The BIOFLEX® Professional Laser System is used in the management of a range of musculoskeletal injuries and pain conditions. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also commonly described as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light as part of a clinical treatment plan.
At Okanagan Laser Solutions, clinicians use BIOFLEX systems as one component of individualized treatment planning. Treatment parameters and protocols are selected based on the condition, clinical assessment, and patient response.
Understanding Laser Therapy: How It Works
Photobiomodulation research has investigated how light energy is absorbed by cellular chromophores and may influence mitochondrial activity, including ATP production. These cellular effects are among the proposed mechanisms by which laser therapy may influence tissue repair and inflammatory processes.
Research has also examined possible effects on collagen synthesis, circulation, inflammatory signalling, and lymphatic activity. The significance of these effects depends on wavelength, dose, tissue, and condition, so clinical outcomes cannot be assumed from mechanism alone.
The Power of Angiogenesis: Revitalizing Injured Tissue
Some research has explored angiogenesis and microcirculation as additional mechanisms through which photobiomodulation may affect injured tissue. Improved local circulation and tissue oxygenation are relevant to healing biology, but the clinical importance varies by condition and treatment protocol.
Treatment schedules also vary by condition and individual response; there is no single number or duration of sessions that applies to every patient.
Safety and Efficacy: A Non-Invasive Treatment Option
Laser therapy is non-invasive and is generally delivered without injections or surgery. As with any treatment, suitability, contraindications, dosing, and expected benefit depend on the patient’s condition and the equipment and protocol used. Conditions such as tendinopathy, arthritis, and some musculoskeletal injuries have been studied, but evidence is not equally strong for every indication.
In our clinic, laser therapy is used alongside clinical assessment and other care when appropriate. Patient response varies, which is why treatment plans are adjusted over time rather than based on a fixed promise of outcome.
Conclusion: Understanding Where Laser Therapy Fits
Laser therapy is one non-invasive option used in the management of some pain and injury conditions. Ongoing research continues to clarify which conditions, doses, and protocols are most appropriate. Patients considering laser therapy should review the evidence relevant to their condition and discuss expected benefits, limitations, and alternatives with a qualified healthcare professional.
Dr. Markus Thiel | BPE, RT, DC
Book an appointment | 250-763-9355
Related resources: Physiological Effects of Laser Therapy | Laser Research Summary
Several articles by Dr. Markus Thiel have appeared in local newspapers. As the clinic’s use of BIOFLEX® laser therapy has evolved, these articles have been revised to provide updated educational information on laser therapy and patient care.
Updated January 07, 2025. Original Article May 23, 2014
