Tennis elbow (also called lateral epicondylitis) is a painful condition. It emanates from the point where the forearm muscles attach their tendons to the bony protrusion on the outside of the elbow (called the lateral epicondyle). In most cases, this is due to inflammation of the tendons that end at this point.
If you have this condition, you may feel the pain radiate on the outer side of your elbow and it may extend to your wrist and the entire forearm. The pain may get worse if you straighten and bend your wrist or the forearm repetitively. Practitioners use X-rays during diagnosis to eliminate other conditions such as arthritis and an MRI or MSK Ultrasound scan can help identify tendon problems although these procedures are not always necessary.
Low-Level Laser Therapy
One of the methods we use to treat tennis elbow at our clinic is low-level laser therapy. This is also called cold laser therapy as the low light levels do not heat the tissue.
How Does the Therapy Work?
During the treatment procedure, we use a 635 nm wavelength of the low-level laser light at varying frequencies which your body tissue absorbs. This red light causes a healing process in the area which will involve the damaged cells responding with a physiological reaction that promotes cell regeneration.
In most cases, you need wavelengths of between 600 and 700 nanometres to treat superficial tissue. Even if the laser light-emitting device touches the skin, the procedure is both non-invasive and painless. This therapy only takes a few minutes.
Benefits of the Procedure
- Being non-invasive and non-surgical, it does not put the patient out of action for some time after the procedure. You’ll be able to head back to work straightaway!
- It does not have any adverse effects on the part of the body being treated
- It helps reduce the reliance on drugs that might have other side effects
- It lowers pain and promotes natural healing of the damaged tendon
- It is cheaper than more invasive treatment methods such as surgery
- Patients of all ages can take this procedure without increasing any risk for other conditions.
This type of therapy is considered safe however it should be performed by a qualified practitioner to ensure it is being applied correctly with the optimal parameters.
If you are suffering with tennis elbow, give us a call today on 01962 861188 and see how low level laser therapy can help you.
