface area. This optimises treatment time and supports targeted energy delivery. Unlike devices that use just 2-4 diodes, our technology allows more time-efficient treatment delivery while maintaining the intended dose and treatment parameters.

The effects of LLLT are accumulative. For many patients undergoing a treatment program, improvements can be sustained when the condition is suitable and the recommended activity advice and rehabilitation plan are followed. Some patients notice early improvement, while others may not notice improvement until after 3 to 5 treatments. Most patients usually require 10-12 treatments.

More severe conditions will usually require more treatments than less severe injuries. Since each person’s condition varies in severity, Dr Parmar will determine after reviewing your condition how laser treatments may benefit you and how many you might require.

Your situation will be assessed after 6 treatments and if there has not been sufficient improvement after 6 to 8 treatments, LLLT will not be continued and alternatives will be considered for your future management.

You will need to follow precautions in order to avoid re-injury or the pain may return. Low Level Laser Therapy may help support tissue recovery processes, but activity modification and rehabilitation remain important for longer-term recovery.

Contact us to book a consultation at our clinic or to learn more about how this form of therapy could help you.

Low level lasers do not generate perceivable heat. Therefore, when the laser contacts the skin, the patient should not experience burning as a result of the laser. Most people feel nothing at all while a few may feel a slight tingling or warmth during the treatment.

No. As Dr Shikha Parmar is a General Practitioner a doctor’s referral is not required.

With our dedicated clinic in Melbourne, contact us at Laser Pain Therapy to discuss how we can assist you

Images and Illustrations Disclaimer

Please note that the images, diagrams, and illustrations used on this website are for demonstration and illustrative purposes only. They are intended to provide a general overview of Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). The specific methods and equipment we use at Laser Pain Therapy may differ from those depicted. For instance, while some images may show a small laser being applied to the skin, we utilise advanced cluster lasers equipped with multiple diodes, offering broader coverage and targeted application for musculoskeletal conditions. Our treatment protocols are tailored to each patient’s unique needs, using the latest technology and treatment parameters with the aim of optimising treatment response.

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Laser Pain Therapy

South Yarra, Victoria
Suite 8, 200 Toorak Road
(Ground floor from William St)
South Yarra, Vic 3141
Ph: 03 8529 2225
Email us:
info@laserpaintherapy.com.au

Location

TRANSPORT ACCESS:
Train: South Yarra Station, 100m, 1 minute walk
Tram: Route 58, stop no. 127

Easy free street parking:
If driving you will find many free 1P and 2P spots on and around Toorak Rd and William St near the clinic.

 
Call now: 03 8529 2225
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Our Mission

We are dedicated to providing advanced, evidence-informed and affordable medical care for selected musculoskeletal pain and injury presentations. Our approach combines GP-led assessment, individual treatment planning, non-invasive PBMT/LLLT, and practical guidance to support pain relief, recovery, function, and quality of life.

Disclaimer

The contents of this website have not been evaluated by the Australian Government Department of Health. The information of this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the author, who retains copyright as listed…..Continue Reading

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