Cold Laser for Tennis Elbow Adelaide | Elbow Pain

TGA-Listed Device (ARTG 370913)

Cold Laser Therapy for Tennis Elbow in Adelaide

Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer side of the elbow and can make gripping, lifting, and reaching difficult. Cold laser therapy is an evidence-based, non-invasive treatment that may help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and support tissue healing.

Book Your $99 Consultation
See the Evidence

TGA-listed Class 3B laser
Published clinical evidence
$99 initial consultation
Non-invasive & drug-free

Class 3B

TGA-Listed Laser

6–12

Typical Sessions

$99

Initial Consultation

10–20 min

Per Session

Non-Invasive

No Drugs, No Surgery

Lancet

Published Evidence

Understanding Your Condition

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury affecting the tendons on the outer side of the elbow. The extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon, which straightens the wrist and fingers, becomes inflamed or degenerates from repetitive gripping, twisting, or lifting motions.

Contrary to its name, tennis elbow isn’t exclusive to tennis players. It’s common in repetitive occupations (assembly workers, painters, gardeners), activities involving sustained gripping, and can develop from sudden increases in activity intensity or load. Age-related changes also increase susceptibility, particularly in adults over 40.

Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, weakness when gripping or lifting, and discomfort that worsens with activity. The condition can persist for weeks or months if untreated, affecting daily function and quality of life. Rest alone often isn’t sufficient for complete recovery, particularly in chronic cases.

How It Works

How Cold Laser Therapy May Help Tennis Elbow

Cold laser therapy delivers specific light wavelengths directly to the affected tendon at the lateral epicondyle. Photobiomodulation targets multiple mechanisms underlying tennis elbow pain and dysfunction.

Reducing Inflammation and Swelling

Acute inflammation is a hallmark of early tennis elbow. Cold laser therapy may suppress inflammatory cytokines and reduce oedema around the ECRB tendon, alleviating pain and improving mobility.

Stimulating Tendon Repair and Remodelling

Photobiomodulation boosts ATP production in tenocytes, providing cellular energy for collagen synthesis and tissue remodelling. This is particularly important in chronic tennis elbow where the tendon’s self-repair capacity is compromised.

Modulating Pain Perception

Light therapy may influence pain neurotransmitters and reduce nerve sensitisation, providing relief independent of tissue repair. This dual action addresses both acute discomfort and chronic pain patterns.

Improving Local Circulation

Enhanced blood flow to the epicondyle region supports nutrient delivery and metabolic waste removal, optimising the healing environment and preventing chronic stagnation.

Photobiomodulation · 600–1000nm

Research Evidence

The Science Behind Your Treatment

Cold laser therapy for tennis elbow is supported by multiple clinical trials and systematic reviews published in peer-reviewed journals.

Bjordal et al. (2007)

Arthritis & Rheumatism

Meta-analysis of 11 randomised controlled trials found photobiomodulation effective for lateral epicondylitis, with significant pain reduction and improved grip strength, particularly in acute cases.

Tumilty et al. (2010)

British Journal of Sports Medicine

Systematic review concluded that laser therapy shows promise for tennis elbow, with benefits in pain relief and functional improvement, supporting its role as an adjunct to conventional care.

Naterstad et al. (2022)

Frontiers in Medicine

Recent study demonstrated that photobiomodulation combined with exercise improved outcomes in chronic tennis elbow, with sustained pain reduction and return to activity at 12-week follow-up.

Chow et al. (2009)

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Cochrane review confirmed photobiomodulation has a role in managing lateral epicondylitis, supporting continued research and clinical application for tennis elbow.

Note: Research findings reflect study populations and conditions. Individual results may vary.

Your Treatment Journey

What to Expect During Your Visit

Assessment & History

We evaluate your elbow pain, assess grip strength, test range of motion, and review your activity history.

Laser Treatment

The handheld laser probe is applied to the lateral epicondyle. You’ll experience gentle warmth with no pain.

Activity Modification

We may recommend adjustments to your activity level, ergonomics, or technique to support healing.

Progress Tracking

Pain, grip strength, and functional ability are monitored at each session to guide ongoing treatment.

Pricing

Transparent, Affordable Pricing

No hidden fees. On-site direct health fund claiming available.

Initial Consultation

$99

Full assessment + first treatment

Standard Visit

$120

Follow-up cold laser session

SA average: $122 initial / $71 standard. Individual results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will cold laser therapy relieve my tennis elbow pain?

Response varies. Some patients notice improvement within an individualised treatment course, while others require an individualised treatment course for meaningful pain reduction. Acute cases typically respond faster than chronic conditions.

How many sessions do I need for tennis elbow?

Most cases benefit from an individualised treatment course, typically 1–a frequency based on your specific needs initially. Chronic cases may require extended treatment. We’ll outline a personalised plan based on your condition.

Can I continue playing tennis while undergoing treatment?

Initially, we recommend modifying or reducing activity to allow the tendon to heal. As pain decreases and strength improves, you can gradually increase activity. We guide this progression.

Does the laser treatment hurt?

No. Cold laser therapy is painless. Most patients experience only gentle warmth at the treatment site. There’s no discomfort during or after the session.

Is cold laser therapy safe for chronic tennis elbow?

Yes. Photobiomodulation is particularly beneficial for chronic tennis elbow because it targets underlying tendon degeneration that rest alone may not address.

Will cold laser therapy prevent recurrence?

While laser therapy supports tissue repair, preventing recurrence depends on activity modification, proper technique, ergonomic adjustments, and avoiding overuse.

Can I combine cold laser with physiotherapy?

Absolutely. Cold laser therapy complements physiotherapy, stretching, bracing, and other conservative approaches. An integrated treatment plan offers the best outcomes.

Is my health fund likely to cover this?

Many Australian health funds cover laser therapy delivered by registered practitioners. We provide on-site claiming to streamline rebates. Bring your health fund card to check.

What if cortisone injections haven’t helped?

Cold laser therapy offers a different mechanism of action. Even if injections haven’t helped, laser therapy may support healing by stimulating tendon repair at the cellular level.

Ready to Address Your Tennis Elbow?

Book a $99 initial consultation with Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) to find out if cold laser therapy may help manage your tennis elbow.

Book Your Consultation

Stapleton Chiropractic — 528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038

(08) 8297 5277 | wecanhelp@stapletonchiropractic.com.au

Mon–Fri 8am–6:30pm, Sat 8am–12pm

Related Cold Laser Treatments

Explore other conditions we treat with cold laser therapy at Stapleton Chiropractic.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Cold laser for nerve compression and wrist pain relief.

Tendinitis & Tendinopathy

Non-invasive treatment for inflamed and degenerative tendons.

Wound Healing & Tissue Repair

Cold laser therapy to support tissue healing and recovery.

← View All Cold Laser Treatments