Modern Physiotherapy Clinic provides evidence-informed physiotherapy, advanced assessment and rehabilitation from our clinic in Ascot Vale. We support patients from Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds, Essendon, Maribyrnong and Melbourne’s inner north-west with personalised treatment plans based on clinical assessment, goals and stage of recovery.
Evidence-informed laser therapy for selected muscle and joint conditions
Modern Physiotherapy Clinic provides High Intensity Laser Therapy, also known as HILT or high-power laser therapy, from our physiotherapy clinic in Ascot Vale.
HILT is a non-invasive treatment option that may be incorporated into a personalised physiotherapy and rehabilitation program for selected muscle, joint and soft-tissue conditions.
Treatment is only recommended following a physiotherapy assessment. It is not presented as a stand-alone cure and may be combined with education, hands-on physiotherapy, progressive exercise rehabilitation and other clinically appropriate treatments.
We welcome patients from Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds, Essendon, Maribyrnong, Aberfeldie, Brunswick West, Niddrie, Avondale Heights and surrounding areas of Melbourne and Victoria.
Call (03) 9375 7212 or book your physiotherapy assessment online.
HILT is a non-invasive treatment option that may be incorporated into a personalised physiotherapy and rehabilitation program for selected muscle, joint and soft-tissue conditions.
Treatment is only recommended following a physiotherapy assessment. It is not presented as a stand-alone cure and may be combined with education, hands-on physiotherapy, progressive exercise rehabilitation and other clinically appropriate treatments.
We welcome patients from Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds, Essendon, Maribyrnong, Aberfeldie, Brunswick West, Niddrie, Avondale Heights and surrounding areas of Melbourne and Victoria.
Call (03) 9375 7212 or book your physiotherapy assessment online.
What is High Intensity Laser Therapy?
High Intensity Laser Therapy uses controlled laser energy delivered through a specialised handpiece directly over the treatment area.
Modern Physiotherapy Clinic uses the BOST FlexiPulse X5 medical diode laser, which provides multiple visible and near-infrared wavelengths that can be selected according to the treatment area, clinical objective and individual patient factors.
The device’s stated musculoskeletal purpose includes providing controlled topical heating for:
Modern Physiotherapy Clinic uses the BOST FlexiPulse X5 medical diode laser, which provides multiple visible and near-infrared wavelengths that can be selected according to the treatment area, clinical objective and individual patient factors.
The device’s stated musculoskeletal purpose includes providing controlled topical heating for:
- Temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain
- Temporary relief of muscle spasm
- Pain and stiffness associated with minor arthritis
- Relaxation of muscle tissue
- Temporarily increasing local blood circulation
The supplied TGA public summary identifies the device under ARTG 483146 as a Class IIb musculoskeletal and physical-therapy laser device. The operating manual identifies six selectable wavelengths and classifies the FlexiPulse X5 as a Class 4 medical laser requiring specific clinical safety controls.
Evidence for HILT varies depending on the condition. For knee osteoarthritis, research suggests that HILT used alongside rehabilitation exercise may help improve pain, stiffness and physical function in some patients.
How may HILT help?
Depending on your condition and clinical assessment, HILT may be used to support:
Pain management
Laser therapy may assist with the short-term modulation of selected muscle and joint pain, making movement and rehabilitation more comfortable for some patients.
Muscle relaxation
The controlled warming effect may help reduce muscle guarding, tightness or spasm in an appropriate treatment area.
Joint mobility
Reducing pain and stiffness may make it easier to begin or progress mobility and strengthening exercises.
Local circulation
The device is intended to temporarily increase circulation within the treated area.
Active rehabilitation
HILT may be used before or alongside exercise when pain is limiting movement, loading or participation in rehabilitation.
Responses differ between patients. Improvement cannot be guaranteed, and HILT does not replace an appropriate diagnosis, progressive exercise or medical review when these are required.
Responses differ between patients. Improvement cannot be guaranteed, and HILT does not replace an appropriate diagnosis, progressive exercise or medical review when these are required.
What does the evidence say?
