Advanced pain relief and deep tissue healing
At Polishuk Physical Therapy & Wellness, we’re always looking for the most effective, non-invasive solutions to help our patients recover faster and feel better. High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) is one of the newest additions to our treatment options — delivering powerful pain relief, reducing inflammation, and accelerating tissue repair at a deeper level than traditional cold laser therapy.
What Is High-Intensity Laser Therapy?
HILT uses concentrated, high-power laser light (Class IV) to deliver therapeutic energy deep into muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. This targeted light stimulates your body’s natural healing response, increases circulation, and encourages cell regeneration — helping restore function and reduce pain without drugs or surgery.
While Cold Laser Therapy (Low-Level Laser Therapy) uses lower power and works best for surface-level or moderately deep conditions, High-Intensity Laser Therapy penetrates up to several centimeters beneath the skin, making it ideal for chronic or stubborn injuries that need more powerful treatment.
HILT vs. Cold Laser Therapy
High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) |
Cold Laser Therapy (Low-Level Laser Therapy, LLLT) |
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Power Level: Uses high-powered laser energy (up to several watts) |
Power Level: Uses low-power laser light (usually milliwatts) |
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Penetration Depth: Reaches deep tissues, joints, and muscles |
Penetration Depth: Primarily affects surface tissues and shallow structures |
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Therapeutic Effect: Stimulates both photothermal (heat) and photochemical effects |
Therapeutic Effect: Primarily photochemical, with little to no heating |
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Conditions Treated: Effective for deep musculoskeletal issues, arthritis, tendon/ligament injuries, and chronic pain |
Conditions Treated: Best for superficial injuries, wound healing, minor inflammation, and skin conditions |
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Pain Relief: Provides rapid pain reduction, often noticeable after 1–2 treatments |
Pain Relief: More subtle pain reduction over multiple treatments |
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Tissue Regeneration: Stimulates deeper cellular repair and circulation |
Tissue Regeneration: Supports healing at surface level, less effect on deep tissue |
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Safety: Safe and non-invasive, but requires trained professional due to higher energy |
Safety: Very safe, low energy makes it widely applicable with minimal risk |
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Best For: Patients needing deep tissue treatment, chronic pain management, or accelerated recovery |
Best For: Patients with mild or superficial injuries, post-surgical wounds, or inflammation near the surface |
Conditions Treated with HILT
High-Intensity Laser Therapy is effective for a variety of acute and chronic conditions, including:
- Arthritis and joint pain (knee, hip, shoulder, ankle)
- Tendon injuries (Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, rotator cuff issues)
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Chronic muscle strains and sprains
- Shoulder bursitis and impingement
- Low back pain, sciatica, and disc degeneration
- Post-surgical healing and scar tissue management
- Deep inflammation and swelling
Benefits of High-Intensity Laser Therapy
- Deeper penetration for hard-to-reach injuries
- Rapid pain reduction — many patients feel improvement after just a few treatments
- Accelerated healing through improved circulation and cell repair
- Non-invasive & drug-free — no downtime required
- Can be combined with physical therapy exercises for better results
What to Expect During a Session
Your therapist will position the laser over the targeted area, moving it slowly to ensure even energy delivery. You may feel gentle warmth — a sign that the laser energy is reaching deeper tissues.
- Session length: Usually 5–10 minutes
- Treatment plan: Typically 5–8 sessions, depending on your condition and response
- Aftercare: You can return to normal activity immediately
Why Choose Polishuk Physical Therapy & Wellness?
- Cutting-edge technology — We use advanced Class IV laser systems designed for both safety and maximum effectiveness.
- Expert providers — All treatments are performed by licensed physical therapists with specialized training in laser therapy.
- Personalized care — Every plan is tailored to your condition, goals, and lifestyle.
- Integrated approach — HILT can be combined with manual therapy, exercise, and other modalities for optimal recovery.
Get Started Today
If you’ve been living with pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments, High-Intensity Laser Therapy may be the breakthrough you need.
Call Polishuk Physical Therapy & Wellness today to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward lasting relief.
