Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often means dealing with more than just the kidney condition itself. One of the most frustrating and debilitating symptoms patients report is persistent fatigue—a deep exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest.
This fatigue can significantly impact quality of life, making daily tasks harder and reducing overall wellbeing. While medical management of CKD is essential, many patients are searching for supportive therapies to improve their energy levels and resilience. One option being explored in clinical research is cold laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM).
Why Fatigue Is So Common in CKD
CKD-related fatigue stems from several factors:
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Anaemia and reduced oxygen transport – less oxygen reaches tissues, leaving patients feeling drained.
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Inflammation and oxidative stress – both are common in CKD and contribute to muscle weakness and reduced stamina.
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Mitochondrial dysfunction – the “powerhouses” of cells can become less efficient, lowering energy production.
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Uraemic toxins – waste products that accumulate in CKD can directly impair cellular metabolism.
Together, these issues create a cycle of exhaustion that’s hard to break with conventional approaches alone.
How Cold Laser Therapy May Help
Cold laser therapy delivers low-intensity light at specific wavelengths into body tissues. Unlike surgical or high-heat lasers, this form of therapy is gentle, non-invasive, and designed to stimulate natural healing processes at the cellular level.
For CKD patients, the potential benefits include:
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Enhanced mitochondrial energy production (ATP synthesis) – helping cells generate the energy needed to reduce fatigue.
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Reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress – key contributors to CKD progression and symptom burden.
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Improved microcirculation – supporting better oxygen delivery to fatigued muscles.
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Support for muscle resilience – potentially improving physical capacity and endurance.
Evidence from Clinical Research
A 2020 review published in Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery highlighted the role of PBM in reducing inflammation and restoring cellular energy metabolism across several chronic conditions, including kidney disease.
The study found that PBM could:
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Decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha).
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Increase antioxidant activity.
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Enhance mitochondrial performance in tissues under oxidative stress.
While more CKD-specific trials are needed, this evidence provides a strong rationale for exploring PBM as an adjunct therapy for fatigue and systemic inflammation in kidney disease patients.
Patient-Centred Benefits
From a practical perspective, CKD patients struggling with fatigue might experience:
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More energy for daily activities such as walking, cooking, or light exercise.
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Better quality of sleep through reduced inflammation and discomfort.
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Less dependence on stimulants or temporary fixes that don’t address the root causes.
Because cold laser therapy is drug-free and non-invasive, it can be integrated into a broader care plan without adding to the medication burden many CKD patients already face.
Addressing Concerns About Safety
Understandably, many people living with CKD are cautious about trying new therapies. Cold laser therapy is not a replacement for medical management of kidney disease, but rather a supportive therapy.
The Pulse Laser Relief device is designed to deliver therapeutic wavelengths safely, making it accessible for home use under guidance. You can learn more about it here.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Fatigue Management in CKD
As research expands, photobiomodulation may become a recognised tool for addressing CKD-related fatigue—helping patients reclaim energy, reduce inflammation, and improve daily life. By supporting mitochondrial health and calming chronic inflammation, cold laser therapy could play a role in bridging the gap between medical treatment and quality-of-life care.
References:
Schardong J, Falster M, Sisto IR, Barbosa APO, Normann TC, de Souza KS, Jaroceski G, Bozzetto CB, Baroni BM, Plentz RDM. Photobiomodulation therapy increases functional capacity of patients with chronic kidney failure: randomized controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2021 Feb;36(1):119-129. doi: 10.1007/s10103-020-03020-3. Epub 2020 Apr 24. PMID: 32333337.
