Following an assessment, laser therapy may be considered for a small, specific group of conditions:

Low-level laser therapy may be used as part of a broader treatment plan rather than as a stand-alone solution. The goal is to identify the likely diagnosis and relevant contributing factors rather than simply treating the painful area, rather than simply placing a laser on every painful area.
Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment may also involve:

• Footwear modification
• Rehabilitation and stretching
• Strengthening
• Custom orthotics
  
• Biomechanical assessment
  
• Shockwave therapy
  
• Load and activity modification

For laser therapy in Townsville, the aim is a planned and individual approach that looks at why the pain started in the first place. Laser therapy may be used alongside some of the strategies above where clinically appropriate, depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Low-level laser therapy and shockwave therapy are different treatments, even when they’re considered for similar foot and lower-limb problems. Some patients may be more suitable for laser, some may be better suited to shockwave therapy, and in some circumstances either treatment, or a combination of approaches, may be considered as part of a broader management plan where clinically appropriate. Ian will talk through the options with you after your assessment.

The right choice usually comes down to your diagnosis. Someone managing persistent heel pain may be assessed quite differently to someone with an Achilles tendon problem, and that assessment shapes whether laser, shockwave, or a combination is recommended.

Treatment rarely stops at a machine, either. Depending on what we find, your plan may also involve footwear changes, exercise, or custom orthotics, chosen to address relevant contributing factors as well as symptoms.

Every patient starts the same way. Treatment begins with a clinical assessment before any treatment modality is considered.

• Assessment – We assess the foot and lower limb, discuss your symptoms and history, and identify relevant clinical findings.
• Diagnosis and contributing factors – We determine the likely diagnosis and factors that may be contributing to the problem.
• Treatment suitability – We discuss whether low-level laser therapy is appropriate or whether another treatment approach may be more suitable.
• Individual treatment plan – If laser therapy is appropriate, treatment is provided according to your condition and overall management plan.
• Review – Your progress is reviewed and treatment adjusted where required.

The number and frequency of sessions varies according to the condition and individual response. The anticipated treatment schedule will be discussed following your assessment and reviewed as treatment progresses.

The available evidence for low-level laser therapy varies depending on the condition, treatment parameters and individual patient.