Cold Laser Therapy for Knee Sprain in Perth
What Is a Knee Sprain?
A knee sprain occurs when the ligaments that stabilise the knee joint are stretched or torn due to excessive force or movement. This commonly results from sports injuries, sudden changes in direction, awkward landings, or trauma such as falls. The most commonly affected ligaments include the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL).
Knee sprains are graded by severity:
- Grade 1: Mild stretching with microscopic tears
- Grade 2: Partial ligament tear with some joint instability
- Grade 3: Complete ligament rupture requiring longer rehabilitation or surgery
Common Signs and Symptoms
- Sudden pain or “pop” sensation at the time of injury
- Swelling and tenderness around the joint
- Instability or difficulty bearing weight
- Limited range of motion
- Bruising and stiffness
Conventional Management of Knee Sprains
The initial approach to managing knee sprains typically involves the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) to control swelling and prevent further injury. This is often followed by a structured physiotherapy program aimed at restoring joint mobility, muscle strength, and overall function.
Supportive measures such as bracing or taping can provide joint stability during the recovery phase. In more severe cases, such as complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, surgical reconstruction may be necessary.
Pain management commonly involves the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or simple analgesics; however, prolonged use can lead to side effects, and persistent inflammation or poor tissue regeneration may delay full recovery.
Role of Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is emerging as a supportive treatment in knee sprain rehabilitation, especially for ligament injuries. It offers a non-invasive method to enhance the body’s natural healing processes without the adverse effects linked to long-term medication use. The therapy is thought to accelerate recovery by stimulating fibroblast activity, promoting collagen production crucial for ligament repair.
Not only these, it also helps:
- Enhances local blood flow and lymphatic drainage
- Reducing oedema and joint stiffness
- Supports mitochondrial activity, boosting ATP production for improved cellular energy and tissue regeneration
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMJ Open evaluated randomized placebo-controlled trials to assess the impact of LLLT on knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The study found that LLLT significantly reduced pain and improved joint functionality in participants.
A pilot study published in ScienceDirect investigated the effects of LLLT on knee osteoarthritis. Participants received 12 sessions of LLLT using a class 3B laser device, which included a combination of LED and laser diodes. The study observed positive outcomes in pain reduction and functional improvement.
At Cold Laser Perth, we use the MR5 ACTIV PRO LaserStim®, which combines laser and electrical stimulation in a single device. We also often combine laser therapy with soft tissue techniques and tailored exercises to improve outcomes for persistent knee pain.
Role of Chiropractic Care in Knee Sprains
At Lakeside Chiropractic in Joondalup, chiropractors often see patients recovering from knee injuries, including sprains, and focus on restoring function while supporting ligament healing. Chiropractic care may complement cold laser therapy by:
- Joint mobilisation and adjustments: Addressing compensatory movement in the hips, pelvis, or lower back can help improve knee mechanics and reduce stress on injured ligaments.
- Soft tissue therapy: Techniques targeting muscles surrounding the knee, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves, may relieve tension and support recovery.
- Kinesio taping and bracing: Application of supportive taping can help stabilise the joint during rehabilitation and reduce re-injury risk.
- Rehabilitation exercises: Chiropractors prescribe strengthening and stability programs tailored to the individual to improve joint function and prevent future injury.
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis (2024) found that manual therapy provided benefits for pain reduction in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, although trial quality and treatment methods varied. This suggests that manual therapy, when applied appropriately and combined with exercise, may support functional recovery in knee-related conditions.
By integrating chiropractic care at Lakeside Chiropractic with cold laser therapy at Cold Laser Perth, patients may benefit from a multi-modal approach that addresses both tissue healing and overall biomechanics.
Book an Appointment
If you're dealing knee pain that just won’t ease up, cold laser therapy may be a helpful part of your recovery.
📍 Find us in Joondalup
📅 Book online at coldlaserperth.com.au
While outcomes can vary, many patients find this multi-modal approach helps improve over time. If you are having any knee pain, feel free to contact Cold Laser Perth at Lakeside Chiropractic at 9300 0095 to see how we may be able to help or visit our website at www.coldlaserperth.com.au for more information.
📍 Serving the Joondalup & Northern Suburbs of Perth Lakeside Chiropractic is central to the northern suburbs of Perth, located in the City of Joondalup.
If you are in the surrounding suburbs such as Yanchep - 6035, Tapping - 6065, Carramar - 6031, Currambine - 6028, Wanneroo - 6065, Heathridge - 6027, Edgewater - 6027, Gnangara - 6077, Mullaloo - 6027, Padbury - 6025, Kingsley - 6026, Woodvale - 6026, Banksia Grove - 6031, or Duncraig - 6023, our team is here to assist you.
References
- Stausholm, M. B., Naterstad, I. F., Joensen, J., Lopes-Martins, R. Á. B., & Bjordal, J. M. (2019). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. BMJ Open, 9(10), e031142. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031142
- Hegedus, B., Viharos, L., Gervain, M., & Gálfi, M. (2009). The effect of low-level laser in knee osteoarthritis: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 90(5), 782–789. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2008.11.021
- Villafañe, J. H., Bishnoi, A., Berjano, P., Gobbo, M., Cleland, J. A., & Bertozzi, L. (2024). Effectiveness of manual therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(4), 1234. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13041234
Dr. Kaitlyn (Yun Qi) Lau
I was first introduced to the world of Chiropractic in my teenage years, when I was given the opportunity to observe my cousin who is a chiropractor. During my brief time in observation, I witnessed the wonder of chiropractic and it was truly a miracle to me, seeing how it can change a person’s life. An old lady came in limping with chronic pain, after the treatment, she walked out perfectly fine with a big smile on her face. She held onto my hand to say thank you to me, even though I was just standing there doing nothing. It filled with me with such joy and fulfillment that in that instance, I made up my mind to become a chiropractor, no matter what it took. I graduated from Murdoch University with Distinction honours in 2016. During these 5 years at University, I participated in a 2 week placement in Northern India, called “Hands on India”, helping to raise over $80,000 to assist the communities living in poverty there, in return, I gained a wealth of knowledge and I was humbled by the amazing people there. In my role at Lakeside Chiropractic, I endeavor to provide excellent Chiropractic care and health advice to our community. I keep myself current with the best available research and professional development opportunities. I absolutely love being a Chiropractor and find that one of the most rewarding parts is being able to assist my patients in expressing their optimal health. My special interests are cervicogenic migraine, TMJ and sciatic pain. I especially love helping our moms-to-be achieve their best shape along the journey, this lead me to recently attended seminars for women’s fertility and pregnancy care essentials. Outside of the clinic, I enjoy my routine of going to yoga and pilates 3 times a week, as well as being a couch potato in front of TV with family. Born and raised in Malaysia, I am also fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin.
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