Shining a Light on Recovery: How High-Intensity Laser Therapy Supports Performing Artists

Performing artists push their bodies to the limit—often day after day, with little time for recovery. Whether you’re dancing eight shows a week, rehearsing through sore joints, or recovering from an injury mid-contract, your body is your instrument—and keeping it healthy is essential to your craft. 

At FlySpace, we understand those demands, which is why we’re excited to offer high-intensity laser therapy (HILT)—a cutting-edge treatment that supports faster recovery, reduces pain, and helps tissues heal at the cellular level. This type of therapy is part of a larger technique called photobiomodulation—and it’s a game-changer for performing artists. 

What Is Photobiomodulation? 

Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses specific wavelengths of light—usually red or near-infrared—to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. The light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the mitochondria in your cells (aka the "powerhouse" of the cell), where it boosts the production of ATP, the energy source your body uses for cellular repair. 

More ATP = faster, more efficient healing. 

Why It Matters for Artists 

Performing artists don’t always have the luxury of full rest or recovery. Here’s where HILT can make a real impact: 

Accelerates Healing 

Injuries like tendinopathies, muscle strains, joint inflammation, or even vocal strain can respond well to laser therapy. By boosting circulation and tissue repair at a cellular level, HILT can help speed up your return to rehearsal, performance, or tour. 

Reduces Pain and Inflammation 

Laser therapy can calm inflammation and reduce pain—without medication. Whether it’s a chronically irritated Achilles, an overworked shoulder, or a flared-up back, HILT can offer relief while supporting long-term healing. 

Supports Overuse Recovery 

Artists rarely get true rest, which means overuse injuries can simmer in the background. Laser therapy helps interrupt that cycle, supporting recovery even when full time off isn’t possible. 

Non-Invasive, No Downtime 

HILT treatments are quick, comfortable, and don’t require any post-session downtime. It’s a perfect fit for artists who need to stay on their feet, in class, or on stage while they heal. 

Common Performing Arts Conditions That Benefit from HILT: 

• Tendon irritation (Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff, etc.) 

• Vocal fold inflammation 

• Muscle strains and joint sprains 

• Low back pain and SI joint dysfunction 

• Nerve entrapments (sciatic symptoms, carpal tunnel, etc.) 

• Post-surgical healing 

A Tool That Works With Your Training 

Laser therapy isn’t a replacement for movement-based rehab—it’s a powerful adjunct that helps you heal faster, train smarter, and perform stronger. Think of it as one more tool in your toolkit: a way to support your body behind the scenes so it can shine under the lights. 

While laser therapy is non-invasive and requires no downtime, we don’t recommend using it immediately before a performance. One of the powerful effects of high-intensity laser is that it can temporarily reduce pain and make you feel much better, even if your tissue isn’t fully healed. It’s similar to how you might feel after taking NSAIDs—you feel great, but the underlying issue is still there. 

If you’re not careful, it can be easy to push through something you should still be protecting. That’s why we use laser strategically—as part of a broader plan to support your body, not override its warning signs. 

Curious if laser therapy is right for you? Whether you’re recovering from injury or just looking for faster, more effective recovery between shows, we’re happy to help. Reach out to learn more or book a session at FlySpace.