Athletes at every level are prone to injuries due to the repetitive, high-impact nature of sports. Whether it’s a weekend warrior or a professional competitor, recovery is crucial to restoring performance and preventing re-injury. One treatment that has garnered attention for its efficacy in sports rehabilitation is low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation. This non-invasive treatment has been shown to help accelerate tissue repair, modulate inflammation, and reduce pain.
Below, we explore several common sports injuries and how LLLT plays a pivotal role in optimizing recovery.
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
Patellar tendinopathy, also known as jumper’s knee, affects the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. It is particularly common in sports that involve frequent jumping, such as volleyball, basketball, and track and field.
Common Causes:
- Repetitive jumping or landing
- Tight hamstrings or quadriceps
- Poor biomechanics
How Low-Level Laser Therapy Helps Jumper’s Knee
LLLT has been shown to improve pain and function in chronic patellar tendinopathy, especially when combined with exercise therapy. In a randomized controlled study, researchers treated athletes with chronic jumper’s knee using eccentric exercise (decline squats) with or without added laser therapy. The results were clear: the group receiving low-level laser therapy plus exercise had greater improvements in knee pain and functional scores than either exercise alone or laser alone. By relieving pain and accelerating tendon healing, LLLT helps athletes with patellar tendinopathy regain explosive knee function (for jumping and sprinting) with less discomfort and fewer setbacks.
Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments stabilizing the joint are overstretched or torn, often due to a sudden twist or impact. This injury is especially common in sports involving jumping, rapid pivots, or uneven surfaces—such as basketball, soccer, and trail running.
Common Causes:
- Landing awkwardly from a jump
- Quick changes in direction
- Stepping on an uneven surface
How Low-Level Laser Therapy Helps Ankle Sprains
Acute ankle sprains often lead to pain and swelling. LLLT can help accelerate the reduction of swelling and inflammation in these injuries. For example, a placebo-controlled trial on soccer players with grade II ankle sprains found that adding LLLT to standard RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, elevation) significantly reduced edema (swelling) at 24, 48, and 72 hours compared to RICE alone. The LLLT group had measurably less ankle swelling and faster improvement. By controlling inflammation early, LLLT may pave the way for quicker pain relief and return of function after an ankle sprain.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a repetitive strain injury that causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. While named for its association with tennis, it also affects athletes in racquet sports, weightlifting, and other activities involving repetitive forearm motion.
Common Causes:
- Overuse of the forearm muscles
- Repetitive gripping or lifting
- Improper equipment or technique
How Low-Level Laser Therapy Helps Tennis Elbow
LLLT has shown positive results in relieving pain and improving function in lateral epicondylitis. A 2010 systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed multiple trials and concluded that laser therapy applied to the tender points significantly reduces pain and improves grip strength and range of motion in tennis elbow. In fact, patients who received LLLT in these studies reported better pain relief (with a substantial effect size) both immediately after treatment and at follow-up, compared to placebo. The authors suggest that targeting myofascial trigger points with LLLT helps modulate local inflammation and enhances tissue repair, leading to functional improvements.
Hamstring Strains
Hamstring strains involve partial or complete tears of the muscles at the back of the thigh, typically triggered by sprinting, sudden acceleration, or high-force leg movements. These injuries are frequent in soccer, football, and track athletes.
Common Causes:
- Inadequate warm-up
- Muscle fatigue
- Imbalances between hamstrings and quadriceps
How Low-Level Laser Therapy Helps Hamstring Sprains
Low-level laser therapy for hamstring injuries may aid recovery by enhancing microcirculation and stimulating muscle fiber regeneration. Emerging evidence indicates that LLLT may aid muscle healing and supports cellular repair mechanisms, potentially shortening downtime. Laboratory and clinical research has shown that LLLT can energize muscle cells and activate satellite cells (muscle stem cells), which in turn speeds up muscle fiber regeneration. While one recent clinical trial found no significant difference in return-to-sport time with LLLT versus placebo for acute hamstring strains, the underlying bio-mechanisms are promising.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often resulting from overuse or repetitive loading. It commonly affects the knees, ankles, elbows, and shoulders in athletes engaged in high-impact or endurance sports.
