Advancing Orthopedic Care: The Science and Impact of Laser Therapy

Science

Over the past decade, laser therapy has evolved from a novel concept into a validated tool in orthopedic medicine. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair at the cellular level. It is gaining clinical momentum for its ability to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote tissue healing without the use of medications.

In 2019, after witnessing the opioid epidemic firsthand, particularly as my wife arranged flowers for overdose funerals, I was compelled to act. I researched more than 2,500 studies and brought FDA-cleared laser technology into my practice. When laser therapy produced dramatic patient results, I founded OrthoLazer to offer communities a safer, drug-free path to pain relief and recovery.

As an orthopedic surgeon, I’ve seen the increasing need for non‑opioid pain management solutions that support functional recovery. The opioid epidemic, combined with an aging population and rising demand for musculoskeletal care, has driven both clinicians and patients to seek safe and effective alternatives.

At OrthoLazer, we’ve integrated FDA‑cleared laser technology into our treatment protocols, offering patients a non‑invasive, opioid‑free option for managing osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, acute injuries, and post‑surgical pain. Clinical studies and our own patient experiences show that PBMT can modulate cellular activity, enhance microcirculation, and accelerate the healing process.

OrthoLazer patients have reported up to an 85% reduction in pain and inflammation, often experiencing faster returns to activity, improved range of motion, and a decreased need for pain medications. In our ongoing postoperative patient survey of over 700 individuals, more than 95% expressed satisfaction with the use of PBMT to support and enhance their surgical recovery.

Major institutions are taking notice. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) includes laser therapy in its knee osteoarthritis guidelines, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists it as a non‑pharmacologic option for pain management.¹ ² These endorsements reflect growing consensus on PBMT’s clinical value.

As we continue to explore the science behind PBMT, our mission remains the same: deliver evidence‑based, patient‑centered care that enhances recovery, improves quality of life, and redefines what is possible in orthopedic wellness.

Sources:

CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain — United States, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/rr/rr7103a1.htm
AAOS Clinical Practice Guideline on the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee (Nonarthroplasty), 3rd Edition (2021). https://www.aaos.org/oak3cpg