Cold Laser Therapy for Shoulder and Trochanteric Bursitis in Perth

Cold Laser Therapy for Shoulder and Trochanteric Bursitis in Perth

Bursitis is a common cause of joint pain that can affect various areas of the body, particularly where tendons glide over bones. Two frequently affected regions are the shoulder (subacromial bursitis) and the hip (trochanteric bursitis). These conditions often develop due to repetitive strain, prolonged pressure, poor biomechanics, or trauma. If left unaddressed, they can significantly impact daily mobility, joint function and sleep quality.

At Cold Laser Perth, we use targeted cold laser therapy as part of a multi-modal approach to support recovery for bursitis.

Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder or Trochanteric Bursitis

Subacromial (Shoulder) Bursitis:

• Pain at the outer shoulder, especially when lifting the arm overhead
• Night pain that disrupts sleep
• Pain when lying down on the affected shoulder side

Trochanteric (Hip) Bursitis:

• Pain over the outside of the hip or thigh
• Pain when lying on the affected side
• Discomfort when walking, climbing stairs, or rising from a chair

These conditions may present alongside tendon issues such as gluteal tendinopathy or rotator cuff strain.

How Cold Laser Therapy May Help with Bursitis

Cold laser therapy (LLLT) uses specific wavelengths of low-level light to stimulate cellular function and promote soft tissue healing. For bursitis, it may help by:

• Reducing inflammation in the bursa by lowering prostaglandin and cytokine levels
• Improving blood flow to enhance tissue oxygenation and waste removal
• Accelerating cellular repair, including fibroblast activity and collagen production
• Reducing pain, particularly by modulating nerve sensitivity and releasing endorphins

A randomised, double-blind, controlled trial found that cold laser therapy improved pain and function in patients with subacromial bursitis when compared to placebo (Read the study here).

Additional Supportive Therapies In many cases, cold laser therapy is paired with:

• Soft tissue works like electrotherapy or dry needling to address surrounding muscular tension
• Postural correction or gait retraining
• Rehabilitation exercises to strengthen and stabilise surrounding joints

We often work in collaboration with chiropractic or other healthcare profession to create an integrated care plan.

Chiropractic and Manual Therapy Approaches

In addition to cold laser, chiropractic care may help address mechanical issues that contribute to tendon overload. This can include:

• Addressing shoulder joint restrictions
• Improving posture and scapular control
• Releasing tight surrounding muscles (e.g. pecs, upper traps)
• Providing rehabilitation exercises to support tendon loading

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 shoulder or hip pain.

Book an Appointment

If you're dealing with shoulder or hip pain that just won’t ease up, book in for an assessment to find out if bursitis 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 shoulder or hip 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

1. Abrisham, S. M. J., Kermani-Alghoraishi, M., Ghahramani, R., Jabbari, L., Jomeh, H., & Zare, M. (2011). Additive effects of low-level laser therapy with exercise on subacromial syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Clinical Rheumatology, 30(10), 1341–1346.