Common Causes:
- Repetitive jumping or running
- Improper training technique
- Poor footwear or alignment
- Muscle imbalances
How Low-Level Laser Therapy Helps Tendonitis
Whether in the Achilles, knee, or other tendons, a key to recovery is restoring healthy collagen fibers. LLLT has demonstrated benefits in accelerating tendon healing and collagen repair. In fact, a 2022 scientific review of tendon healing mechanisms reported that LLLT beneficially influences all phases of tendon repair. During the inflammatory phase it increases growth factors (like VEGF) and blood flow, and in the proliferative phase LLLT “increases the amount of collagen type III by promoting the proliferation of fibroblasts,” thereby laying down new tendon fibers. LLLT treatments can help reduce tendon thickening, alleviate pain, and improve tendon tensile strength as it heals.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries involve strain, inflammation, or tearing of the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Common among swimmers, baseball pitchers, and lifters, these injuries can lead to persistent pain and reduced range of motion.
Common Causes:
- Repetitive overhead activity
- Sudden forceful movement
- Muscle imbalances or poor mechanics
How Low-Level Laser Therapy Helps Rotator Cuff Injuries
Combining LLLT with rehabilitation exercise appears to improve outcomes in rotator cuff tendinopathy. A double-blind randomized trial focused on subacromial impingement syndrome – a common rotator cuff overuse injury – and found that patients who received a course of LLLT alongside therapeutic exercises had greater pain relief and better shoulder function than those doing exercise alone. For athletes or active individuals with rotator cuff issues, adding laser therapy to the standard rehab program could translate into a faster restoration of shoulder strength and a quicker return to pain-free throwing, swimming, or lifting.
Shin Splints
Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, present as aching or sharp pain along the inner edge of the tibia. This condition often affects runners, dancers, and athletes who abruptly increase training intensity or duration.
Common Causes:
- Excessive impact or overtraining
- Inadequate footwear
- Flat feet or gait abnormalities
How Low-Level Laser Therapy Helps Shin Splints
Though research on LLLT for shin splints is relatively limited, early findings indicate it may help reduce pain and speed recovery. One study on lower-leg stress injuries (including severe shin splints and stress fractures of the tibia) reported that LLLT treatment led to faster resolution of pain and a quicker return to painless running compared to placebo. In that trial, those with a tibial stress injury who received laser therapy were able to resume full weight-bearing activities sooner, with fewer recurrences of pain, than those managed with rest alone. By reducing inflammation at the tibia and enhancing tissue repair, LLLT might shorten the downtime needed for recovery.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that causes inflammation and microtears in the plantar fascia, the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot. It leads to heel pain, especially with the first steps after waking.
Common Causes
- Prolonged running or walking
- Poor arch support
- Tight calf muscles
- High-impact activities
How Low-Level Laser Therapy Helps Plantar Fadciitis
Studies show that LLLT can significantly relieve pain and improve foot function in plantar fasciitis. A 2018 randomized controlled trial, for instance, found that patients who received laser therapy in addition to standard stretching and orthotics had better outcomes than those with standard care alone. In the same vein, a 2022 meta-analysis pooled data from several trials and concluded that LLLT significantly reduces pain and disability in plantar fasciitis in the short to medium term. When combined with stretches, proper footwear, and strengthening exercises, laser therapy can help athletes get back on their feet with markedly less pain.
Additional Athlete Recovery Tips
While LLLT offers supportive benefits, full recovery from a sports injury involves a multifaceted approach. Consider integrating the following evidence-based strategies into your routine:
- Rest and Load Management: Allow sufficient time for tissue healing and avoid rushing back into activity. Gradually reintroduce load to avoid setbacks.
- Physical Therapy: Work with a licensed physical therapist to rebuild strength, mobility, and biomechanics.
- Nutrition and Hydration: Prioritize anti-inflammatory foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and lean protein. Proper hydration supports cellular function and recovery.
- Sleep Optimization: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night. Deep sleep is essential for muscle regeneration and hormone balance.
- Compression and Elevation: These techniques can assist with swelling and circulation, especially in the acute phases of injury.
- Cross-Training: Engage in alternative forms of exercise (e.g., swimming, cycling) to maintain fitness without stressing the injured area.
Improving Sports Injury Recovery with LLLT
Common sports injuries can be disruptive, but modern recovery tools like low-level laser therapy offer promising support when used alongside traditional strategies. By promoting tissue healing, reducing inflammation, and aiding in pain management, LLLT may help athletes recover more efficiently and safely return to peak performance.
As always, consult a licensed healthcare provider before beginning any new recovery modality. When paired with professional guidance, thoughtful training, and smart recovery choices, LLLT can become a valuable part of the athlete recovery toolkit.
