“I have had sich a great experience seeing Dr. Bergin. When other offices have told me I just had muscle damage or the only thing they could do for me was give shots, he said he had others ways to manage my pain and numbness, along with improving mobility. And he was right! I feel so much better! With such friendly staff and welcoming office environment, it makes for an amazing experience. I'll definitely continue seeing him!”
Service
Cold Laser Therapy
in Lakeland and The Villages, FL
Low-level laser therapy, also called photobiomodulation, for stubborn joint, tendon and nerve symptoms. Painless, drug free, and used as part of a plan rather than sold as a stand-alone answer.
- 22 years in practice
- Drug free, no downtime
- $47 new-patient exam
Medically reviewed by Dr. Justin Bergin, DC Updated September 18, 2026
Cold Laser Therapy at ChiroMed
Does every treatment you try leave the area angrier?
Some tissue will not take hands-on work. A knee flares for two days after anyone touches it. A heel is so reactive in the morning that you dread the walk to the bathroom.
Hands and feet burn at night and feel like they belong to someone else. In those cases the problem is rarely effort. The treatment keeps arriving in a form the tissue cannot take.
Where does light fit into that?
Low-level laser is one of the gentler ways in, and Dr. Justin Bergin, DC decides where it fits after examining you.
It is part of the chiropractic program run at this practice rather than a package sold on its own.
It is one of the treatments offered through our chiropractic services.
What cold laser therapy actually does
Cold laser therapy is low-level laser therapy, also called photobiomodulation. A handheld applicator delivers light at specific wavelengths into tissue at a power far below anything that cuts or burns. The light is absorbed by cell structures involved in energy production, which is thought to reduce pain and support local repair.
The clinical results are more mixed than most laser pages admit. A 2024 review of photobiomodulation for tissue injury and recovery found decent support for wound healing and for muscle recovery.
Support was weaker in acute musculoskeletal injury, where the benefit looked mainly like pain relief rather than faster healing. We use it accordingly: as one part of a plan, on the right tissue, with a checkpoint.
The practical value is access. When a joint is too irritable for hands or a table, light gives you a way to treat it at all. That often buys enough comfort for the rest of the plan to start.
Laser also runs in the same visit as adjusting, soft-tissue work, decompression or shockwave. It adds to a course of care instead of competing with one.
We will not name a wavelength, a dose or a session count before anyone has examined you. Those numbers depend on the tissue, the depth and the problem, and they get set after the examination.
How it works
The absorption
The target is the mitochondrion, the part of the cell that makes energy. Light in the red and near-infrared range is absorbed by an enzyme in the cellular respiratory chain.
The energy shift
That appears to increase the energy available to the treated tissue while the light is being delivered.
The signalling change
Local signalling then moves toward repair and away from inflammation. That is the theory the treatment rests on.
Who cold laser therapy helps
- Localized joint, tendon or ligament pain in a defined area
- Tissue too irritable to tolerate hands or a treatment table
- Nerve symptoms in the hands and feet, inside a wider nerve plan
- Pain that needs settling before the rest of a plan can start
Who it does not help
- Pain driven by a stiff joint and a weak muscle loading it badly
- Established nerve damage, which light does not undo
- Chronic tendon problems needing a stronger mechanical stimulus than light
- Confirmed structural damage, or a nerve compression with measurable weakness
Background reading from an independent authority: a 2024 review of photobiomodulation for tissue injury and recovery.
Conditions we treat with it
You can read more about each one. The examination decides which of them applies to you.
Why patients choose it
It reaches tissue that will not take pressure
When a joint is too reactive for hands or a table, light gives you a way to treat the area at all. That is frequently what gets the rest of the plan moving.
Nothing is taken or injected
No systemic drug load, no needle, no recovery time, and nothing that interferes with medication you are already on for something else.
It fits into the same visit as your other care
Laser is delivered in the same appointment as adjusting, soft-tissue therapy, decompression or shockwave. Your care stays one plan instead of a series of separate purchases.
Short sessions, no downtime
There is no wound, no dressing and no restriction afterward. You can drive, work or exercise straight from the appointment.
You can tell whether it is working
You are retested against the same findings taken at the start. A low-risk treatment still has to earn its place in the plan, and that is how it is judged here.
Cost, insurance and financing
A few things change the cost of a course of laser. The front desk settles all of them before you commit, not at the end.
