Adjunct treatments
The DolorClast High Power Laser is an optional extra that may be added to some osteopathy appointments at the clinic on Martin Street, Brighton.
Laser is an adjunct: it’s used alongside hands-on osteopathy, advice and exercise, never on its own. This page explains what it is, how a session works, what the research says and who it may not suit.
This is general information only. It is not a diagnosis or a promise of results. If I think another health professional would suit you better, I’ll say so.
What it is
The DolorClast High Power Laser, made by EMS, applies near-infrared light (905 nm) to the skin over a sore area. It uses very short, high-peak-power pulses, which are designed to reach deeper tissues without heating them. In practice:
It’s non-invasive — the handpiece is held on or just above the skin
There are no needles and no medication involved
Most people feel very little, or a mild warmth
It adds only a few minutes to your appointment
It’s used as one part of a broader plan, not as a stand-alone fix
Laser is only offered where I think it suits you, and you’re always free to say no.
What it’s commonly used for
Practitioners commonly use high power laser alongside other care for musculoskeletal pain such as:
Tendon pain, such as tennis elbow, Achilles or shoulder tendon pain
Shoulder pain, including impingement-type pain
Knee pain, including knee osteoarthritis
Lower back and neck pain
Heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis
Whether laser is a sensible option depends on your assessment. It isn’t used for every condition or every person.
How a session works
Laser is an optional add-on to your osteopathy appointment, with a $50 surcharge. It’s added after your assessment: I’ll explain why I’m suggesting it, what it involves and what the alternatives are, and I’ll only go ahead with your consent.
We both wear protective eyewear while the laser is on. I move the handpiece slowly over the area, and you can ask me to stop at any time.
Afterwards we carry on with hands-on treatment and the exercises in your plan. Laser isn’t a substitute for staying active, or for seeing your GP when that’s needed.
What an appointment may include
An osteopathy assessment and a clear explanation of your options
Hands-on treatment and exercise advice
Laser to the affected area, where suitable and with your consent
What the research says
High-intensity laser therapy has been studied for a range of musculoskeletal conditions. The research is encouraging in places, but it has real limits:
A 2023 systematic review of randomised trials found high-intensity laser therapy may help reduce pain and improve function in some musculoskeletal conditions, with larger effects reported for shoulder and knee problems
The same review rated the certainty of that evidence as low to moderate, because many of the trials had a high risk of bias
A 2023 review of trials in low back pain also reported lower pain scores with high-intensity laser than with comparison treatments
Reviews comparing high-intensity and low-level laser have found no clear advantage for either, and the differences reported were generally modest
Studies use different devices and settings, so results from one study don’t necessarily apply to every laser
Overall, some studies suggest high-intensity laser therapy may help reduce pain in certain musculoskeletal conditions, but the evidence is still developing. That’s why I use it alongside hands-on care and exercise, not instead of them.
How progress is reviewed
Everyone responds differently, so I don’t set a fixed number of sessions. At each follow-up we’ll check in on what’s changed — pain, sleep, movement and the activities that matter to you — and adjust the plan from there.
If laser isn’t adding anything for you, we’ll stop using it. If things aren’t changing as expected, we’ll talk about why, and whether a referral or a different approach makes more sense.
Before your appointment
Let me know if you are, or might be, pregnant
Tell me about your medications, especially any that make you sensitive to light
Mention any tattoos, skin conditions or areas of reduced feeling near the sore spot
Wear clothing that makes the area easy to reach
Bring any questions — you can choose not to have laser at all
Laser is optional, and your appointment goes ahead as usual without it.
Who laser may not suit
In line with the manufacturer’s guidance, laser isn’t used if you:
Are pregnant
Have a pacemaker, another implanted electrical stimulator, or a cochlear implant
Have epilepsy, or a fever on the day of your appointment
Have cancer in or near the area to be treated, or are having chemotherapy
Take medication that makes your skin sensitive to light
It’s also never aimed at the eyes, ears, thyroid or other glands, broken or irritated skin, tattoos, freckles or areas with reduced feeling
Frequently asked questions
Is laser therapy safe?
It’s non-invasive and generally well tolerated when the right precautions are followed. The laser can damage the eyes, so protective eyewear is worn throughout. Occasionally the skin can redden, so I watch the area during treatment and adjust the settings if needed.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No referral is needed to book. Some funding schemes, such as a Medicare chronic condition management plan, do require a GP referral — see the Funding and claims page for details.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel very little during treatment, and some notice mild warmth. Tell me straight away if anything feels uncomfortable.
Will I have laser at every appointment?
No. It’s only used when I think it suits your assessment and goals, and you can say no at any time. When laser is added, there’s a $50 surcharge on top of your appointment fee.
How many appointments will I need?
It depends on you, your symptoms and your goals. We’ll discuss a plan at your first visit and review it as we go, without locking you into a set number of sessions.
General information only. Osteopathy isn’t right for everyone — I’ll be straight with you if another option is better.
Ready to book?
Laser is an optional add-on to your osteopathy appointment, with a $50 surcharge. By appointment only at 123 Martin Street, Brighton.