High-intensity laser therapy (HILT)
High-intensity laser therapy uses concentrated light energy to target troubled tissues, aiming to reduce inflammation, manage pain and support the body’s natural repair processes.
How high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) works
HILT works at a deeper level than traditional low-power lasers to provide targeted, localised treatment for stubborn musculoskeletal conditions that have not responded to initial treatment.
HILT delivers light energy deep into your tissues. Your cells absorb this energy, stimulating physiological responses that help to:
- Reduce inflammation in muscles, tendons and joints
- Support circulation and tissue repair
- Ease pain
- Improve range of motion.
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Appropriate clinical uses
High-intensity laser therapy can be considered as part of physiotherapy care for a range of conditions, including:
- Acute and chronic back pain
- Neck pain and headaches related to musculoskeletal strain
- Sports injuries, such as muscle strains and tendon issues
- Joint pain linked to overuse or injury
- Localised soft tissue injuries.
Your physiotherapist will assess whether this therapy may be appropriate for your individual needs.
What to expect during treatment
During treatment, you’ll lie down while your physiotherapist uses a handheld device to deliver concentrated light energy to the treatment area.
The treated area may begin to feel warm but it shouldn’t become too hot or painful. Please tell us how it feels so that we can adjust the settings and keep you comfortable.
Booking information
High-intensity laser therapy is currently available at the The Brisbane Spine Clinic. If you are interested in learning more, please book a standard physiotherapy appointment. During your appointment, your physiotherapist will assess your condition and can discuss whether HILT is appropriate for you.
Frequently asked questions
High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) uses concentrated light energy to reach deep into your body’s tissues. The light stimulates cellular activity, which may support healing processes, help manage inflammation and assist in reducing pain. Unlike lower-level laser devices, HILT delivers energy at greater depth and higher intensity.
HILT directs specific wavelengths of light into the affected area. This energy is absorbed by cells and tissues, which may:
- Stimulate circulation
- Support tissue repair processes
- Influence how pain is perceived by nerves.
Yes. HILT is not applied over tattooed skin, directly at the eyes, or during pregnancy. Before beginning treatment, patients are asked to complete an informed consent form so the clinician can assess suitability and apply appropriate precautions.
During treatment, both you and your physiotherapist will wear protective glasses. The application may create a sensation of warmth at the treatment site. This is monitored to remain within a comfortable, tolerable level.
A typical treatment plan involves approximately 5 sessions, often scheduled 2-3 times per week. The number of applications may vary depending on the condition being managed and the area of the body involved.
Yes. HILT is often part of a broader physiotherapy program. At The Brisbane Spine Clinic, it may also be used in combination with focused shockwave therapy (FSWT). The two treatments can complement each other, with HILT supporting comfort following FSWT sessions.
Our Physiotherapists
Yu-Tsung (Justin) Lin
Co-Founder and Senior Musculoskeletal Consultant
Sang Bin (Leo) Hyun
Senior Spinal Consultant
Chun Man (Kelvin) Choi
Physiotherapist and Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Marco Lin
Physiotherapist & Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Raymond Sidhu
Physiotherapist
Yuji Chen
Physiotherapist
Matthew Choi
Physiotherapist
Michael Pham
Physiotherapist
Sean Chiang
Physiotherapist
Raymond Lin
Physiotherapist
Disclaimer:
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.
References:
- Physiopedia. (n.d.). High Power Laser Therapy. In Physio-pedia, https://www.physio-pedia.com/High_Power_Laser_Therapy, [Accessed 25 August 2025]
- Arroyo-Fernández R, Aceituno-Gómez J, Serrano-Muñoz D, Avendaño-Coy J. High-Intensity Laser Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. J Clin Med. 2023 Feb 13;12(4):1479. doi: 10.3390/jcm12041479. PMID: 36836014; PMCID: PMC9963402, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9963402/, [Accessed 25 August 2025]