The one published price
Consultation, Exam, X-Rays (If Needed) & Report of Findings: Only $47
What affects the cost
- Whether the laser supports a billable chiropractic plan or stands alone
- How many areas are being treated in a visit
- Whether it is combined with soft-tissue work, decompression or shockwave
- How long the overall course of care runs
- Whether imaging is needed before starting
What a course includes
- Consultation with Dr. Justin Bergin, DC
- Examination to identify the pain generator
- X-rays if they are clinically indicated
- Report of findings with a review point
Payment:
Cold laser therapy is billed to insurance when it forms part of a chiropractic plan of care, and is self-pay otherwise. The front desk tells you which applies to you before you commit.
New patients all start the same way: consultation, exam, X-rays if needed, and report of findings for $47.
Payment plans are available for self-pay care. Ask the front desk which plan fits your course of care.
Why ChiroMed
Who decides where the light is pointed?
A laser is only as good as the examination that decided where to point it. That examination rests on 22 years of clinical practice.
Dr. Justin Bergin, DC will tell you when light is the wrong tool for your case.
What happens if laser alone does not move it?
The bigger advantage is range. Spinal and knee decompression, Omniwave shockwave, Neuromed electroanalgesia, plus regenerative, metabolic and functional care all sit on one DC-led plan in one building.
When laser alone is not moving your case, the next option is in the next room. Patients often arrive asking for one treatment by name and leave with a better-matched plan.
It is worth seeing where laser sits among the hands-on services offered here before you decide.
Where you would be treated
How easy is the Lakeland office to drop into?
Laser visits are short, which makes either office easy to fit around the rest of your week.
Patients drop into the S. Florida Avenue office between errands around Lakeside Village, or on the way home down the Polk Parkway toward Highland City. Suite 13 sits back from the road with parking at the door.
What if you are driving from The Villages?
In the northern market, people come from Brownwood Paddock Square, Summerfield and Oxford by running north on US-441.
The short appointment is what makes a repeat course realistic rather than a chore.
In Lakeland that is 6595 Florida Ave S, Suite 13, Lakeland, serving Polk County. In the Villages market the office is at 929 US-441 #404, Lady Lake, serving Lake County, Sumter County, Marion County. Dr. Justin Bergin, DC performs the examination personally at both, 22 years into practice.
More on chiropractic services.
Available at our 2 locations
Treatment at our Lakeland office, and also at:
From the ChiroMed Journal
Longer reading on this subject, written by the practice rather than bought in.
- How Cold Laser Therapy Works on Pain That Will Not Quit
Cold laser therapy uses red and near-infrared light to reach irritated tissue. How it works, what a session feels like, and what the research actually shows.
Cold Laser Therapy in recent research
These sources are independent of this practice and none of them endorses it. They are listed so the reasoning behind the care can be checked rather than taken on trust.
- Low level laser therapy for nonspecific low-back pain
Cochrane found there were not enough data to draw firm conclusions on laser therapy for low back pain, so we use it alongside other care.
- Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation in Reducing Pain and Disability in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Reports reduced knee pain but at very low certainty, and advises against using light therapy on its own rather than as a complement.
Compare your options
Real alternatives exist, including ones this practice does not perform. Here is the honest set.
| Option | What it is | Typically considered when | Invasive? | Offered at ChiroMed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-level laser therapy Our approach | Light energy delivered into tissue to influence cellular activity and reduce pain | Localized joint, tendon or nerve symptoms, especially where hands-on work is too sore to tolerate | No | Yes |
| Omniwave shockwave therapy | Acoustic pressure waves delivered into deeper tendon and joint tissue | Chronic tendon problems needing a stronger mechanical stimulus than light can deliver | No | Yes |
| Manual and soft-tissue therapy | Hands-on work on muscle, fascia and joint mechanics | The tissue is tight, restricted or loading badly and will tolerate being touched | No | Yes |
| Loaded rehabilitation and home exercise | Progressive loading that changes what the joint or tendon will tolerate | The area has calmed down and the gain now has to be held with strength and movement | No | Supporting rehabilitation is provided here. A full physical therapy course is a separate referral |
| Cortisone injection | Corticosteroid placed into or around the painful structure | Severe localized inflammation that has failed conservative care | Minimally | Not performed here. Appropriate for short-term control when a specialist judges the trade-off worthwhile |
| Surgical release or repair | Operative decompression or reconstruction of the structure | Confirmed structural damage, or a nerve compression with measurable weakness | Yes | Not performed here. Appropriate when testing shows the tissue will not recover conservatively |
Light, sound and hands put different amounts of force into tissue. The examination decides which one your tissue can take right now. The last two rows are not offered here, and you get a referral when your case needs them.
