Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a common overuse injury involving the tendons on the outside of the elbow, causing pain, weakness, and difficulty with gripping activities. High level laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light energy to support tissue recovery and may help reduce pain in some tendon conditions. Evidence suggests laser therapy may provide benefits for certain patients when combined with appropriate rehabilitation. Health Wise Chiropractic provides personalised assessment and treatment options in Sunbury and Melton.
High level laser therapy may help some people with tennis elbow and elbow pain by supporting the body’s natural healing processes, reducing discomfort, and improving function. Tennis elbow is a common condition affecting the tendons on the outside of the elbow, often causing pain with gripping, lifting, typing, sports, or repetitive arm movements.
The condition most commonly develops when the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outer elbow become overloaded, irritated, or develop changes associated with tendon degeneration. While many cases improve with appropriate management, persistent elbow pain can interfere with work, sport, sleep, and everyday activities.
At Health Wise Chiropractic, high level laser therapy may be considered as part of a broader, individualised approach that may also include exercise rehabilitation, activity modification, manual therapy, and education. Research suggests laser therapy may assist some tendon-related conditions by influencing cellular activity, circulation, and inflammation-related processes; however, outcomes vary between individuals and it is not suitable for every type of elbow pain.
An assessment in our Sunbury or Melton clinics can help determine whether high level laser therapy is appropriate for your specific condition and whether additional care or referral is recommended.
What Is This Condition?
Understanding Tennis Elbow and Elbow Pain
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylalgia or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, it is not limited to tennis players. Many people who develop tennis elbow have never played tennis.
The condition usually involves the tendons that connect the muscles of the forearm to the lateral epicondyle, which is the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. These muscles are responsible for movements such as extending the wrist, gripping objects, typing, using tools, and controlling hand movements.
The main tendon commonly involved is the common extensor tendon, particularly the tendon attachment of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle.
What Happens Inside the Tendon?
Tendons are strong connective tissues that attach muscles to bones. Healthy tendons are designed to tolerate repeated loading; however, when the amount of stress placed on a tendon exceeds its ability to adapt, symptoms can develop.
Tennis elbow is often considered a tendinopathy, meaning changes occur within the tendon structure due to repeated overload.
These changes may include:
Small areas of tendon disorganisation
Reduced ability of the tendon to tolerate load
Changes in collagen structure
Increased sensitivity of local tissues
Altered pain signalling from the nervous system
Although inflammation may occur in the early stages, chronic tennis elbow is often less about ongoing inflammation and more related to changes in tendon health and sensitivity.
Acute vs Chronic Tennis Elbow
Acute Tennis Elbow
Acute elbow pain may occur after:
A sudden increase in exercise
Heavy lifting
Repetitive manual work
A new sporting activity
Unusual use of the arm
Symptoms may appear quickly and are often linked to a specific activity or event.
Chronic Tennis Elbow
Persistent tennis elbow generally refers to symptoms lasting several months.
Chronic cases may involve:
Reduced tendon capacity
Ongoing sensitivity
Weakness of the forearm muscles
Avoidance of certain movements
Reduced tolerance to everyday activities
Long-standing symptoms may require a more structured rehabilitation approach rather than simply resting the elbow.
Common Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity and duration of the condition.
Common signs include:
Pain on the outside of the elbow
Tenderness around the lateral epicondyle
Pain when gripping objects
Difficulty lifting objects such as a kettle or shopping bag
Weak grip strength
Discomfort when shaking hands
Pain when extending the wrist against resistance
Aching after repetitive arm use
Stiffness around the elbow or forearm
Some people experience pain only during activity, while others may notice discomfort at rest or after prolonged use.
How High Level Laser Therapy May Help Tennis Elbow and Elbow Pain
High level laser therapy (HLLT), also known as photobiomodulation therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of concentrated light energy to influence biological processes within the body.
For people experiencing tennis elbow, high level laser therapy may be used as part of a broader treatment plan designed to reduce pain, support tendon recovery, and improve function. It is important to understand that laser therapy is not a “quick fix” or a replacement for appropriate rehabilitation. The best outcomes are generally achieved when treatment is combined with strategies such as progressive strengthening exercises, activity modification, and addressing contributing factors.
The suitability of high level laser therapy depends on the individual, the cause of the elbow pain, the duration of symptoms, and the findings from a clinical assessment.
