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Ever wondered how light can heal? At The Denq Clinic, we utilize High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT), a cutting-edge treatment that harnesses the power of concentrated light to promote healing and reduce pain in various musculoskeletal conditions. While the concept might sound futuristic, the science behind it is rooted in fundamental biological processes.
What is High-Intensity Laser Therapy?
HILT uses powerful Class IV lasers, which are significantly more powerful than the low-level or “cold” lasers you might have heard of. This higher power allows the laser light to penetrate much deeper into tissues, reaching areas that other light therapies simply can’t. Think of it like this: a low-power laser might skim the surface, while a high-intensity laser can truly dive into the problem area, whether it’s deep muscle, tendon, or even joint tissue.
At The Denq Clinic, our HILT device delivers two specific wavelengths of light: 808 nm and 905 nm. The 808 nm wavelength is delivered continuously, while the 905 nm is pulsed. This combination is specifically designed to optimize tissue penetration and the overall cellular response.
How Does It Work? The Science Behind the Beam
The magic of HILT lies in a process called photobiomodulation. When the high-intensity laser light penetrates the skin, it interacts with your cells on a molecular level. This process triggers several beneficial actions:
Neural Inhibition: The light can help reduce pain signals.
Endorphin and Serotonin Release: This promotes your body’s natural pain-relieving and mood-enhancing responses.
Anti-inflammatory Actions: The laser helps reduce swelling and inflammation in the affected area.
The combination of 808 nm and 905 nm wavelengths is particularly effective, enhancing tissue health and functional recovery.
For further reading on HILT, please see below:
- Arroyo-Fernández R, Aceituno-Gómez J, Serrano-Muñoz D, Avendaño-Coy J. High-Intensity Laser Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. J Clin Med. 2023;12(4):1479. Published 2023 Feb 13. doi:10.3390/jcm12041479
- Song HJ, Seo HJ, Lee Y, Kim SK. Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(51):e13126. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000013126
- Abdildin Y, Tapinova K, Jyeniskhan N, Viderman D. High-intensity laser therapy in low back pain management: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Lasers Med Sci. 2023;38(1):166. Published 2023 Jul 26. doi:10.1007/s10103-023-03827-w
- Nazari A, Moezy A, Nejati P, Mazaherinezhad A. Efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy in comparison with conventional physiotherapy and exercise therapy on pain and function of patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial with 12-week follow up. Lasers Med Sci. 2019;34(3):505-516. doi:10.1007/s10103-018-2624-4
- Yadav S, Sharma S, Chatterjee S, Sharma A, Thakur S. Effect of LASER therapy on plantar fasciitis pain: illuminating a promising treatment approach – a systematic review. Lasers Med Sci. 2025;40(1):18. Published 2025 Jan 15. doi:10.1007/s10103-025-04289-y
- Kaydok E, Ordahan B, Solum S, Karahan AY. Short-term Efficacy Comparison of High-intensity and Low-intensity Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Study. Arch Rheumatol. 2019;35(1):60-67. Published 2019 Apr 24. doi:10.5606/ArchRheumatol.2020.7347
This is not meant as a comprehensive or systematic review of HILT, so please inquire further if HILT can help you today!
Is HILT for You? Clinical Evidence and Results
High-Intensity Laser Therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free option that has shown promising results for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Clinical evidence supports HILT for pain reduction and functional improvement, with benefits often persisting for weeks after treatment.
At The Denq Clinic, we’ve seen great results with patients suffering from:
Knee Osteoarthritis: HILT has been shown to be superior to other therapies in improving pain, range of motion, and function.
Low Back Pain and Neck Pain: These conditions have shown some of the most significant pain reductions with HILT.
Frozen Shoulder: This painful and limiting condition can see improved range of motion and pain relief.
Myofascial Pain: HILT can help alleviate muscle pain and tension.
Foot and Ankle Pain: Including conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Hip Pain: Including conditions like hip osteoarthritis or impingement
Elbow Pain: Such as tennis and golfer’s elbow.
Treatment protocols typically involve 8–15 sessions over 2–3 weeks, with each session delivering a specific energy density tailored to your needs. The goal is to provide lasting relief and improve your quality of life.
Safety and Efficacy
HILT has a favorable safety profile, with no serious adverse events reported in medical literature. While research is ongoing to refine optimal protocols, the current body of evidence, including meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials, strongly supports HILT as an effective therapy.
At The Denq Clinic, we are committed to providing the most effective, evidence-based treatments to help you on your path to recovery and improved well-being.
