LASER THERAPY & ACHILLES TENDONITIS

Achilles tendonitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon—the thick band of tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It’s common among runners, athletes, and active individuals, but can also affect sedentary adults due to poor biomechanics or age-related tendon changes. Traditional treatments include rest, NSAIDs, physical therapy, and eccentric loading exercises. However, these approaches often fail to resolve chronic inflammation or stimulate tendon repair. At Healios Laser Therapy, we offer a Class IV laser device that penetrates deep into tendon tissue, reduces inflammation, and accelerates healing—all without the need for injections or surgery.

UNDERSTANDING ACHILLES TENDONITIS

Achilles tendonitis typically presents with pain, stiffness, and swelling at the back of the heel. It may be acute (inflammatory) or chronic (degenerative), and is often aggravated by walking, running, or climbing stairs.

Common forms include:

• Insertional Achilles Tendonitis – Inflammation where the tendon attaches to the heel bone

• Midportion Achilles Tendonitis – Pain and swelling 2–6 cm above the insertion point

• Achilles Tendinosis – Chronic degeneration without inflammation, often due to repeated microtrauma

• Post-Surgical Tendon Pain – Persistent symptoms following Achilles tendon repair or rupture

Symptoms may include posterior heel pain, morning stiffness, tenderness to touch, and difficulty with push-off during walking or running.

HOW OUR LASER THERAPY DEVICE WORKS

Our FDA-cleared Class IV laser device delivers super-pulsed infrared light deep into tendon tissues, penetrating up to 7 inches without overheating or damaging the skin. This multi-wavelength system stimulates cellular activity and accelerates the body’s natural healing process.

The laser increases mitochondrial activity, boosting adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production—the energy source for cells—which enhances collagen synthesis, reduces inflammation, and improves blood flow to the affected tendon (Hamblin, 2017). This process relieves pain and promotes tendon regeneration.

CLINICAL EVIDENCE FOR ACHILLES TENDONITIS

Several clinical studies have explored the efficacy of laser therapy in managing Achilles tendon pain and dysfunction:

• Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Activated Tendonitis: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) significantly reduced peritendinous prostaglandin E2 levels and increased pressure pain thresholds in patients with activated Achilles tendonitis.

• LLLT Combined with Eccentric Exercise: A pilot study from the University of Otago randomized patients with Achilles tendinopathy to receive either active LLLT or placebo alongside a 12-week eccentric exercise program. The laser group showed greater improvements in pain and VISA-A scores at 4 and 12 weeks.

• Therapeutic Laser Review for Tendinopathy: A review in Practical Pain Management concluded that therapeutic laser is effective in treating Achilles tendonitis when proper dosages are used, especially in combination with conventional rehab strategies.

• High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT): A systematic review in Orthopedics & Rheumatology Open Access Journal emphasized the dose-response nature of HILT and its potential for treating Achilles and patellar tendinopathies, though more RCTs are needed.

These studies suggest that laser therapy—especially when combined with eccentric loading—can reduce inflammation, improve tendon structure, and accelerate recovery in Achilles tendonitis.

KEY BENEFITS OF LASER THERAPY

• Deep Tissue Penetration to Target Tendon Fibers The laser reaches deep into the Achilles tendon, ensuring that inflamed and degenerated fibers are treated—not just surface-level symptoms.
• Reduces Inflammation and Tendon Swelling Laser therapy reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and peritendinous prostaglandin levels, calming the tendon and promoting faster recovery (Bjordal et al., 2006).
• Non-Invasive Pain Relief for Tendon Injuries Unlike injections or surgical interventions, laser therapy is a non-invasive and painless treatment that provides immediate relief without downtime.
• Promotes Collagen Synthesis and Tendon Regeneration The laser stimulates fibroblast activity and collagen production, helping rebuild the tendon and restore tensile strength.
• Improves Blood Flow and Oxygenation in the Tendon Enhanced circulation increases the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the tendon while flushing out waste products, reducing stiffness and restoring mobility (Hamblin, 2017).

WHY OUR LASER THERAPY DEVICE IS UNIQUE

Unlike traditional low-level lasers that only treat superficial tissues, our Class IV device penetrates deep into tendon structures for comprehensive healing. Its super-pulsed technology ensures powerful results without discomfort. Sessions are fast and efficient, typically lasting just a few minutes, with many patients experiencing noticeable improvement after the first session.

In addition to treating Achilles tendonitis, this advanced device is effective for plantar fasciitis, calf strains, and post-surgical tendon pain.

THE HEALIOS LASER THERAPY EXPERIENCE

At Healios Laser Therapy, we create personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s specific tendon injury and recovery goals. Our Class IV laser device is combined with expert care to deliver optimal results.

70% of our clients experience significant improvement after just one session, with most patients achieving lasting relief within 1 to 4 sessions. Our goal is to help you reduce pain, restore mobility, and return to your active lifestyle.

CONCLUSION

If Achilles tendonitis is limiting your movement and delaying your recovery, Healios Laser Therapy offers a safe, non-invasive, and highly effective solution. Our Class IV laser device reduces inflammation, promotes tendon repair, and accelerates healing—helping you get back on your feet faster.

Take the first step toward recovery and visit Healios Laser Therapy today.

REFERENCES

• Bjordal, J. M., Lopes-Martins, R. Á. B., Iversen, V. V. (2006). A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of low-level laser therapy for activated Achilles tendinitis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 40(1), 76–80. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/40/1/76
• Kneebone, W. J. (2010). The treatment of Achilles tendonitis using therapeutic laser. Practical Pain Management, 10(5). https://www.medcentral.com/pain/chronic/treatment-achilles-tendonitis-using-therapeutic-laser
• Stasinopoulos, D. (2021). The effectiveness of high intensity laser therapy (HILT) in the treatment of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy: A systematic review. Orthopedics & Rheumatology Open Access Journal, 18(1). https://juniperpublishers.com/oroaj/OROAJ.MS.ID.555980.php
• Tumilty, S., Munn, J., Abbott, J. H., McDonough, S., Hurley, D. A., Baxter, G. D. (2008). Laser therapy in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy: A pilot study. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. https://www.lasertherapyu.org/research/laser%20therapy%20in%20the%20treatment%20of%20achilles%20tendinopathy-pilot%20study
• Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337–361.