What Is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy — also called low-intensity laser therapy (LILT) — uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate activity within your cells. When that light energy is absorbed by injured tissue, it helps increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the body's natural healing process. It's completely non-invasive and drug-free, which makes it a useful option on its own or alongside hands-on physiotherapy and exercise.
At C.S. Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre, laser therapy is delivered with the BioFlex laser system — a professional therapeutic laser used widely in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Your physiotherapist tailors the treatment settings to your specific injury, stage of healing, and the depth of the tissue involved.
Conditions We Treat with Laser Therapy
- Soft-tissue injuries — sprains, strains, and contusions
- Tendinopathies (Achilles, rotator cuff, tennis and golfer's elbow)
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Neck and back pain
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions
- Post-surgical recovery and wound healing
- Acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain
How it helps. By stimulating cellular energy production, laser therapy supports faster tissue repair, reduced swelling, and pain relief — without medication. It's especially helpful for stubborn injuries that are slow to settle, and it pairs naturally with an exercise and manual-therapy program.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Treatment is quick, comfortable, and completely painless. Your physiotherapist applies the laser to the treatment area — you may feel a gentle warmth, or nothing at all. Sessions typically last several minutes per area, and there's no downtime, so you can carry on with your day right afterward.
Laser therapy is usually delivered as a short series of sessions, and is most effective as part of a broader rehabilitation plan that addresses the root cause of your injury — not just the symptoms.
Is laser therapy right for everyone? Laser therapy isn't suitable in certain situations — for example over cancerous lesions, directly over the thyroid, or during pregnancy over the abdomen. Your physiotherapist will review your history and confirm it's a safe, appropriate option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does laser therapy hurt?
No. It's painless and non-invasive. Most people feel nothing, or a mild warmth over the treated area, and there's no recovery time afterward.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your condition and how long you've had it. Acute injuries often respond in a handful of sessions, while chronic conditions may need a longer course. Your physiotherapist will recommend a plan after assessing you.
Do I need a referral for laser therapy?
No. You can book a physiotherapy assessment directly and we'll determine whether laser therapy is appropriate for your injury. Some extended health plans request a physician referral for reimbursement, so it's worth checking your policy.
Is laser therapy covered by insurance?
Because it's provided as part of physiotherapy care, it's typically covered under the physiotherapy portion of extended health plans. Coverage varies — call us and we can help you understand what your plan includes.
Kingston's Laser Therapy Clinic
We're located at 1479 John Counter Boulevard, Unit 201 in Kingston, Ontario. If you have a stubborn injury or chronic pain that hasn't settled, call us at 613-384-2664 or reach out through our contact form to find out whether laser therapy could help.