LASER THERAPY & TENNIS ELBOW PAIN

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition caused by inflammation or degeneration of the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. Despite its name, it affects not only athletes but also manual laborers, desk workers, and anyone performing repetitive forearm movements. Traditional treatments include rest, NSAIDs, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and bracing. However, these approaches often fail to resolve chronic tendon degeneration or restore grip strength. 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 TENNIS ELBOW

Tennis elbow typically presents with pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow, often radiating down the forearm. It may be acute or chronic and is aggravated by gripping, lifting, or wrist extension.

Common forms include:

• Acute Lateral Epicondylitis – Inflammatory tendon pain due to overuse or strain

• Chronic Tendinosis – Degenerative changes in the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon

• Post-Injection or Post-Surgical Pain – Persistent symptoms following corticosteroid injection or surgical debridement

Symptoms may include lateral elbow pain, reduced grip strength, tenderness to palpation, and difficulty lifting or twisting objects.

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 TENNIS ELBOW PAIN

Several clinical studies have explored the efficacy of laser therapy in managing lateral epicondylitis:

• A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation International found that high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) significantly improved pain, grip strength, disability scores, and quality of life in patients with tennis elbow.

• A comprehensive review published on Medscape concluded that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is safe and effective for tennis elbow, with dose-dependent effects on tendon inflammation and repair. LLLT was found to outperform corticosteroid injections in long-term outcomes.

• A randomized double-blind study in the Archives of Rheumatology compared HILT and LLLT in lateral epicondylitis. Both modalities improved pain and grip strength, with HILT showing faster symptom relief.

• A 2023 rapid response in The BMJ emphasized that newer laser technologies and clinical experience have expanded the role of laser therapy in treating lateral elbow tendinopathy, despite earlier skepticism.

KEY BENEFITS OF LASER THERAPY

• Deep tissue penetration to reach inflamed and degenerated tendon fibers at the lateral epicondyle

• Reduces inflammation and swelling by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin levels

• Non-invasive pain relief without the risks of injections, medications, or surgical intervention

• Stimulates collagen synthesis and tendon regeneration through enhanced fibroblast activity

• Improves blood flow and oxygenation to accelerate healing and restore grip strength

• Compatible with rehab protocols including eccentric loading and manual therapy

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 tennis elbow, this advanced device is effective for golfer’s elbow, wrist tendinopathy, and post-surgical elbow 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 grip strength, and return to your active lifestyle.

CONCLUSION

If tennis elbow pain 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 to work, sport, and daily life faster.

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

REFERENCES

• Tang, S.-K., Hon, W.-L., Ip, S.-W., Chung, H.-Y., & Choi, T. C.-M. (2023). Effectiveness of High-Intensity Laser Therapy in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis. Phys Med Rehabil Int, 10(1), 1210. https://austinpublishinggroup.com/physical-medicine/fulltext/pmr-v10-id1210.php
• Bjordal, J. M., et al. (Medscape). Meta-analysis of Low Level Laser Therapy in Tennis Elbow. https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/579379_5
• BMJ Rapid Response. (2023). LASER THERAPY for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). https://www.bmj.com/content/381/bmj-2022-072574/rr
• Keele University. (n.d.). Low Level Laser Therapy for Tennis Elbow. https://www.keele.ac.uk/media/keeleuniversity/group/evidencebasedpractice/catbank/Laser_CAT.pdf
• Kaydok, E., et al. (2020). Short-term Efficacy Comparison of High-intensity and Low-intensity Laser Therapy in Lateral Epicondylitis. Archives of Rheumatology, 35(1). https://www.archivesofrheumatology.org/full-text/1062