Cold Laser Therapy for Tendinopathy in Adelaide
Tendon pain from tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, or plantar fasciitis can be frustratingly persistent. Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive approach that research suggests may help manage tendon-related pain. Initial consultations are $99.
What is cold laser therapy for tendinopathy?
Tendinopathy refers to pain and dysfunction in a tendon, often resulting from overuse, repetitive strain, or age-related changes. Common presentations include tennis elbow (lateral epicondylalgia), Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and patellar tendinopathy. These conditions can be frustratingly slow to resolve, often persisting for months or longer despite rest and other conservative treatments.
Cold laser therapy (photobiomodulation) works at the cellular level to support energy production and recovery in damaged or stressed tissue. A systematic review published in BMJ Open (2022) found significant pain reduction at completed therapy with sustained benefit at 4 to 12 weeks when World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT) recommended doses are used.
How does cold laser therapy work for tendinopathy?
Tendons have a relatively limited blood supply compared to muscles, which is one reason they can be slow to recover. When specific wavelengths of light are applied to a tendon, the energy is absorbed at the cellular level, helping to restore normal mitochondrial function and ATP production. For tendinopathies, the downstream effects may include support for the tendon's repair processes at the cellular level, modulation of the inflammatory response in and around the tendon, effects on local circulation that may support nutrient delivery to the tendon, and effects on pain signalling in the surrounding nerve endings.
Who may benefit from cold laser therapy?
Cold laser therapy for tendinopathy may be worth considering if you have been managing tendon pain for weeks or months without adequate improvement, if you have tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, or another tendon condition, if you prefer to avoid cortisone injections or surgery, if you are looking for a drug-free approach to pain management, or if you want to continue your sport or activity while managing the condition. Your suitability will be assessed during your initial consultation.
What does the research say?
Tendinopathy is among the conditions with meaningful research support for cold laser therapy.
Individual responses vary. These findings represent population-level research outcomes.
What happens at a cold laser therapy consultation?
Your initial consultation ($99) at Adelaide Cold Laser includes a musculoskeletal assessment to determine whether cold laser therapy may be suitable for your tendinopathy presentation.
1. We listen to your story. We will discuss your symptoms, how long they have been present, what makes them better or worse, and what you have tried so far.
2. Assessment. A focused physical assessment relevant to your condition, including range of motion and functional testing where appropriate.
3. Suitability discussion. Based on the assessment, we will discuss whether cold laser therapy may be appropriate for your situation and what you might realistically expect. No pressure, no commitments.
4. Treatment may begin. Where clinically appropriate, cold laser treatment may begin at your first visit. A typical session takes 15 to 30 minutes. The treatment is painless and non-invasive.
*Subject to clinical assessment and individual presentation. The decision about how to proceed is always yours.
How do cold laser therapy fees compare?
Cold laser therapy consultation fees in Australia typically range from $150 to $250 for an initial appointment. At Adelaide Cold Laser, your initial consultation is $99, which includes a full musculoskeletal assessment and, where appropriate, treatment may begin on the same visit.
No lock-in plans. No pressure. The decision is always yours.
Our technology: why it matters
We use the Multi Radiance Super Pulsed Cold Laser, a TGA-listed Class IIa medical device (ARTG #370913) cleared by the FDA.
For tendinopathies, the ability to deliver adequate energy to the tendon is critical. Many tendons (particularly the Achilles and patellar tendons) are relatively superficial, but others (like the supraspinatus in the shoulder) sit beneath layers of muscle. Super pulsed delivery at 905nm ensures adequate penetration regardless of depth, and the ability to reach WALT-recommended doses is directly linked to better outcomes in the research.
Frequently asked questions
Research suggests cold laser therapy may help manage tennis elbow (lateral epicondylalgia). A BMJ Open systematic review found significant pain reduction with sustained benefit at 4 to 12 weeks when appropriate doses are used. Individual responses vary.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the tendon conditions for which cold laser therapy has been studied. The therapy works at the cellular level to support energy production and recovery in the plantar fascia. Your suitability will be assessed during your initial consultation.
The number of sessions varies depending on the specific tendon affected, the severity, and how long the condition has been present. Your clinician will discuss a recommended approach during your initial consultation. There are no lock-in plans.
No. Cold laser therapy is non-invasive and painless. Unlike surgical or cosmetic lasers, it does not generate heat or damage tissue. Most people feel nothing during treatment, though some report a mild warmth.
This depends on your specific condition and will be discussed during your consultation. In many cases, cold laser therapy can be used alongside a modified activity programme. Your clinician will provide guidance based on your individual presentation.
No referral is needed. You can book directly online or call us on (08) 8297 5277. Your initial consultation is $99 and includes a musculoskeletal assessment.
The chiropractic connection
Cold laser therapy works as a standalone treatment for tendinopathy. For those who want to understand the bigger picture, here is how the musculoskeletal system connects.
Some patients with tendinopathy find that biomechanical factors beyond the tendon itself may be contributing to their condition. For example, elbow tendinopathy can be influenced by cervical spine and shoulder function, while Achilles and plantar fascia issues can be affected by ankle, knee, and pelvic mechanics. For those interested in understanding whether structural factors may be relevant to their presentation, a chiropractic assessment can help explore these connections.
At Stapleton Chiropractic (same location, 528 Marion Road), Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) provides evidence-based musculoskeletal assessment and care.
Learn more about chiropractic care for musculoskeletal conditions →Clinical references
- Stausholm MB, et al. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on pain and function in tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2022.
- Bjordal JM, et al. A systematic review with procedural assessments and meta-analysis of low level laser therapy in lateral elbow tendinopathy. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2008;9:75.
- Son KM, et al. Efficacy of photobiomodulation: an umbrella review. Systematic Reviews. 2025;14:65.
- World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT). Recommended treatment doses for tendinopathies. WALT guidelines
Reviewed by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), Stapleton Chiropractic Adelaide. Last reviewed: March 2026.
Ready to explore your options?
Book a consultation to discuss whether cold laser therapy may be suitable for your tendinopathy. No referral needed. The decision is always yours.
Book Your Consultation Or call (08) 8297 5277 | Email info@adelaidecoldlaser.com.au