Tendon pain can be incredibly stubborn. It can settle down just enough to make you think it is gone, then show up again as soon as you get back to the activity you enjoy.
Why tendon problems can linger
Tendons deal with load. Work, sport, exercise and repetitive movement can all matter, which is why simply resting for a few days is not always the whole answer.
A good plan often involves understanding what is irritating the tendon and how to build its tolerance again. Depending on the situation, laser therapy may be considered alongside that plan.
What does the laser research say?
A 2025 review of 35 controlled trials found that low-level laser therapy produced better short-term pain relief than minimal intervention in chronic tendinopathy after the researchers accounted for study differences. An earlier review of 17 randomized trials also found some benefit, particularly when photobiomodulation was used alongside exercise.
But not every tendon has shown the same results. A review focused specifically on Achilles tendinopathy found the evidence too uncertain to support routine laser use for that condition.
That variation is exactly why we do not sell laser therapy as the answer to every tendon problem.
Laser is a tool, not the whole plan
If you have a tendon problem, we still need to look at what you are doing, what brings the pain on, how long it has been there and what has already been tried.
For some patients, laser may be a useful addition. For others, the bigger priority may be exercise, load management or another treatment approach.
When the same injury keeps coming back
If your elbow hurts every time you pick up a racquet, your Achilles complains whenever you increase your walking or running, or an overuse injury simply will not settle, it may be time to stop guessing and have it assessed.
We can look at what is going on and tell you whether laser therapy is something we would consider.
Sources
- Yap BWD, Lim ECW. Shedding more light on the short-term effect of low-level laser therapy on pain in tendinopathy: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 2025. PMID: 40437920.
- Tripodi N, et al. The effect of low-level red and near-infrared photobiomodulation on pain and function in tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2021. PMID: 34391447.
- Martimbianco ALC, et al. Photobiomodulation with low-level laser therapy for treating Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2020. PMID: 32204620.