How High Level Laser Therapy May Help Tennis Elbow and Elbow Pain
High level laser therapy (HLLT), also known as photobiomodulation therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of concentrated light energy to influence biological processes within the body.
For people experiencing tennis elbow, high level laser therapy may be used as part of a broader treatment plan designed to reduce pain, support tendon recovery, and improve function. It is important to understand that laser therapy is not a “quick fix” or a replacement for appropriate rehabilitation. The best outcomes are generally achieved when treatment is combined with strategies such as progressive strengthening exercises, activity modification, and addressing contributing factors.
The suitability of high level laser therapy depends on the individual, the cause of the elbow pain, the duration of symptoms, and the findings from a clinical assessment.
How Does High Level Laser Therapy Work?
High level laser therapy delivers light energy into targeted tissues. Unlike surgical lasers that cut or remove tissue, therapeutic lasers are designed to stimulate biological responses.
The light energy may interact with cells, particularly structures called mitochondria, which are involved in producing cellular energy. This process is thought to influence several mechanisms involved in tissue repair and pain modulation.
Potential biological effects being investigated include:
Supporting cellular energy production
Influencing inflammatory pathways
Improving local circulation
Supporting tissue repair processes
Modulating pain signals
Reducing sensitivity in irritated tissues
For tendon conditions such as tennis elbow, the aim is to create an environment that supports normal tissue adaptation while allowing the tendon to gradually tolerate increased load.
Potential Effects on Tennis Elbow Tendons
Tennis elbow commonly involves changes within the tendon caused by repeated overload. These changes may reduce the tendon’s ability to tolerate everyday activities.
High level laser therapy may assist some patients by:
Supporting Tendon Recovery
Laser therapy may stimulate cellular activity involved in tissue maintenance and repair.
Healthy tendon recovery relies on:
Appropriate loading
Adequate recovery time
Improved tissue capacity
Gradual strengthening
Laser therapy may be one tool that supports this process.
Reducing Pain Sensitivity
Pain associated with tennis elbow is not always directly related to the amount of tendon damage. The nervous system can become more sensitive after prolonged irritation.
High level laser therapy may influence pain pathways by:
Reducing local sensitivity
Supporting normal nerve signalling
Helping decrease discomfort during movement
This may allow patients to participate more comfortably in rehabilitation exercises.
Supporting Blood Flow and Tissue Environment
Tendons generally have a lower blood supply compared with muscles. Some research suggests photobiomodulation may influence circulation and cellular activity within treated tissues.
Improved tissue conditions may support the body’s natural recovery processes.
What Does Treatment Feel Like?
Most patients find laser therapy comfortable.
During treatment you may notice:
Gentle warmth
Mild tingling
No pain
No vibration
No electrical sensation
Protective safety glasses are worn by both the practitioner and patient throughout treatment.
Treatment usually takes between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area and the severity of symptoms.
Most people can return to normal daily activities immediately afterwards.
Who May Benefit From High Level Laser Therapy?
High level laser therapy may be considered for people with:
Tennis elbow diagnosed through clinical assessment
Tendon-related elbow pain
Persistent discomfort affecting daily activities
Pain limiting participation in exercise or work
Symptoms where reducing pain may help rehabilitation progress
It may be particularly useful when combined with:
Progressive strengthening exercises
Manual therapy where appropriate
Education about tendon loading
Workplace or sporting modifications
Who May Not Be Suitable for High Level Laser Therapy?
High level laser therapy may not be appropriate for everyone.
It may not be recommended or may require medical clearance in situations such as:
Suspected fracture
Significant trauma
Unexplained swelling
Infection
Certain medical conditions affecting healing
Areas where treatment may be contraindicated
A healthcare professional should determine whether laser therapy is suitable based on an individual assessment.
Home Care & Exercises
Beginner Exercises for Tennis Elbow Recovery
Exercise is an important part of managing tennis elbow because tendons generally respond well to gradual, progressive loading.
These exercises are general examples only. Your individual program may need to be modified depending on your symptoms, strength, and stage of recovery.
1. Wrist Extensor Stretch
Purpose:
Helps improve flexibility of the forearm muscles involved in wrist extension.
Instructions:
Straighten your affected arm in front of you.
Keep your elbow straight.
Bend your wrist down with your opposite hand.
Gently stretch the top of your forearm.
Hold the position without forcing discomfort.
