Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) Treatment Using LLLT/PBMT
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMt) is the application of red and near infrared light over injuries to stimulate cellular repair. LLLT is highly effective, completely safe treatment in Melbourne, Victoria. It is painless, and has no effect on normal tissues. LLLT treats the underlying cause of the injury unlike pain medication which just masks the pain. It is a treatment modality supported by research from reputable institutions including Harvard University and NASA. LLLT is an evidence-based therapy for soft tissue injuries, such as tennis elbow.
Gentle. Drug-Free. Clinically Proven
Key Points
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a common overuse injury affecting the tendons on the outside of the elbow – typically due to repetitive gripping or wrist extension.
- Often triggered by sports such as tennis or manual work (carpentry, painting), but can also occur from desk work or daily repetitive activities.
- Symptoms include pain on the outer elbow, weakness when lifting or twisting, and difficulty with common actions such as pouring a kettle or turning a doorknob.
- The condition involves microtears and tendon degeneration rather than inflammation alone – which is why many conventional anti-inflammatory treatments may fall short.
- Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), or Photobiomodulation Therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that reduces inflammation, boosts circulation, and stimulates tendon repair at the cellular level.
- LLLT is especially effective where pain limits rehab or where other treatments (such as cortisone or PRP injections) have been ineffective or poorly tolerated.
- Treatment is provided under the medical supervision of Dr Shikha Parmar, GP with a special interest in musculoskeletal medicine, as part of a structured 6-week program.
- Backed by over 700 randomised controlled trials and 7,000+ scientific studies, LLLT is clinically validated to relieve pain and restore function.
- Ideal for patients with persistent or recurrent tennis elbow not responding to rest, medication, or physiotherapy.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is the common name for lateral epicondylitis – a painful condition caused by overuse or strain of the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the outer elbow.
Despite its name, it affects not just athletes but also people whose jobs or hobbies involve repetitive gripping or twisting. The condition is driven by microtears in the tendon, which lead to degeneration and pain.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
Common causes include:
- Repetitive wrist extension or gripping (e.g. using tools, lifting, typing)
- Sports such as tennis, squash, or weightlifting
- Manual labour – carpentry, painting, gardening
- Poor ergonomics at workstations
- Underlying age-related tendon changes
Tennis elbow may develop gradually or follow a specific overuse event.
Symptoms
- Pain on the outer elbow, especially during gripping or lifting
- Weak grip strength
- Tenderness over the lateral epicondyle
- Pain with resisted wrist or finger extension
- Discomfort when turning door handles, pouring, or shaking hands
How is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on:
- History of overuse or repetitive strain
- Localised tenderness at the lateral epicondyle
- Pain with resistance tests (e.g. Cozen’s test)
Ultrasound can help visualise tendon thickening or tears if needed. MRI is rarely required unless symptoms are persistent or atypical.
Tennis Elbow – Treatment Overview
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is a gentle, evidence-based treatment that targets the underlying cause of tennis elbow: tendon micro-tears and persistent inflammation at the lateral elbow. It promotes healing without mechanical stress to already irritated tendon tissue.
Why Choose Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?
Many patients present after limited relief from rest, physiotherapy, bracing, massage, exercises, injections, or anti-inflammatory medication. These approaches may ease symptoms temporarily but often fail to address deeper tendon injury and may aggravate symptoms if strengthening is introduced too early.
Why ice, anti-inflammatories, cortisone, and PRP may not support long-term recovery. Read more here.
How LLLT Supports Healing
LLLT uses red and near-infrared light to restore balance to the inflammatory process and stimulate tendon and soft tissue repair by:
- Improving circulation and oxygenation
- Enhancing lymphatic drainage
- Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
- Increasing cellular energy (ATP)
- Supporting collagen production and tissue regeneration
All without loading or stressing the elbow.
Proven, Safe, and Effective
It is non-invasive, painless, and supported by extensive clinical research. Read more here.
See how LLLT helps restore the cellular environment needed for repair here.
Our Treatment Program
All patients are assessed by Dr Shikha Parmar (GP). Treatment is delivered within a structured six-week program, including:
- Up to 12 LLLT sessions
- Review after 6 sessions
- Individualised advice and activity modification
- Guided rehabilitation for durable recovery
Patients who respond typically show 15–20% improvement within the first 6 sessions, with best-case improvement of 70–90% over the full program.
View the full treatment protocol and expected outcomes here.
Ready for Lasting Relief?
If you are struggling with persistent pain from soft tissue injury such as tennis elbow, we invite you to contact our experienced team at Laser Pain Therapy. Our LLLT treatment offers a safe, effective, and lasting solution to restore your comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
Contact us today to arrange your consultation and take the first step towards recovery.
📍 Located in Melbourne
📞 (03) 8529 2225 Contact Us
