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Achilles Tendonitis: Can Cold Laser Therapy Help?

Achilles Tendonitis: Can Cold Laser Therapy Help?

medical illustration showing the side and back view of a foot and ankle highlighting inflammation of the achilles tendon with red shading

Achilles tendonitis is a common overuse injury that affects the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. This condition can cause significant pain and stiffness, especially during walking, running, or climbing stairs. If left untreated, it can progress to more serious issues like tendon degeneration or rupture.

What Is Achilles Tendonitis?

person standing barefoot next to athletic shoes holding their heel in discomfort highlighting how improper or unsupportive footwear can contribute to achilles tendon pain

Achilles tendonitis typically results from repetitive stress or sudden increases in physical activity. It can also be triggered by incorrect footwear, tight calf muscles, or biomechanical issues such as flat feet.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

  • Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon, especially in the morning
  • Swelling or thickening in the tendon area
  • Tenderness that worsens with activity
  • Limited range of motion in the ankle

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to prevent chronic pain or complications like tendinosis or tearing.

Cold Laser Therapy for Achilles Tendonitis

So, what is cold laser therapy? Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. At Cold Laser Perth, we use the MR5 ACTIV PRO LaserStim®—a state-of-the-art device combining laser and electrical stimulation to accelerate recovery.

practitioner applying cold laser therapy with an mr5 active pro laserstimr device to a patients achilles tendon area

The Role of Cold Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy works by delivering light energy into the affected tissues, which may:

  • Increase cellular energy production (ATP)
  • Enhance blood flow and lymphatic drainage
  • Reduce inflammation and swelling
  • Promote tissue repair and collagen synthesis

This can result in pain relief, reduced stiffness, and improved tendon healing.

Evidence supports its use in treating tendinopathies. For example, a systematic review published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that LLLT can reduce pain and improve tendon healing. Another research, low-level laser therapy as an adjunct to eccentric exercise for the treatment of Achilles' tendinopathy concluded that cold laser therapy significantly improved both pain and function in cases of Achilles tendonitis.

More recently, a study regarding how the Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Tendon Healing in Humans stated that low-level laser therapy may enhance the healing process in various tendon injuries, reinforcing its potential role as part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan.

How Chiropractic Care May Help Achilles Tendonitis

Chiropractors assess biomechanical dysfunctions that may contribute to abnormal loading of the Achilles tendon. Chiropractic treatment may involve:

  • Joint mobilization of the ankle and foot to restore normal range of motion
  • Soft tissue therapy to release tension in the calf muscles
  • Postural and gait assessments to identify contributing factors
  • Exercise advice to improve flexibility and strength

Combining both Chiropractic Care and Cold Laser Therapy

Combining chiropractic care with cold laser therapy can offer a comprehensive solution. While chiropractic care focuses on correcting mechanical dysfunctions and reducing strain, cold laser therapy helps stimulate the tendon’s healing process. This integrated approach aims to improve outcomes and reduce recovery time for people suffering from Achilles tendonitis.

If you’re experiencing Achilles tendon pain, feel free to call us at 9300 0095 to book in an initial consultation or simply visit our website at www.coldlaserperth.com.au for more details and information.

📍 Serving the Joondalup & Northern Suburbs of Perth Lakeside Chiropractic is central to the northern suburbs of Perth, located in the City of Joondalup.

If you are in the surrounding suburbs such as Yanchep - 6035, Tapping - 6065, Carramar - 6031, Currambine - 6028, Wanneroo - 6065, Heathridge - 6027, Edgewater - 6027, Gnangara - 6077, Mullaloo - 6027, Padbury - 6025, Kingsley - 6026, Woodvale - 6026, Banksia Grove - 6031, or Duncraig - 6023, our team is here to assist you.

References:
  1. Wang, X., Wang, Y., Tan, Y., Chen, H., & Wu, Y. (2023). Histological, physiological and biomechanical effects of low-level laser therapy on tendon healing in animals and humans: A systematic review. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 52(1), 4–17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-023-03364-1 👉 PubMed ID: 37899380
  2. Tumilty, S., Munn, J., Abbott, J. H., & Baxter, G. D. (2012). Clinical effectiveness of low-level laser therapy as an adjunct to eccentric exercise for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy: A randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 93(5), 733–739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2011.12.017 👉 PubMed ID: 22541305
  3. Bjordal, J. M., Lopes-Martins, R. Á. B., Joensen, J., Couppe, C., Ljunggren, E. A., & Stergioulas, A. (2006). A systematic review with procedural assessments and meta-analysis of low-level laser therapy in lateral elbow tendinopathy (tennis elbow). Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 26(2), 91–97. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2008.2470 👉 Publisher link

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results may vary.

April 07, 2025
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Dr. Kaitlyn (Yun Qi) Lau

I was first introduced to the world of Chiropractic in my teenage years, when I was given the opportunity to observe my cousin who is a chiropractor. During my brief time in observation, I witnessed the wonder of chiropractic and it was truly a miracle to me, seeing how it can change a person’s life. An old lady came in limping with chronic pain, after the treatment, she walked out perfectly fine with a big smile on her face. She held onto my hand to say thank you to me, even though I was just standing there doing nothing. It filled with me with such joy and fulfillment that in that instance, I made up my mind to become a chiropractor, no matter what it took. I graduated from Murdoch University with Distinction honours in 2016. During these 5 years at University, I participated in a 2 week placement in Northern India, called “Hands on India”, helping to raise over $80,000 to assist the communities living in poverty there, in return, I gained a wealth of knowledge and I was humbled by the amazing people there. In my role at Lakeside Chiropractic, I endeavor to provide excellent Chiropractic care and health advice to our community. I keep myself current with the best available research and professional development opportunities. I absolutely love being a Chiropractor and find that one of the most rewarding parts is being able to assist my patients in expressing their optimal health. My special interests are cervicogenic migraine, TMJ and sciatic pain. I especially love helping our moms-to-be achieve their best shape along the journey, this lead me to recently attended seminars for women’s fertility and pregnancy care essentials. Outside of the clinic, I enjoy my routine of going to yoga and pilates 3 times a week, as well as being a couch potato in front of TV with family. Born and raised in Malaysia, I am also fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin.