High-power Class IV laser therapy.

What is high-power laser therapy?

Laser therapy delivers concentrated light energy through the skin to a selected treatment area. It is non-invasive: there is no injection or incision. You may also see it called high-intensity laser therapy, or HILT.

Our clinic uses a BTL High Power Laser 6000, a Class IV laser. Your physiotherapist selects the treatment area, settings and technique according to your assessment and checks your comfort throughout the session.

How can light influence recovery?

When tissue absorbs light, it can influence cell activity and biological signalling. This is often called photobiomodulation. We consider high-power laser to help manage pain and support rehabilitation when the evidence and your assessment suggest it may be useful. We review changes in your symptoms and function rather than assuming the same response for every injury.

Laser can be a comfortable starting option for a particularly irritable condition when shockwave may be difficult to tolerate. As symptoms settle, your physiotherapist may consider radial shockwave for a more superficial target or focused shockwave for a selected deeper target, if either is appropriate. Exercise and a gradual return to activity remain part of the plan.

Supporting soft tissues: muscles, tendons and ligaments

Soft tissue injuries can make everyday activities frustrating: reaching into a cupboard, carrying groceries, climbing stairs or returning to exercise. Examples include tendon problems and lingering symptoms after ligament sprains or muscle strains.

These tissues need a plan matched to the injury and its stage of recovery. Your physiotherapist looks at symptoms, movement, strength and the demands you want to return to, then considers whether laser would add value to your care.

Our goal is a proactive recovery plan. Evidence informed treatment can be combined with guided movement and a gradual return to activity, so you have practical steps to take between appointments.

When might we consider laser?

We may discuss laser when pain or sensitivity is making it difficult to move comfortably or progress with rehabilitation. Assessment comes first, especially when symptoms have persisted or the cause is uncertain.

• Tendon-related concerns: for example, selected shoulder or elbow tendinopathies.
• Sprains and strains: assessing ongoing symptoms and whether an additional treatment has a useful role.
• Movement limited by pain: identifying what is contributing and which treatment options suit your presentation.

These are reasons to seek an assessment, rather than a promise that laser suits every injury. Evidence is specific to the condition and treatment protocol.

Our commitment to evidence-informed care

At Progress Physiotherapy, we are committed to evidence-informed practice. A 2026 research review found that high-intensity laser therapy improved pain and function in people with tendinopathy. We draw on these findings when selecting laser therapy as part of an individualized rehabilitation plan. Read the tendinopathy review.

We combine current research, clinical experience and your assessment findings to guide treatment. Your recovery goals and progress help us refine the plan, with a focus on better movement and everyday function.

How laser fits into your rehabilitation plan

1. Understand the starting point. We assess your concern and choose useful measures of progress, such as reaching, walking or tolerating a particular task.
2. Choose care with a purpose. If laser is appropriate, we explain what we hope it will help with and discuss the alternatives.
3. Rebuild movement and capacity. Exercises and activity guidance address the strength, mobility and control needed for your daily life.
4. Review and progress. Your response determines whether to continue laser, adjust the plan or place more emphasis on active rehabilitation.

For a shoulder problem, your goal might be putting dishes away comfortably. The plan could combine symptom management with progressive reaching and strengthening. After an ankle sprain, your priorities might be steadier walking, balance and a gradual return to longer outings.

A reduction in pain is useful, but it is only part of recovery. We also want to see that you can do more with confidence.

What does treatment feel like?

You are positioned comfortably with the treatment area accessible. Appropriate protective eyewear is used, and the physiotherapist applies the laser using the selected technique. You may notice warmth. Tell us immediately if it feels too hot or uncomfortable.

Laser is one possible part of your physiotherapy appointment. The visit also provides time to review your response and the next steps in your rehabilitation.

What does “Class IV” mean?

Class IV is a laser safety classification related to its output and potential hazards. It is not a grade of effectiveness. Eye protection and careful application are essential because improper exposure can injure the eyes or skin. More power is not automatically a better treatment.

Before treatment, tell us about altered skin sensation, photosensitivity, medications, pregnancy, cancer, recent procedures or changes in your health. Your clinician checks the precautions relevant to you and the proposed treatment area, and explains the options before you decide.

Laser and shockwave: different tools, shared goals

Your physiotherapist considers the diagnosis, evidence and your response when choosing an option. Using several technologies is not automatically better; each part of the plan should have a clear purpose.

Included in your physiotherapy care

There is no additional charge for Class IV laser. It is included when selected as part of your care, as are radial and focus shockwave.

Your first visit includes a comprehensive physical assessment and treatment on the same day. Follow-up treatments are 30 minutes. You can start with an assessment without deciding in advance which technology you need. View fees and insurance details.

Your questions, answered

Advanced options. Experienced clinical judgement.

At Progress Physiotherapy in West Kingston, focused and radial shockwave and high-power Class IV laser are available within your physiotherapy care. Your clinician draws on experience, current evidence and your assessment to choose the appropriate technology alongside exercise and hands-on treatment. These options are included in your physiotherapy fee, with no additional charge.

Discover what working with our team looks like.