Cold Laser Therapy for Epicondylitis (Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow) in Perth

Cold Laser Therapy for Epicondylitis (Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow) in Perth

Epicondylitis refers to tendon injuries that affect the elbow, most commonly due to repetitive strain or overuse. It typically presents in two forms:

• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow): Affects the outer part of the elbow and is often caused by repetitive wrist extension or gripping.
• Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow): Affects the inner elbow and is linked to repetitive wrist flexion or forearm rotation.

Despite the names, these conditions aren't limited to athletes. They're common in tradies, desk workers, gym-goers, and even parents lifting young children. Prolonged computer use, manual work, and poor lifting mechanics can all contribute to strain on the tendons that attach at the elbow, leading to microtears, inflammation, and chronic pain.

People with epicondylitis often experience ongoing pain that worsens with activity, stiffness in the elbow or forearm, and reduced grip strength. If not managed early, it can lead to long-term discomfort and limited arm function.

At Cold Laser Perth, we use cold laser therapy as part of an evidence-informed approach to help reduce inflammation, support tissue repair, and improve elbow function. Whether your symptoms are new or have been lingering for months, laser therapy may be a helpful part of your recovery plan.

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain over the outer (lateral) or inner (medial) elbow
• Discomfort when gripping, lifting, or using tools
• Tenderness at the elbow joint
• Weak grip strength or forearm fatigue

How Cold Laser Therapy May Help

Cold laser therapy (LLLT) stimulates cellular activity by delivering low-intensity light into damaged tissues. For epicondylitis, it may:

• Promote collagen production and tendon healing
• Reduce inflammatory markers like IL-6 and prostaglandin E2
• Improve circulation and ATP production at the injury site
• Reduce nerve sensitivity and pain perception

Supporting Research

• Stergioulas (2007) found combining LLLT with eccentric exercises led to greater improvements in lateral epicondylitis than either therapy alone.
• Bjordal et al. (2008) reported that LLLT significantly reduced pain and improved grip strength in tennis elbow when proper dosage and wavelength were applied.

Chiropractic Care for Elbow Tendon Pain

In addition to laser therapy, chiropractors at Lakeside Chiropractic often use a range of techniques to support elbow tendon recovery:

• Joint mobilisation to improve elbow, wrist, and shoulder biomechanics
• Soft tissue therapy to release tight forearm and upper limb muscles
• Dry needling or cupping to reduce local muscle tension
• Corrective exercises focusing on tendon loading and progressive strengthening
• Postural and ergonomic advice to reduce strain during work, exercise, or daily tasks

This multimodal care approach is designed to restore normal joint mechanics, reduce overload on the tendons, and improve functional recovery. If your elbow pain is related to poor posture or upper limb dysfunction, addressing the whole kinetic chain is essential for long-term relief.

To learn more about our chiropractic services in Joondalup, visit Lakeside Chiropractic.

Book an Appointment

If you're dealing elbow pain that just won’t ease up, book in for an assessment to find out if epicondylitis is behind it. Cold laser therapy may be a helpful part of your recovery.

📍 Find us in Joondalup

📅 Book online at coldlaserperth.com.au

While outcomes can vary, many patients find this multi-modal approach helps improve over time. If you are having any elbow pain, feel free to contact Cold Laser Perth at Lakeside Chiropractic at 9300 0095 to see how we may be able to help or visit our website at www.coldlaserperth.com.au for more 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. Bjordal, J. M., Lopes-Martins, R. Á. B., Joensen, J., Couppe, C., Ljunggren, A. E., Stergioulas, A., & Johnson, M. I. (2008). A systematic review with procedural assessments and meta-analysis of low-level laser therapy in lateral elbow tendinopathy (tennis elbow). BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 9, 75.
2. Stergioulas, A. (2007). Effects of low-level laser and plyometric exercises in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 25(3), 205–213.