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Cold Laser Therapy for Tendonitis and Bursitis: Natural Relief for Inflammation and Pain

Tendonitis and bursitis are two of the most common causes of joint pain and inflammation, especially in the shoulders, hips, elbows, and knees. Whether caused by repetitive movement, overuse, or trauma, both conditions can significantly impact your ability to move comfortably and live an active lifestyle.

At Cold Laser Perth, we offer Cold Laser Therapy, also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), to help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and support tissue healing—without medication or surgery.

What Are Tendonitis and Bursitis?

Tendonitis

diagram showing rotator cuff tendonitis with inflamed tendons and surrounding shoulder anatomy

Tendonitis refers to the inflammation of a tendon—the connective tissue that links muscles to bones. It can result from overuse, sports injuries, or biomechanical imbalances. Common types include:

  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Rotator cuff tendonitis (shoulder)
  • Tennis or golfer’s elbow
  • Patellar tendonitis (knee)
Symptoms:
  • Pain during movement
  • Swelling or warmth near the joint
  • Reduced strength or function

Bursitis

medical illustration of shoulder bursitis showing inflamed bursa and surrounding muscle and joint structures

Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions joints and prevents friction. It often affects areas like the:

  • Shoulder (subacromial bursitis)
  • Hip (trochanteric bursitis)
  • Elbow
  • Knee (pes anserine or suprapatellar bursitis)
Symptoms:
  • Sharp or aching pain near the joint
  • Localised tenderness
  • Difficulty moving the joint due to pain

How Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) May Help

Cold Laser Therapy uses low-intensity light to stimulate cell function and reduce inflammation. It penetrates beneath the skin to enhance circulation, support tissue repair, and reduce pain at the source.

cold laser therapy being applied to a patients shoulder for tendonitis and bursitis treatment at cold laser perth

Key Benefits of LLLT for Tendonitis and Bursitis:

  • Reduces inflammation and swelling in tendons and bursae
  • Relieves pain naturally, without medication
  • Promotes tissue regeneration and healing
  • Improves range of motion and function
  • May reduce reliance on injections or anti-inflammatory drugs

What the Research Says

Shoulder Tendinopathy

A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Physiotherapy Research International evaluated the effectiveness of LLLT for shoulder tendinopathy. The analysis included 17 randomized controlled trials and concluded that optimal LLLT can offer clinically significant pain relief and promote a more rapid improvement, both as a standalone treatment and in combination with physiotherapy interventions.

Lower Extremity Tendinopathy and Plantar Fasciitis

A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMJ Open examined the efficacy of LLLT in patients with lower extremity tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis. The study found that LLLT significantly reduces pain and disability in the short and medium term, suggesting it as a beneficial treatment option for these conditions.

Shoulder Bursitis (Subacromial Bursitis & Impingement Syndrome)

A 2015 systematic review published in Physiotherapy Research International found that LLLT, when used at proper dosage, resulted in significant pain reduction and faster improvement in shoulder function compared to placebo. It concluded that cold laser therapy is effective both alone and in combination with exercise programs for shoulder tendinopathies and bursitis (Page et al., 2015).

Another 2021 randomized trial showed that combining LLLT with shoulder exercises significantly reduced pain and improved function in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome compared to either treatment alone (Shamsi et al., 2021).

What to Expect During Treatment

  • • Each session takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on the area treated
  • • Most patients report improvement after 3–6 sessions, though chronic cases may require more
  • • It is non-invasive, painless, and requires no recovery time

Is Cold Laser Therapy Right for You?

If you're suffering from persistent joint pain, reduced mobility, or inflammation due to tendonitis or bursitis, Cold Laser Therapy may be a safe and natural alternative to medications or surgery.

📍 Visit Cold Laser Perth in Joondalup—serving Perth’s northern suburbs with advanced, non-invasive pain solutions.

📞 Call us on 9300 0095 or book online here to schedule your consultation.

References
  1. Page, M. J., O’Connor, D. A., Pitt, V. (2015). Physiotherapy interventions for shoulder pain. Physiotherapy Research International, 20(4), 237–249. PubMed
  2. Shamsi, M. B., Farokhzadi, M., et al. (2021). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy combined with exercise in subacromial impingement. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 34(4), 591–597. PubMed
  3. Haslerud, S., Magnussen, L. H., Joensen, J., Lopes-Martins, R. Á. B., & Bjordal, J. M. (2015). The efficacy of low-level laser therapy for shoulder tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Physiotherapy Research International, 20(2), 108–125. PubMed
  4. Naterstad, I. F., Joensen, J., Bjordal, J. M., & Couppé, C. (2022). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in patients with lower extremity tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open, 12(9), e059479. PubMed
Disclaimer

This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your condition.