Clinical trials have investigated HILT for several musculoskeletal presentations.
Randomised studies have reported improvements in pain and function in some patients with knee osteoarthritis, including when HILT was compared with conventional physiotherapy or exercise-based programs. Other controlled studies have investigated HILT as an addition to exercise for chronic low back pain and rotator cuff-related shoulder pain.
However, results from one condition, laser device or treatment protocol cannot automatically be applied to every patient. For this reason, we consider HILT an adjunct to physiotherapy, rather than a replacement for assessment, education, exercise rehabilitation or other appropriate care.
Randomised studies have reported improvements in pain and function in some patients with knee osteoarthritis, including when HILT was compared with conventional physiotherapy or exercise-based programs. Other controlled studies have investigated HILT as an addition to exercise for chronic low back pain and rotator cuff-related shoulder pain.
However, results from one condition, laser device or treatment protocol cannot automatically be applied to every patient. For this reason, we consider HILT an adjunct to physiotherapy, rather than a replacement for assessment, education, exercise rehabilitation or other appropriate care.
Conditions for which HILT may be considered
Following assessment, your physiotherapist may consider High Intensity Laser Therapy as part of the management of selected conditions such as:
- Knee osteoarthritis and associated pain or stiffness
- Musculoskeletal neck pain
- Non-specific lower back pain
- Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain and frozen shoulder
- Selected tendon-related conditions
- Selected tendinopathies, including Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff and lateral elbow tendinopathy
- Lateral elbow pain
- Muscle strains and muscle spasm
- Myofascial pain and muscle spasm
- Joint sprains
- Plantar heel pain
- Selected muscle strains and joint sprains
- Localised muscle or soft-tissue pain
- Localised muscle and joint pain affecting movement or rehabilitation
- Pain or stiffness that is limiting rehabilitation
HILT may be used to support temporary pain relief, muscle relaxation and local circulation, which may help some patients participate more comfortably in movement and exercise rehabilitation.
Being listed above does not mean HILT will be appropriate for every person with that condition. Suitability depends on the diagnosis, medical history, treatment area, safety considerations and the findings of your physiotherapy assessment.
HILT is not presented as a treatment that repairs a damaged disc or meniscus, reverses arthritis, regenerates cartilage or replaces appropriate medical care and exercise rehabilitation.
Being listed above does not mean HILT will be appropriate for every person with that condition. Suitability depends on the diagnosis, medical history, treatment area, safety considerations and the findings of your physiotherapy assessment.
HILT is not presented as a treatment that repairs a damaged disc or meniscus, reverses arthritis, regenerates cartilage or replaces appropriate medical care and exercise rehabilitation.
The Modern Physiotherapy Clinic Approach
At Modern Physiotherapy Clinic, technology is used to support clinical care—not replace it.
Your treatment plan may include:
Your treatment plan may include:
- A detailed history and physical assessment
- Education about your condition
- Hands-on physiotherapy where appropriate
- Mobility, strength and progressive loading exercises
- Activity or workload modification
- A personalised home exercise program
- High Intensity Laser Therapy when clinically indicated
- Other treatment technologies where suitable
This integrated approach focuses on improving pain, movement, confidence and long-term physical function rather than relying on one treatment modality alone.
What happens during a HILT treatment?
1. Physiotherapy assessment
Your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, medical history, medications, treatment area, functional limitations and rehabilitation goals.
2. Safety screening
You will be screened for contraindications and precautions before treatment begins. The procedure, expected sensations, alternatives and relevant risks will be explained to you.
3. Preparation
HILT is generally applied directly to the skin. The treatment area therefore needs to be accessible and free from creams or reflective materials.
Protective laser eyewear must be worn by the patient, clinician and anyone else remaining in the treatment room.
Protective laser eyewear must be worn by the patient, clinician and anyone else remaining in the treatment room.
4. Laser application
The clinician moves the treatment handpiece over the selected area using parameters appropriate to your presentation and comfort.
5. Rehabilitation
Where indicated, treatment may be followed by mobility, strengthening, loading or functional exercises.
