Laser therapy in shoulder pain can be used as a noninvasive option that supports exercise and rehabilitation once the target tissue is identified through examination, especially in soft tissue-originating conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy and subacromial pain.
For which types of shoulder pain can it be considered?
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Subacromial pain syndrome
- Myofascial pain around the shoulder
- Selected cases where loading becomes difficult due to pain during exercise
Why is 980 nm prominent?
For tendon and muscle structures around the shoulder, 980 nm is a stronger starting option in terms of clinical use and the HILT literature. Due to its more superficial and thermal character, 1470 nm is evaluated only selectively when the depth of the target tissue and anatomical safety are appropriate.
Scientific data
A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis reported that high-intensity laser therapy can show positive effects on pain and function in the subacromial impingement/pain spectrum. A 2026 tendinopathy meta-analysis also identified improvements in pain and disability with HILT, demonstrating that functional gains can be prominent in the shoulder-related subgroup. It should be kept in mind that results may vary depending on protocol and study quality.
Our approach in our Bodrum clinic
In shoulder pain, we do not perform procedures based solely on imaging reports. We evaluate painful arc, strength, scapular control, the possibility of cervical-origin pain, and tendon load tolerance. In appropriate patients, we combine laser application with rotator cuff and scapular muscle exercises.
When is an evaluation other than laser required?
If there is significant loss of strength following trauma, suspicion of dislocation, signs of an acute full-thickness tendon tear, infection, or serious neurological signs, the priority is diagnostic evaluation.
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Detailed guides for shoulder pain
- Frozen shoulder / shoulder stiffness
- Subacromial pain / shoulder impingement
- Rotator cuff and supraspinatus tendinopathy
- Biceps long head tendon pain
- AC joint pain
References
- Effects of high-intensity laser therapy on subacromial impingement syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis. 2024. PMID: 39317844.
- Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy for tendinopathy: systematic review and meta-analysis. 2026. PMID: 41964853.