Is cold laser therapy right for someone like you?
Candidacy is decided at the examination, not on a web page. These are the general lines.
Likely a good candidate if
- A localized painful area that has not settled with rest and stretching
- Burning, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet alongside a wider nerve plan
- Heel or arch pain that is worst on the first steps of the day
- A joint too irritable to tolerate hands-on work just yet
- An old tendon or ligament injury that still flares under load
- You want a drug-free option and you are willing to attend a course of visits
We will point you elsewhere if
- You are pregnant, where treatment over the abdomen or low back is avoided
- There is a known or suspected tumour in the area to be treated
- The area to be treated is directly over the thyroid gland or the eyes
- There is an active infection, open wound or unexplained swelling in the area
- You are looking for a single-session fix, which this is not
When we are not the right answer, we say so, and connect you with someone who is.
Your first visit
What to expect, step by step
Laser is rarely the only thing in a plan, so the first visit looks at the whole problem. Dr. Justin Bergin, DC examines the area and works out what is driving the pain.
He then decides whether laser belongs in your care at all, and explains where it fits alongside everything else. The number of sessions is set at your report of findings.
-
01Examination first
Dr. Bergin works out what is causing the pain before any device comes out. Laser aimed at the wrong structure does nothing, and that is an expensive way to find out.
- 02
Targeted application
The applicator is held against or just above the skin over the treatment area and protective eyewear is worn. Most people feel nothing at all, and some notice a mild warmth.
- 03
Combined with the rest of the plan
Laser is almost never used alone here. It sits alongside adjusting, soft-tissue work, decompression or shockwave depending on what the examination showed.
- 04
Re-check
You are reassessed against the markers set at the start. If nothing has changed, the approach changes rather than the number of visits going up.
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An adjustment that is not aimed at a specific finding is just noise. We treat what the exam and the X-ray tell us to treat.
“Dr. Bergin was instrumental in relieving my back pain which I had for many years. The techniques he used on relieving my back pain were impressive. I been going to chiropractors for years and Dr. Bergin is the best. Thank You Dr. Bergin :)”
“Took a good amount of time going over my preliminary results and going over potential care plan. Great adjustment and doesn’t sugarcoat when discussing. Would recommend”
“The environment is incredible at this office with the staff and also both doctors are extremely friendly and great at what they do”
“Amazing, Super friendly and talented Staff and Doctors! My back was a hot mess after a semi hit my car on my first day moving to Florida. But after going through the treatment program I was able to get my neck, my back and my life in alignment. It was a total transformation. Thank You New City Chiropractic!”
“Hands down the best chiropractic office out there! They are super friendly and make me feel comfortable to tell then what’s wrong. They always ensure the best treatment for their patients!”
“I absolutely love this place , it is like going to visit family. They are always so pleasant , happy , and professional. I always enjoy seeing the ladies , they always put a smile on my face and even if I am having a bad day. The doctors are always so friendly and concerned with my well being. I actually look forward to going there and miss them on the days that I don't go.”
“I only wish it was closer. You are welcome it's definitely a compliment and I have read the great comments people made about the facility and staff! Amen Open one in Auburndale please!!”
“HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend coming here if you have any pains in your back or neck!! These guys are AMAZING at what they do!! Just a few months into coming here, I feel a change in the way I walk, the way my head sits on my shoulders, and I just feel GREAT; ALL THE TIME!! Crazy what some little adjustments did for me!!”
“This is an awesome chiropractic!! They are all nice and kind! Ever Since I have been adjusting my back, I don't need to take medicine before I go to bed. Also, I have been sleeping without waking up in the middle of the night because of the pain!! I really recommend the chiropractic 😊”
“Dr. Bergin at Chiromed Wellness Centers is the best chiropractor in town. I no longer have to take pain meds. If you still have pain, you’re not seeing to best chiropractor.”
“Love this place!! Cynthia and Angie are amazing! So nice and helpful!! The chiropractor’s are also amazing!! Just a great place overall! I highly recommended it!!”
