High-Power Laser Therapy at SB Physio

At SB Physio, we offer High-Power Laser Therapy using the LightForce® XPI Laser, an advanced, non-invasive treatment that helps reduce pain, decrease inflammation, improve circulation, and stimulate the body's natural healing processes.

Laser therapy is commonly used to treat muscle, tendon, ligament, joint, and soft tissue injuries. It can help patients recover more comfortably while supporting an active rehabilitation program.

Laser therapy may be provided as part of a comprehensive physical therapy plan or as a standalone service following an initial evaluation by one of our licensed physical therapists.

Conditions We Commonly Treat

High-Power Laser Therapy may be appropriate for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Achilles tendinopathy

  • Tennis elbow

  • Golfer's elbow

  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy

  • Shoulder pain

  • Hip bursitis

  • Knee pain

  • Arthritis

  • Neck pain

  • Low back pain

  • Muscle strains

  • Ligament sprains

  • Tendon injuries

  • Post-surgical healing

  • General soft tissue pain and inflammation

Every patient receives a thorough evaluation to determine whether laser therapy is appropriate for their condition.

How Does High-Power Laser Therapy Work?

The LightForce XPI uses therapeutic light energy that penetrates into injured tissues.

This light energy helps stimulate normal cellular activity and may:

  • Reduce pain

  • Decrease inflammation

  • Improve local circulation

  • Support tissue repair

  • Promote recovery

  • Improve mobility and function

Treatment is completely non-invasive and requires no injections, medication, or downtime.

What Does Treatment Feel Like?

Most patients experience a gentle warming sensation during treatment.

Laser therapy is comfortable, relaxing, and well tolerated.

Standalone appointments are typically scheduled for 10–20 minutes, although the actual laser treatment often requires less time depending on the area being treated.

Most patients return immediately to normal daily activities following treatment.

Laser Therapy as Part of Physical Therapy

Laser therapy is often combined with:

  • Therapeutic exercise

  • Manual therapy

  • Joint and soft tissue mobilization

  • Strengthening

  • Flexibility training

  • Movement retraining

Using laser therapy alongside an individualized rehabilitation program may help improve recovery while addressing the underlying cause of pain.

Your physical therapist will determine whether laser therapy is appropriate and how it fits into your treatment plan.

Standalone Laser Therapy

Patients who have completed an initial physical therapy evaluation and whose therapist has recommended continued laser therapy may schedule convenient standalone laser appointments.

These brief visits are ideal for patients who only require their prescribed laser treatment without a full physical therapy session.

Why Choose SB Physio?

Every patient is evaluated by a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy before beginning laser therapy.

Rather than treating pain alone, we combine advanced technology with individualized rehabilitation to address the underlying cause of your symptoms and help you return to the activities you enjoy.

Our clinic utilizes the LightForce XPI High-Power Laser, one of the most advanced therapeutic laser systems available in physical therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does laser therapy hurt?

No. Most patients experience only a gentle warming sensation during treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

Treatment recommendations depend on your diagnosis, symptom duration, and goals. Your physical therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan.

Is laser therapy covered by insurance?

Laser therapy is generally considered a non-covered service by most insurance plans and is offered as a self-pay service.

Do I need an evaluation first?

Yes. Every patient begins with a physical therapy evaluation to determine whether laser therapy is appropriate and to establish an individualized treatment plan.

Schedule Your Evaluation

If you're dealing with persistent pain, inflammation, or a musculoskeletal injury, our team can determine whether High-Power Laser Therapy is appropriate for your condition.

Whether incorporated into physical therapy or scheduled as a standalone follow-up treatment, laser therapy is designed to support your recovery while helping you return to the activities that matter most.

High-Power Laser Therapy in Santa Barbara