The treatment dose, duration and number of appointments are individualised. We do not recommend a predetermined course before assessing your condition and response.
The treatment dose, duration and number of appointments are individualised. We do not recommend a predetermined course before assessing your condition and response.
What does HILT feel like?
Many patients notice a mild or comfortable warming sensation during treatment.
The treatment should not feel excessively hot or painful. Your physiotherapist will monitor your comfort and the skin throughout the procedure. Tell your clinician immediately if you experience burning, sharp pain or unexpected discomfort.
Some people notice a temporary change in symptoms following treatment, while others notice little immediate difference. Your response will be reviewed rather than assuming that the same protocol or treatment course is suitable for everyone.
The treatment should not feel excessively hot or painful. Your physiotherapist will monitor your comfort and the skin throughout the procedure. Tell your clinician immediately if you experience burning, sharp pain or unexpected discomfort.
Some people notice a temporary change in symptoms following treatment, while others notice little immediate difference. Your response will be reviewed rather than assuming that the same protocol or treatment course is suitable for everyone.
Is High Intensity Laser Therapy safe?
The BOST FlexiPulse X5 is included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods as a Class IIb medical device. Its laser output is classified as Class 4, which means appropriate precautions are necessary to protect the eyes and skin from unintended exposure.
Before recommending HILT, your physiotherapist will assess your medical history, symptoms, treatment area and any relevant contraindications or precautions.
During treatment at Modern Physiotherapy Clinic:
Before recommending HILT, your physiotherapist will assess your medical history, symptoms, treatment area and any relevant contraindications or precautions.
During treatment at Modern Physiotherapy Clinic:
- HILT is provided by physiotherapists trained in the safe use of the equipment
- Protective eyewear is worn by the patient, physiotherapist and anyone remaining in the treatment room
- The laser is applied only to the intended treatment area
- Treatment settings are selected according to the assessment, treatment area and individual patient factors
- Your comfort and skin response are monitored throughout treatment
- Treatment is adjusted or stopped if you experience excessive heat, burning, pain or another unexpected reaction
Class 4 lasers can present risks to the eyes and skin if used incorrectly, including from direct or reflected exposure. This is why appropriate screening, protective eyewear and careful operation are important.
HILT is not suitable for everyone. Your physiotherapist will discuss the expected benefits, relevant risks and alternative treatment options before proceeding.
HILT is not suitable for everyone. Your physiotherapist will discuss the expected benefits, relevant risks and alternative treatment options before proceeding.
Who may not be suitable for HILT?
High Intensity Laser Therapy is not appropriate for everyone.
Tell your physiotherapist before treatment if you:
Tell your physiotherapist before treatment if you:
- Are pregnant or may be pregnant
- Have current or previous cancer
- Have an active infection, unexplained skin condition or open wound
- Have a pacemaker or another active implanted medical device
- Have metal implants in or near the proposed treatment area
- Have epilepsy or a history of seizures
- Have significant photosensitivity
- Have recently experienced fever, shingles or acute illness
- Take medication that increases light sensitivity
- Take anticoagulant or blood-thinning medication
- Have recently used isotretinoin
- Have recently received injections, fillers or another procedure in the area
- Have any medical condition that may affect skin integrity, sensation or healing
This is not an exhaustive list. The manufacturer’s instructions contain additional contraindications and precautions, so suitability must be determined individually before treatment.
FAQs:
1. Is HILT painful?
HILT is non-invasive and usually produces a mild warming sensation. It should not produce burning or significant pain. Treatment intensity can be adjusted or stopped if you experience unexpected discomfort.
2. How many treatments will I need?
There is no single course that suits every condition. The recommended number and frequency of appointments depend on your diagnosis, symptom duration, treatment goals, response and broader rehabilitation plan.
We do not support claims that everyone will improve after a particular number of sessions.
We do not support claims that everyone will improve after a particular number of sessions.
3. How quickly will I notice a difference?
Some patients notice a short-term change in pain or movement relatively early, while others require several appointments or experience no meaningful benefit. Results cannot be predicted or guaranteed before assessment and treatment.
