What We’ve Learned After 4 Months of Using Laser Therapy at SB Physio
When we introduced Class IV laser therapy at SB Physio, our goal wasn’t to replace physical therapy. It was to improve how efficiently patients move through recovery.
Four months in, clear patterns have emerged.
Laser has proven to be one of the most useful tools we have for reducing barriers that slow progress—especially pain, tissue restriction, and inflammation.
It doesn’t replace exercise or proper loading. But it consistently helps make those interventions more productive.
Here’s what we’re seeing.
Pain Relief That Improves Session Productivity
One of the most consistent effects is pain reduction.
This isn’t just about temporary relief—it’s about allowing more productive movement during the session itself.
When pain decreases, patients can:
• move more normally
• tolerate loading more effectively
• reduce protective guarding
• progress exercise sooner
This improves the efficiency of the entire rehab process.
Improved Tissue Mobility and Scar Tissue Pliability
Laser has been especially helpful in areas with scar tissue or dense, restricted tissue.
We’re seeing improved tissue pliability in areas such as:
• post-surgical scars
• chronic tendon injuries
• muscle strains
• previously injured areas that never fully normalized
When tissue becomes more pliable, it responds better to:
• manual therapy
• stretching
• strengthening
• normal movement
This allows us to restore motion more effectively.
Reduced Inhibition and Improved Muscle Activation
Pain and inflammation often cause reflexive inhibition. The nervous system limits muscle activation to protect the area.
When laser helps calm the local tissue environment, muscles often activate more normally.
We see this frequently with:
• quadriceps after knee injury or surgery
• glute activation with hip pain
• rotator cuff activation with shoulder pain
• stabilizing muscles around irritated joints
Improved activation leads to more effective strengthening and better long-term outcomes.
Reduced Inflammation and Swelling
Laser has also been useful in managing inflammation and swelling.
This is especially noticeable in:
• post-operative recovery
• acute flare-ups
• joint irritation
• tendon flare-ups
• ankle sprains and knee swelling
When swelling decreases, movement improves, and recovery progresses more smoothly.
Chronic and Poor-Bloodflow Areas Respond Particularly Well
Certain areas of the body naturally have limited blood supply and slower healing capacity.
We’ve seen laser be particularly helpful in areas such as:
• tendons
• wrists and hands
• elbows
• feet and plantar fascia
• nerve-related irritation
These tissues often benefit from repeated exposure over time.
The cumulative effect appears to be more meaningful than a single treatment alone.
Consistency Matters More Than Intensity
One of the biggest observations is that consistency matters.
Patients who use laser periodically benefit. But patients who use it consistently often experience greater improvement in:
• pain control
• tissue mobility
• tolerance to activity
• recovery speed
This aligns with how tissue healing works—repeated positive input over time produces the greatest adaptation.
How Laser Therapy Is Currently Available at SB Physio
Laser can be used in several ways depending on your goals and plan of care.
1. Add-On During Physical Therapy Visits
Laser can be applied before, during, or after your PT session when your therapist determines it may help improve the effectiveness of treatment.
2. Supplemental Sessions Between PT Visits
Some patients use laser on non-PT days to maintain progress and help calm symptoms between sessions.
This can help maintain momentum during recovery.
3. Laser Fast Pass — Consistent Daily Access
For patients who benefit from frequent exposure, the Laser Fast Pass allows one laser session per day, per body part protocol.
This option allows consistent access and is designed to support recovery acceleration, symptom management, and tissue health.
Some individuals also use laser as part of their ongoing wellness routine to help manage chronic areas that benefit from continued support.
Where Laser Fits Into Recovery
Laser therapy does not replace physical therapy.
It improves how effectively physical therapy works.
It helps reduce the barriers—pain, inflammation, and tissue restriction—that slow recovery.
By improving the tissue environment, laser helps patients move forward more efficiently.
As we continue using laser therapy, it has become an increasingly valuable tool in helping patients recover, move better, and maintain progress.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Laser therapy may not be appropriate for every individual or condition. Always consult your healthcare provider or your SB Physio physical therapist to determine what treatments are appropriate for you.
