Cold Laser for Tennis Elbow Adelaide | Elbow Pain

Cold Laser Therapy for Tennis Elbow in Adelaide

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

Book Your $99 Consultation
See the Evidence

Published clinical evidence
$99 initial consultation
Non-invasive & drug-free

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

$99
Initial Consultation
10–20 min
Per Session
Non-Invasive
No Drugs, No Surgery
Research
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 may 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 may persist for weeks or months, affecting daily function and quality of life.

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

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 may target multiple mechanisms underlying tennis elbow pain and dysfunction.

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

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.

Stimulating Tendon Repair and Remodelling

Photobiomodulation may boost ATP production in tenocytes, which may provide 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.

Improving Local Circulation

Improved blood flow to the epicondyle region may support nutrient delivery and metabolic waste removal.

Photobiomodulation · 600–1000nm
Research Evidence

The Science Behind Your Treatment

Cold laser therapy for tennis elbow has been studied in clinical trials and systematic reviews published in peer-reviewed journals.

Bjordal et al. (2008)
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Meta-analysis of 13 randomised controlled trials suggested low-level laser therapy at optimal doses may help reduce pain in lateral elbow tendinopathy.
Tumilty et al. (2010)
Photomedicine and Laser Surgery
Systematic review of tendinopathy trials reported that laser therapy may help when recommended doses are used.

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

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment 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 may feel gentle warmth at the treatment site.

Activity Modification

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

Progress Tracking

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

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

Pricing

Transparent, Affordable Pricing

No hidden fees. Cold laser sessions are private-pay.

Initial Consultation
$99
Full assessment + first treatment
Standard Visit
$99
Follow-up cold laser session

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

How quickly will cold laser therapy relieve my tennis elbow pain?
Individual responses vary, and progress is reviewed at each visit.
How many sessions do I need for tennis elbow?
Your treatment course is individualised. 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 settle. If symptoms settle, activity may be gradually increased. We guide this progression.
Does the laser treatment hurt?
Cold laser therapy is non-invasive, and most people find it comfortable. You may feel gentle warmth at the treatment site.
Is cold laser therapy safe for chronic tennis elbow?
Cold laser therapy is non-invasive and generally well-tolerated. Some patients may experience mild temporary skin redness or tingling. Suitability is assessed at your consultation.
Will cold laser therapy prevent recurrence?
While laser therapy may support tissue repair, preventing recurrence depends on activity modification, proper technique, ergonomic adjustments, and avoiding overuse.
Can I combine cold laser with physiotherapy?
Yes. Cold laser therapy may be used alongside physiotherapy, stretching, bracing, and other conservative approaches.
Is my health fund likely to cover this?
Cold laser therapy is a private fee service and is not currently claimable through private health insurance.
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 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 to Fri 7am to 7pm, Sat 8am to 12pm

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

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© 2026 Stapleton Chiropractic. All rights reserved. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.