Cold Laser Therapy for Shingles (Herpes Zoster) in Perth

Cold Laser Therapy for Shingles (Herpes Zoster) in Perth

What Is Shingles?

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Once someone has recovered from chickenpox, the virus can lie dormant in the nervous system and reactivate years later, often during periods of stress or reduced immunity.

Shingles presents as a painful, blistering rash that usually appears on one side of the body, following a dermatomal (nerve root) distribution. For some people, the pain continues long after the rash resolves, a condition known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Tingling or burning pain in a band-like pattern
• Red rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters
• Sensitivity to touch or temperature
• Persistent nerve pain after rash clears (PHN)
• Fatigue or general malaise

Role of Cold Laser Therapy in Shingles Recovery

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is gaining attention as a supportive treatment option for individuals suffering from shingles (herpes zoster) and its complications. Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus and often presents with painful skin rashes and nerve inflammation.

While antiviral medications and analgesics are the standard initial treatments, many patients continue to experience postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)—a persistent, often debilitating nerve pain that can last for months or even years after the rash has healed. Cold laser therapy offers a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to help manage this pain and support nerve healing.

1. Acute phase

Cold laser therapy may help reduce viral-induced inflammation and promote tissue repair in the affected skin and nerve tissues. It works by stimulating cellular activity through photobiomodulation, enhancing mitochondrial function and ATP production, which in turn accelerates cellular regeneration and reduces oxidative stress.

2. Post acute phase

Particularly in cases of PHN, cold laser therapy has shown promise in modulating neuropathic pain by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, promoting blood flow, and encouraging the repair of damaged peripheral nerves. Clinical studies have reported reductions in pain intensity and improved quality of life among patients with chronic neuralgia treated with LLLT, making it a potential adjunct therapy for long-term shingles recovery.

How It May Help:

• Reduce inflammation around affected sensory nerves
• Modulate nerve pain by lowering excitability of peripheral and central pain pathways
• Enhance circulation to improve local healing of skin and nerve endings
• Stimulate cellular repair and mitochondrial activity

1. Chen et al. (2016): Early use of low-level laser therapy may significantly reduce the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia in herpes zoster patients.

2. Mukhtar et al. (2020): Low-level laser therapy showed promising pain relief effects in patients suffering from postherpetic neuralgia.

Integrative Recommendations

Cold laser therapy can be used alongside conventional care. Other supportive strategies may include:

• Topical treatments (e.g., capsaicin creams)
• Nerve pain medications (for PHN)
• Gentle massage or acupuncture (after rash has resolved)

When to Consider Laser Therapy

• During early stages of shingles (to promote quicker healing)
• If residual nerve pain lingers after the rash is gone
• For patients seeking a non-pharmaceutical option to manage discomfort

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 uncomfortable pain.

Book an Appointment

If you're dealing tingling or burning pain that just won’t ease up, book in for an assessment to find out if shingles 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.

Reference

1. Chen, Y.-T., Wang, H.-H., Wang, T.-J., Li, Y.-C., & Chen, T.-J. (2016). Early application of low-level laser may reduce the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 75(3), 572–577. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2016.03.050
2. Mukhtar, R., Fazal, M. U., Saleem, M., & Saleem, S. (2020). Role of low-level laser therapy in post-herpetic neuralgia: A pilot study. Lasers in Medical Science, 35(8), 1759–1764. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-020-02969-5