TFCC Injury Treatment Using LLLT/PBMT
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), uses red and near-infrared light applied over targeted areas. In our clinic it is used as part of a GP-led treatment approach for selected musculoskeletal pain and injury presentations, including TFCC injury and ulnar-sided wrist pain presentations.
PBMT/LLLT is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. Suitability and response vary, and treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis, severity, duration of symptoms and individual clinical factors. PBMT/LLLT has been studied for a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions. See our references page for supporting literature.
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Key Points
- TFCC injuries affect the small finger, or ulnar, side of the wrist and are often caused by trauma, repetitive strain, or age-related degeneration.
- Common symptoms include ulnar-sided wrist pain, clicking or catching, reduced grip strength, and pain with twisting or weight-bearing.
- TFCC injuries can significantly impact daily hand function and quality of life, particularly when symptoms persist.
- Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), or Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is considered for selected TFCC presentations where pain, local inflammatory processes or soft tissue irritation are contributing to symptoms.
- LLLT may be particularly relevant in TFCC injuries where mechanical stress needs to be avoided during early recovery or symptom flare-ups.
- Some commonly used approaches, such as splints, medication, injections, repeated loading, exercises or manual therapy, may not be suitable for every stage of recovery. We provide advice based on the diagnosis, symptom severity and clinical assessment.
- Treatment is GP-led by Dr Shikha Parmar and delivered in a medically supervised setting as part of a structured six-week program.
- PBMT/LLLT has been studied in a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions and is generally well tolerated. Individual responses vary, and outcomes depend on the condition being treated and the stage of recovery.
- LLLT can be considered for people with chronic or unresolved TFCC pain who have not improved with usual conservative care, after appropriate medical assessment.
What is TFCC?
The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) is a group of ligaments, cartilage, and connective tissue located on the small finger side of the wrist, stabilising the wrist and supporting load transmission between the forearm and hand. The TFCC acts as a shock absorber and stabiliser during gripping, twisting, and weight-bearing activities.
TFCC injuries can result from trauma, repetitive stress, or degenerative changes and are a common cause of ulnar or little finger sided wrist pain. The injury may involve tearing or degeneration of the cartilage or supporting ligaments and can affect daily hand function significantly if symptoms persist.
Causes of TFCC Injury
TFCC injuries are commonly caused by:
- Fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH injury)
- Forceful twisting motions, such as using tools or opening jars
- Repetitive wrist movements in sports such as tennis, gymnastics, martial arts or golf
- Weight-bearing through the wrist, such as during push-ups or lifting
- Degenerative changes, often related to ageing or repetitive strain
- Ulnar variance, where the ulna is longer than the radius, predisposing the TFCC to impingement and injury
These injuries may be acute, from a single incident, or chronic, from repetitive strain, and often occur in combination with other wrist pathologies.
Symptoms of TFCC
Typical symptoms of TFCC injury include:
- Pain on the ulnar, or little finger, side of the wrist
- Clicking, catching, or grinding sensations during wrist movement
- Weakness or discomfort when gripping or rotating the forearm, such as turning a doorknob or screwdriver
- Swelling or tenderness over the TFCC region
- Instability or a feeling of giving way in the wrist
- Pain that worsens with weight-bearing or twisting activities
Symptoms may vary in severity depending on the extent and chronicity of the injury.
How Is TFCC Injury Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical assessment, including a history of symptoms and aggravating activities, followed by a physical examination. Specific stress tests may be used to provoke symptoms and assess joint stability.
Ultrasound can be useful in diagnosing TFCC injury, but more advanced imaging such as MRI is often required to visualise the TFCC structure in detail and confirm the presence, type, and extent of injury. X-rays may be used to assess joint alignment and ulnar variance.
TFCC Injury – Treatment Overview
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is a non-invasive treatment approach used as part of a structured program for selected TFCC injury presentations. It may help modulate pain and local inflammatory processes and support soft tissue recovery without adding mechanical stress to the injured wrist structures.
Why Consider Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?
Many patients present after limited relief from splinting, physiotherapy, exercises, manual therapy, or anti-inflammatory medication. These approaches may temporarily reduce symptoms, but are not suitable or effective for everyone, especially if loading, twisting or exercise aggravates wrist pain or joint instability.
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 and may support:
- Helping modulate inflammation and oxidative stress
- Local circulation and oxygenation
- Lymphatic drainage
- Cellular energy production (ATP)
- Soft tissue recovery processes where irritation is present
- Assisting pain reduction without mechanical loading or stressing the injured wrist
Non-Invasive and Supported by Research
PBMT/LLLT is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. It has been studied in a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions. Individual responses vary, and outcomes depend on the condition being treated and the stage of recovery. Read more here.
See how LLLT may support the cellular environment involved in tissue recovery 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
- Early progress review after the first 6 treatments
- Individualised advice and activity modification
- Guided rehabilitation to support longer-term function
Progress is reviewed during the program. Many patients notice appreciable improvement after the first 6 treatments. If there has not been sufficient improvement by this review point, further treatment may not be recommended.
View the full treatment protocol and expected outcomes here.
Ready to Discuss Your TFCC Injury Treatment Options?
If you are struggling with persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain or have been diagnosed with a TFCC injury, we invite you to contact our team at Laser Pain Therapy to discuss the suitability of LLLT for your presentation. Treatment suitability and outcomes vary, and assessment is required before recommendations can be made.
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