4. Is HILT better than Low Level Laser Therapy?
High Intensity Laser Therapy operates at a higher output power, allowing a prescribed amount of energy to be delivered over a larger area or within a shorter treatment period. It may also create a more noticeable warming effect.
Higher power does not automatically mean better treatment. The appropriate modality depends on the condition, target tissue, clinical objective, safety factors and available evidence.
Higher power does not automatically mean better treatment. The appropriate modality depends on the condition, target tissue, clinical objective, safety factors and available evidence.
5. Does HILT heal damaged tissue?
Laboratory and clinical research has investigated how laser energy may influence cellular activity and tissue responses. However, it is not appropriate to promise that HILT will regenerate cartilage, repair a tendon, heal a disc or permanently reverse tissue damage.
Our clinical focus is whether treatment produces a meaningful improvement in your pain, movement or ability to participate in rehabilitation.
Our clinical focus is whether treatment produces a meaningful improvement in your pain, movement or ability to participate in rehabilitation.
6. Can HILT replace exercise?
No. For most musculoskeletal conditions, HILT is best considered an adjunct. Education, movement, strengthening, progressive loading and self-management usually remain important parts of treatment.
7. Can I book laser therapy without an assessment?
An initial physiotherapy assessment is required before HILT is provided. This allows your physiotherapist to determine the likely cause of your symptoms, screen for risks and decide whether laser therapy is appropriate.
8. Do I need a referral?
Private patients generally do not need a referral. A referral or prior approval may be required for Medicare care plans, WorkCover, TAC, DVA or certain other funded arrangements.
High Intensity Laser Therapy near Moonee Ponds and Essendon
Modern Physiotherapy Clinic is located at:
189 Maribyrnong RoadAscot Vale VIC 3032
Our clinic is conveniently positioned for patients looking for High Intensity Laser Therapy or advanced physiotherapy near:
Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds, Essendon, Maribyrnong, Aberfeldie, Brunswick West, Niddrie, Avondale Heights, Flemington, Travancore, Footscray and Melbourne’s inner north-west.
Easy onsite parking is available.
Our clinic is conveniently positioned for patients looking for High Intensity Laser Therapy or advanced physiotherapy near:
Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds, Essendon, Maribyrnong, Aberfeldie, Brunswick West, Niddrie, Avondale Heights, Flemington, Travancore, Footscray and Melbourne’s inner north-west.
Easy onsite parking is available.
Book a physiotherapy assessment
Find out whether High Intensity Laser Therapy may be appropriate for your condition and rehabilitation goals.
Call: (03) 9375 7212Address: 189 Maribyrnong Road, Ascot Vale VIC 3032Information on this page is general and does not replace individual medical or physiotherapy advice. Treatment suitability and outcomes vary between patients.
Evidence references
1. Nazari A, Moezy A, Nejati P, Mazaherinezhad A. Efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy in comparison with conventional physiotherapy and exercise therapy on pain and function of patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial with 12-week follow-up. Lasers in Medical Science. 2019;34:505–516. DOI: 10.1007/s10103-018-2624-4.2. Akaltun MS, Altindag O, Turan N, Gursoy S, Gur A. Efficacy of high intensity laser therapy in knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind controlled randomized study. Clinical Rheumatology. 2021;40:1989–1995. DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05469-7.3. Alayat MSM, Atya AM, Ali MME, Shosha TM. Long-term effect of high-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized blinded placebo-controlled trial. Lasers in Medical Science. 2014.4. Elsodany AM, Alayat MSM, Ali MME, Khaprani HM. Long-term effect of pulsed Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy: a randomized controlled trial. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2018;36(9):506–513. DOI: 10.1089/pho.2018.4476.
5. (1) Ahmad, M.A., Hamid, M.S.A. and Yusof, A. (2021). Effects of low-level and high-intensity laser therapy as adjunctive to rehabilitation exercise on pain, stiffness and function in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy. doi:10.1016/j.physio.2021.03.011.