How is laser therapy work?

Photobiomodulation, is a term used for laser therapy which can be translated to light (photo) / bio (cellular) / modulation (regulating). The principle of photobiomodulation is to stimulate healing on a cellular level (specifically mitochondria) to actively promote healing in your body. With chronic injuries, local cells can undergo stress or deterioration. With laser therapy, non-invasive light is delivered to the area targeting and absorbed by the mitochondria. Once absorbed, cytochrome c oxidase is activated and releases nitric oxide with oxygen. The oxygen then floods into the blood stream thus reducing inflammation. 

What conditions can laser therapy help with?

• Joint and arthritis pain – knees, hips, shoulders, hands.

• Tendon and ligament injuries – tennis/golfer’s elbow, rotator cuff, Achilles tendonitis, sprains.

• Muscle strains and sports injuries – faster recovery and less soreness.

• Back and neck pain – including disc issues and muscle tension.

• Nerve-related pain – such as sciatica, neuropathy, carpal tunnel.

• Post-surgical recovery – to reduce swelling, stiffness, and scar tissue formation.

• Wound healing and skin conditions – ulcers, burns, slow-healing injuries.

BioFlex Laser Therapy Clinic. (2025, August). Clinical effects illustration. BIOFLEX Laser Therapy Clinic. https://bioflexlaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Clinical_Effects-768x719.webp 

Does it hurt or cause any side effects?

No laser therapy does not hurt, there may be some warmth or tingling as circulation improves. This is not directly caused by the laser but if an area with stagnated (poor circulation) blood improves from the laser therapy warmth or tingly sensation are positive signs. 

Side effects are very low when operated correctly because it is designed to be a low level therapeutic that doesn't burn or harm the skin.

Is laser therapy scientifically proven?

Yes, BioFlex has over 4,000 scientific paper and 500 clinical studies.

Is laser therapy safe?

BioFlex devices are Health Canada and FDA cleared, ensuring they meet strict safety standards. Although they are designed to be safe when used correctly, there is still a risk with laser exposure in these situations:

Pregnancy

There’s no direct evidence that BioFlex is harmful during pregnancy, but as a precaution no light will be used over the abdomen or lower back in pregnant individuals, especially during the first trimester.

Cancerous Tumors

BioFlex laser therapy is not used over known malignant tumors. There is a risk in theory of stimulating cancerous cell growth. However, it can be used to manage pain in other areas with medical clearance.

Severe Skin Sensitivity

Patients with hypersensitive skin conditions or light sensitivity may experience discomfort or reactions.

Direct Eye Exposure

Laser light should never be directed into the eyes. Protective eye-wear is provided to the patient and worn by the practitioner during treatment to avoid accidental exposure. 

When used properly the laser light produced is classified as a low level laser utilizing a non-ionizing (non-burning) light the BioFlex system is safe. The BioFlex line uses two types of light technology that is on the safe side of the light wavelength spectrum:

• • Red light LED (680nm-630nm) - Mid left wavelength light spectrum beneficial for treating conditions that are relatively superficial such as subcutaneous bursitis, skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, hair loss and eczema.

  • Near infrared LED (840nm-810nm) - Far left wavelength light spectrum beneficial for penetration of deeper tissues. The infrared wavelengths are much less absorbed by hemoglobin and water which results in penetrating more deeply.

BioFlex Laser Therapy Clinic. (2024, April). Photobiomodulation (PBM) chart. BIOFLEX Laser Therapy Clinic. https://bioflexclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PBMchart.png 

How soon will I see improvements?

By combining acupuncture with BioFlex, some have seen immediate results. While most people will typically require 3-5 before noticing results, it depends the severity of each case.

Will laser therapy work if other treatments haven’t helped me?

In the holistic approach everyone is unique and everyone is heals differently, there is no clear answer for this question. Results are rooted in how well your body responds to the combined treatment. A through discussion can help make the decision before any treatment proceeds.

Why acupuncture combined with Bioflex?

Acupuncture is holistic approach because it treats the whole body as an interconnected system. It integrates the body and mind to address the root causes. Laser light therapy is uses modern science and technology to stimulate cells, reduce inflammation and speed up tissue repair locally. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there is a theory to treat locally and distally. By integrating the traditional knowledge with the modern technology, you can experience and try a unique treatment.