
Massage therapy is evolving beyond traditional techniques. Today, many massage professionals use supportive modalities that help improve outcomes and reduce discomfort. One of those tools is cold laser therapy.
At The Praxis Institute, students learn how modern massage therapy combines clinical knowledge with practical techniques. Through our Advanced Massage Therapy program, available near you in the Miami, Florida, area, future massage therapists can gain experience with other modalities to better support clinical wellness. If you’re exploring a career in massage therapy, learn how cold laser therapy fits.
Key Takeaways
- Cold laser therapy uses low-level light energy to support healing and reduce discomfort.
- Laser therapy is noninvasive and often used for soft tissue injuries and chronic pain management.
- The Praxis Institute teaches laser therapy as part of Advanced Massage training alongside other therapies.
What Is Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy goes by several names, including low-level laser therapy (LLLT), photobiomodulation, and soft laser biostimulation. These terms all refer to the use of specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity and promote healing. Developed in the 1960s, this treatment is noninvasive and painless. The low-frequency laser doesn’t heat or cut the skin. While clients may feel the light on the skin, there’s no sound, vibration, or discomfort.
At The Praxis Institute, you’ll learn how to use laser therapy alongside other manual techniques, including deep tissue massage, electrostimulation, and lymphatic drainage, helping to enhance outcomes for clients dealing with pain or inflammation.
When Is Laser Massage Therapy Recommended?
Laser therapy is mostly used for musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions. It integrates naturally into massage treatment plans targeting the following:
- Musculoskeletal pain: Sprains, strains, and chronic neck or back pain respond well to laser therapy, especially when combined with manual work.
- Overuse injuries: Tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and similar repetitive-stress conditions are common in sports and clinical massage settings.
- Post-procedure and wound-adjacent recovery: When appropriate and within your scope of practice, laser therapy can support healing near surgical sites or wounds.
- Sports injuries: Soft tissue damage to limbs, joints, and other areas can benefit from laser therapy.
The wide range of applications makes laser therapy a useful addition to any future massage therapist’s toolkit. If you’re interested in working in a clinical or rehab environment, our Advanced Massage Therapy program can help.
What Types of Clients May Benefit from Laser Massage Therapy?
Laser therapy is a flexible modality that may work for a wide range of people, including:
- Athletes recovering from sports injuries or managing chronic overuse conditions
- Clients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, such as back, neck, or joint pain
- Individuals recovering from surgery
- Clients seeking noninvasive, drug-free pain management options
However, laser therapy isn’t appropriate for everyone. At The Praxis Institute, we also teach our massage therapy students what areas of the body to avoid and when to defer to their client’s healthcare provider.
Massage Therapy Programs at The Praxis Institute
At The Praxis Institute, we offer two diploma programs in massage. Both combine online coursework with in-person lab and clinical training at either of our campuses in Hialeah or Miami:
- Therapeutic Massage Technician: This 540-hour course offers foundational training in therapeutic massage techniques and prepares students to sit for the Florida State License Exam and complete the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Then, they can begin pursuing entry-level massage careers.
- Advanced Massage Therapy: This 750-hour expanded program covers a full range of clinical and advanced modalities. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCBTMB or other exams and can earn certifications in deep tissue, spa therapies, electrostimulation, ultrasound, and more through continuing education.
Cold laser therapy is taught within our Advanced Massage Therapy program. Students train with actual laser equipment in a supervised lab setting. This firsthand approach is core to how we teach and allows us to integrate your training with other modalities within our program. Additionally, you’ll complete 115 or more supervised clinical sessions. By graduation, you’ll have experience applying these techniques together, so you can start your career on the right foot.
Why Choose The Praxis Institute?
There are many massage schools in South Florida, but The Praxis Institute sets itself apart. We want our graduates to excel in their chosen fields, which is why we offer:
- Multi-modality advanced training
- Experienced instructors with clinical expertise and practical backgrounds
- Career services, which provide resume assistance, interview skills, and networking support
- Flexible scheduling, with hybrid online/in-person formats and weekly start times
Additionally, with two campus locations in Miami and Hialeah, students across South Florida can access quality, accredited training close to home. Financial aid is also available for those who qualify.
Find a Fulfilling Career in Massage Therapy
Massage therapy offers the opportunity to help people feel better. Advanced modalities like cold laser therapy give therapists more tools to support healing and improve client outcomes. At The Praxis Institute, students receive practical training that prepares them for real-world success in massage therapy and wellness careers. If you’re ready to explore a future in massage therapy, now is the time to take the next step. Contact us today to learn more about our programs near you in the Miami, FL, area.
Laser Therapy FAQs
Is cold laser therapy the same as LLLT?
Yes. Cold laser therapy, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and photobiomodulation are the same.
Do I need the advanced program to learn laser therapy?
Yes. Laser therapy is taught within the Advanced Massage Therapy program.
Where can massage therapists work after graduation?
Graduates can work in spas, wellness centers, rehab clinics, chiropractic offices, sports medicine settings, and private practice environments.
How do I enroll at The Praxis Institute?
Applicants must have a high school diploma or general education development (GED) and complete an interview with the admissions team before enrolling.


