Cold Laser Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis in Perth
Introduction
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation or degeneration at the insertion of the plantar fascia on the heel, usually because of overuse, poor footwear, tight calf muscles, or excessive load. It’s extremely common in runners, people who spend long hours on their feet, or those with biomechanical issues in feet or gait.
Common Symptoms
- Sharp “first-step” heel pain in the morning or after rest
- Pain when standing, walking, especially on hard surfaces
- Tenderness at the heel medial tubercle; sometimes along the underside of the arch
- Stiffness in calf or Achilles that may limit ankle dorsiflexion
- Pain worse with barefoot walking, climbing stairs or after activity, sometimes improves a little after warming up
How Laser Therapy Helps
Mechanisms are similar to other MSK uses but with specific points important for plantar fasciitis:
- Decreasing local inflammation in the plantar fascia and surrounding tissues (e.g., fat pad)
- Enhancing tissue repair: stimulating fibroblast activity, collagen realignment
- Reduction of pain via local pain receptor modulation, possibly reducing central sensitization in chronic cases
- Improving microcirculation in heel fat pad and fascia, aiding healing and reducing hypoxia in the injured tissue
- Allowing earlier and tolerable loading (so rehab, stretching, weight-bearing exercises can be used without excessive pain)
Integration with Chiropractic, Laser & Other Modalities
Combining therapies usually produces best results:
- Chiropractic & manual therapy: Adjust foot, ankle, sometimes knee or hip to correct biomechanical contributors; soft tissue works on calves, plantar fascia, Achilles.
- Stretching & strengthening: Especially of calves, Achilles, intrinsic foot muscles. Eccentric loading may help.
- Footwear & orthotics: Support arch, reduce strain; advice to avoid barefoot on hard floor, etc.
- Kinesio taping: To maintain plantar fascia stretch overnight or during activity.
- Load management & activity modification: Reduce load, gradually increase, manage weight etc.
Research
-A systematic review in Lasers in Medical Science summarising both HILT (high-intensity laser therapy) and LILT (low-intensity) trials. Found consistent short-term pain reduction in plantar fasciitis, though there’s variation in wavelengths, dosages, and trial quality.
- “Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy in patients with plantar fasciitis: a systematic review with meta-analysis” (2023)
-Compares various RCTs using HILT, showing significant improvements in pain and function over control/sham/usual care.
-A randomised clinical trial found HILT to be comparable or better in certain outcome measures to extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for chronic plantar fasciitis.
Book an Appointment
If you're dealing pain on the heel that just won’t ease up, book in for an assessment to find out if plantar fasciitis is behind it. 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 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
- Yadav, S., Sharma, S., Chatterjee, S., Sharma, A., & Thakur, S. (2025). Effect of LASER therapy on plantar fasciitis pain: illuminating a promising treatment approach - a systematic review. Lasers in Medical Science, 40(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-025-04289-y
- De la Barra Ortiz, H. A., Jélvez, F., Parraguez, D., Pérez, F., Vargas, C., & others. (2023). Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy in patients with plantar fasciitis: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Advances in Rehabilitation, 37(3), 34-51. https://doi.org/10.5114/areh.2023.131577
- Zare Bidoki, M., Vafaeei Nasab, M. R., & Khatibi Aghda, A. (2024). Comparison of high-intensity laser therapy with extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of patients with plantar fasciitis: A double-blind randomized clinical trial. Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, 49(3), 147–155. https://doi.org/10.30476/IJMS.2023.98042.2991
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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