Living with chronic pain is one of the most common challenges people face as they age. Whether from arthritis, old injuries, or degenerative conditions, persistent pain can limit mobility, sap energy, and affect every part of life. Many people find themselves cycling through medications, injections, or even considering surgery, all in search of relief. In recent years, a number of gentler therapies have gained attention, offering ways to support healing without relying solely on drugs or invasive procedures. One such approach is cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT).
Cold laser therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment option that has been used successfully to manage chronic pain conditions including arthritis, soft tissue injuries, and joint disorders. As a naturopathic physician who has offered this therapy for the past 18 years, I have seen firsthand the significant benefits it can offer, particularly to individuals over 50 who are looking for safe, complementary options.
Cold laser therapy works by using low-intensity light to stimulate healing processes within the body. Unlike surgical lasers, cold lasers do not cut or burn tissue. Instead, they emit light at specific wavelengths that penetrate the skin and underlying tissues, promoting cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and enhancing circulation. There is no pain or even sensation with the type of laser I use, which lends itself to placebo controlled human trials.
There is a growing body of solid scientific research supporting the use of cold laser therapy for chronic pain management.
- A 2019 meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal, which reviewed 22 randomized placebo-controlled trials, found that low-level laser therapy significantly reduced pain and disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
- Another high-quality study, a Cochrane Review on rheumatoid arthritis, concluded that LLLT provided a measurable reduction in pain and morning stiffness compared to placebo.
- Additional research published in Physical Therapy Reviews on chronic joint disorders also found that cold laser therapy reduced pain and improved overall health status.
In clinical practice, we use a Health Canada/FDA-cleared laser device to ensure treatments are both safe and effective. Every treatment plan is customized to the individual’s condition and response. While some patients experience noticeable relief after just a few treatments, others, especially those with more complex or chronic issues, may require a longer series of sessions to achieve sustained improvement.
Although the primary benefit of cold laser therapy is pain reduction through tissue healing, as a naturopathic physician I often use other therapies to accelerate the healing process. We might combine laser treatments with natural medicines for pain and inflammation, lifestyle modifications. physical therapy exercises, and other supportive approaches to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes. Working with a physical therapist, chiropractor, massage therapist etc. along with laser therapy can be a useful adjunct.
For people living with the daily challenges of arthritis, back pain, or other chronic conditions, cold laser therapy offers a research-backed, gentle option that can be part of a broader, thoughtful plan to improve comfort and quality of life.