Repetitions:
Hold for 20–30 seconds
Repeat 2–3 times
Frequency:
Daily
Progression:
Increase the duration gradually as comfort improves.
2. Isometric Wrist Extension Exercise
Purpose:
Helps activate the wrist extensor muscles without excessive tendon movement.
Instructions:
Rest your forearm on a table.
Place your other hand over the back of your affected hand.
Try to lift your wrist upward while resisting with your other hand.
Hold without allowing movement.
Repetitions:
Hold for 5–10 seconds
Repeat 8–10 times
Frequency:
Once daily initially
Progression:
Gradually increase resistance as symptoms improve.
3. Eccentric Wrist Extension Exercise
Purpose:
Helps strengthen tendon capacity through controlled loading.
Instructions:
Hold a light weight such as a small dumbbell.
Support your forearm on a table with your palm facing down.
Use your other hand to lift the wrist upward.
Slowly lower the wrist back down using the affected arm.
Repetitions:
10–15 repetitions
2–3 sets
Frequency:
Three to four times per week
Progression:
Increase weight gradually when symptoms remain stable.
4. Grip Strength Exercise
Purpose:
Improves tolerance for gripping activities.
Instructions:
Hold a soft ball or towel.
Squeeze gently.
Hold for several seconds.
Relax completely between repetitions.
Repetitions:
10–15 squeezes
Frequency:
Daily
Progression:
Increase resistance gradually.
5. Forearm Rotation Exercise
Purpose:
Improves strength and mobility involved in daily arm movements.
Instructions:
Hold a light object such as a small hammer or water bottle.
Keep your elbow close to your body.
Slowly rotate your palm upward and downward.
Move in a controlled manner.
Repetitions:
10 repetitions each direction
Frequency:
Three times per week
Progression:
Increase weight slowly as tolerated.
Prevention Tips
Reducing the Risk of Tennis Elbow Returning
Preventing tennis elbow often involves improving how the elbow and forearm handle repeated loads.
Maintain Good Workstation Setup
For desk-based activities:
Keep your keyboard and mouse positioned comfortably
Avoid excessive wrist extension while typing
Take regular movement breaks
Avoid prolonged gripping of the mouse
Adjust chair and desk height appropriately
Use Good Lifting Technique
When lifting:
Keep loads close to your body
Avoid repeated lifting with the wrist extended
Use both hands when appropriate
Avoid sudden increases in workload
Gradually Increase Exercise Loads
When returning to sport or strength training:
Increase weights gradually
Allow recovery time between sessions
Avoid sudden spikes in training volume
Include forearm strengthening exercises
Improve Posture and Movement Habits
Poor posture does not directly cause tennis elbow in every person, but reduced movement efficiency may contribute to increased strain.
Helpful habits include:
Maintaining good upper body posture
Avoiding prolonged static positions
Moving regularly throughout the day
Prioritise Recovery
Recovery supports tendon health.
Helpful strategies include:
Adequate sleep
Managing stress
Regular exercise
Balanced nutrition
Avoiding repeated aggravating activities without recovery time
Recovery Timeline
How Long Does Tennis Elbow Take to Improve?
Recovery from tennis elbow varies significantly between individuals. The timeline depends on factors such as symptom duration, tendon health, activity demands, and consistency with rehabilitation.
Mild Cases
Mild tennis elbow symptoms may improve within:
Several weeks to a few months
Management may involve:
Activity modification
Exercise
Pain management strategies
Gradual return to normal activities
Moderate Cases
Moderate cases may take:
Several months to improve
These cases often require:
Structured strengthening exercises
Load management
Workplace or sporting adjustments
Consistent rehabilitation
Persistent or Long-Term Cases
Chronic elbow pain may take:
Six months or longer to fully improve
Persistent cases may require a more comprehensive approach addressing:
Tendon capacity
Movement patterns
Work demands
Strength deficits
Other contributing factors
High level laser therapy may form part of management for some patients, but recovery usually depends on a combination of appropriate strategies.
Australian Statistics
Tennis Elbow in Australia
Tennis elbow is a common musculoskeletal condition affecting adults, particularly those involved in repetitive arm activities.
Reliable Australian population estimates suggest:
Tennis elbow affects approximately 1–3% of adults at any given time
It is most common in people aged approximately 35–55 years
Symptoms are frequently associated with occupational activities involving repetitive gripping and wrist movements
Many cases improve with conservative management, although persistent symptoms can last months or longer
Tennis elbow contributes to workplace discomfort, reduced productivity, sporting limitations, and healthcare use across Australia.
