Lateral epicondylitis, medial epicondylitis, De Quervain’s, and other superficial tendon problems are areas where laser application is anatomically suitable due to the target tissue’s proximity to the skin. In our Bodrum clinic, we consider 980 nm as the primary wavelength and 1470 nm selectively for superficial tissue targets.
In which conditions can it be used?
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Selected wrist extensor/flexor tendon pain
- Load-related superficial tendon tenderness
Scientific data
A 2023 meta-analysis reported a small but statistically significant reduction in resting and activity pain with high-intensity laser therapy in lateral epicondylitis. When 15 randomized trials involving different tendon regions were evaluated together in a 2026 tendinopathy meta-analysis, HILT demonstrated improvements in pain and disability. Because the protocols of the studies are heterogeneous, treatment is not applied in the same manner for every patient.
Is laser sufficient on its own?
The fundamental approach in tendinopathy is load management and progressive exercise. Laser is planned as an adjunct modality that can increase exercise tolerance by reducing pain. Grip load, racquet/sports technique, desk ergonomics, and repetitive wrist movements are also evaluated.
Our approach in our Bodrum clinic
We evaluate the tender tendon segment, provocative tests, and grip strength; we monitor treatment response not only with pain scores, but also through daily use and load tolerance. In cases of suspected neuropathy, cervical radiculopathy, or intra-articular pathology, a differential diagnosis is made prior to laser treatment.
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Detailed guides for elbow, wrist, and hand
- Tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis
- Golfer’s elbow / medial epicondylitis
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Distal biceps and triceps tendon pain
- Hand and finger osteoarthritis
- Thumb CMC osteoarthritis
References
- Clinical Efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy on Lateral Epicondylitis Patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. 2023. PMID: 35512124.
- Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy for tendinopathy: systematic review and meta-analysis. 2026. PMID: 41964853.