“Look them up I waited so long to see a chiropractor and I found this place and am so happy that I did . Love the Drs they are so helpful and make feel like family.”
“The staff is super friendly and they walked me through the whole process. I’ve been going for a few weeks now and I’m already feeling results! The treatment the offer is very hands on and informative. I’ve never had manual adjustments until coming to this office and the staff makes you feel comfortable and takes care of your needs. Highly recommend !”
“The best Chiropractic center in South lakeland! love it here the Doctors are very urged to help with any of your needs, the beautiful assistants are nice and helpful they really make you feel welcomed. Most highly recommended Chiropractic Center. :)”
“Muy profesional la atención es formidable todos los empleados son muy amigables.Y muy efectiva sus terapias..Los recomiendo 100x100%”
“My pain has decreased dramatically, I’m no longer stretching and moving my neck in every angle trying to find relief. Every part of my body I can feel is finally getting closer to symmetry! All I can say is you should give new city a try!”
“I love this place!! They're very caring for their patients and strive to help you feel better. I strongly recommend giving them a try. I promise you won't regret it”
“The staff is very knowledgeable and organized, they get to know you and are flexible about fitting your treatment in to your life. They use proven methods to treat the root of your issues and the results are incredible. I was in a lot of pain after a car crash and within a few weeks I was able to go back to my normal routine with no discomfort.”
“I have seen and feel the change in my body since I started, I use to have major pain in my knees and neck ache. I'm an athlete and constantly need more adjustments, and every time I come I always without a doubt feel welcomed and important.”
Get in touch
Book your cold laser therapy evaluation
Tell us what the problem is and which office is closer. The front desk answers during office hours; leave a message after hours and they call back the next open day.
- 1
Send the form
Two minutes. Tell us what hurts and which office is closer.
- 2
We call you back
A real person, during office hours, to find a time that works.
- 3
Exam and answers
History, orthopedic and neurological testing, imaging on site when it changes the plan.
- $47 consultation, exam, X-rays if needed and report of findings
- Payment plans available on the self-pay programs
- 4.8 out of 5 from 225 Google reviews
- Choose Lakeland or The Villages on the form
Cold Laser Therapy questions
Tap a message for the honest answer. Call Lakeland (863) 940-3444
Does cold laser therapy actually work?
It depends heavily on what you are treating, and the answer is mixed. A 2024 review of photobiomodulation found reasonable support for wound healing and muscle recovery.
Support was weaker in acute musculoskeletal injury, and the studies varied a good deal in how they were run.
What we see in the clinic is that laser helps most as one part of a plan, on localized pain and irritable tissue. Nobody can promise you certainty about it.
Is it the same thing as the laser used in surgery?
No. Surgical lasers cut and coagulate tissue with heat. Low-level laser therapy uses far lower power, and it does not heat or damage tissue, which is why it is called cold laser.
You should feel nothing more than mild warmth, and there is no wound, no downtime and no recovery period afterward.
How many sessions will I need?
We will not guess at a number before examining you. Laser is usually delivered as a course rather than a single visit.
The length depends on what is being treated, how long you have had it, and what else is in the plan.
You get a re-check date at the start, so the course is judged on your progress rather than on a package decided in advance.
Will insurance pay for cold laser therapy?
Sometimes. When laser supports a chiropractic plan of care it may be billable under your chiropractic benefit, and our team verifies that before your first visit.
Where it does not qualify, the care is self-pay, and the front desk tells you before your first session rather than afterward.
Medicare coverage varies by plan and by service, and the front desk will tell you exactly what applies before you commit to anything.
Can it help with neuropathy symptoms?
Laser is one of the tools used in our nerve-symptom plans, aimed at pain, tingling and comfort in the hands and feet. The goal is symptom management and function, not undoing established nerve damage.
For most patients with nerve symptoms the main work is done elsewhere in the plan, with laser supporting it.
Are there side effects?
Very few, and they are mild. A small number of people notice temporary tenderness in the treated area or a short-lived increase in symptoms before things settle.
Protective eyewear is worn because the eye is the one tissue that genuinely needs shielding.
Treatment is avoided over the thyroid, over a known tumour, and over the abdomen and low back in pregnancy.
Same-week appointments
Find out whether cold laser therapy is the right tool.
One examination tells you which discipline the problem actually needs.
- 4.8 out of 5 on Google
Consultation, Exam, X-Rays (If Needed) & Report of Findings: Only $47