Musculoskeletal conditions are among the leading causes of disability and healthcare burden in Australia, highlighting the importance of effective prevention, early management, and evidence-informed rehabilitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can high level laser therapy help tennis elbow?
High level laser therapy may help some people with tennis elbow by reducing pain sensitivity and supporting the body’s natural tissue recovery processes. Research suggests laser therapy may improve pain and function in some cases of lateral elbow tendinopathy; however, results vary between individuals. It is generally considered most effective when combined with appropriate rehabilitation, including progressive strengthening exercises and activity modification.
2. What is high level laser therapy?
High level laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses concentrated light energy at specific wavelengths to stimulate biological responses within the body.
Unlike surgical lasers, therapeutic lasers do not cut tissue. They are designed to influence processes involved in pain regulation, cellular activity, and tissue recovery.
3. Does laser therapy hurt?
Most patients find high level laser therapy comfortable. Some people may feel mild warmth or no sensation at all during treatment.
The treatment does not involve needles, injections, or manual pressure over the painful area.
4. How many laser therapy sessions are needed for tennis elbow?
The number of sessions required varies depending on:
How long symptoms have been present
Severity of the condition
Work and sporting demands
Individual response to treatment
Whether rehabilitation exercises are included
Some people may notice improvement relatively quickly, while persistent tendon problems may require a longer management approach.
5. Is high level laser therapy better than exercises for tennis elbow?
Laser therapy and exercise serve different purposes.
Exercise is considered a key component of tennis elbow rehabilitation because it helps improve tendon strength and load tolerance. Laser therapy may be used as an additional treatment option to assist symptom management and help some patients participate more comfortably in rehabilitation.
Current evidence supports a personalised approach rather than relying on one treatment alone.
6. Can laser therapy fix chronic tennis elbow?
Chronic tennis elbow involves changes in tendon structure and sensitivity that often require gradual rehabilitation.
High level laser therapy may help reduce symptoms for some people, but it does not guarantee that tendon changes will completely resolve. Long-term improvement usually involves restoring strength, improving movement tolerance, and addressing contributing factors.
7. Is tennis elbow caused by inflammation?
Despite the name “lateral epicondylitis”, tennis elbow is now commonly understood as a tendinopathy rather than simply an inflammatory condition.
Chronic cases often involve changes in tendon structure, reduced load tolerance, and altered pain sensitivity rather than ongoing inflammation alone.
8. Can high level laser therapy help other types of elbow pain?
It depends on the cause of the pain.
Laser therapy may be considered for some soft tissue-related conditions, but elbow pain can also come from:
Joint problems
Nerve irritation
Fractures
Referred pain from the neck or shoulder
An assessment is important to determine whether laser therapy is appropriate.
9. When should I see a doctor for elbow pain?
You should seek medical advice if your elbow pain:
Started after a significant injury
Causes major swelling or deformity
Includes numbness or weakness
Is getting worse
Does not improve with appropriate care
Limits normal movement significantly
A GP or specialist may recommend further assessment or investigations when required.
10. Can I combine high level laser therapy with chiropractic care?
Yes. Depending on the individual assessment, high level laser therapy may be combined with other conservative approaches such as:
Exercise rehabilitation
Manual therapy
Movement advice
Workplace recommendations
Lifestyle strategies
The most appropriate combination depends on the cause and severity of your elbow pain.
Why Choose Health Wise Chiropractic?
At Health Wise Chiropractic, patients with tennis elbow and elbow pain receive an individualised approach focused on understanding the cause of symptoms and supporting long-term recovery.
Our practitioners combine clinical assessment with evidence-informed treatment approaches to help patients understand their condition and make informed decisions about their care.
Care may include high level laser therapy where appropriate, along with rehabilitation strategies designed to improve strength, movement, and confidence with everyday activities.
Health Wise Chiropractic focuses on:
Experienced practitioners providing personalised assessments
Evidence-informed treatment recommendations
Individualised rehabilitation programs
Patient education and self-management strategies
A focus on improving function, not just reducing symptoms
Patients from Sunbury, Melton, and surrounding Melbourne’s western suburbs can access assessment and treatment options designed around their specific goals.
Online bookings are available for patients wanting professional advice about whether high level laser therapy may be suitable for their elbow pain.