TENNIS ELBOW INFORMATION
Tennis elbow and cold laser therapy in Adelaide
Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is commonly associated with pain around the outside of the elbow during gripping, lifting or repeated wrist use. Research suggests selected photobiomodulation protocols may help some pain outcomes, but methods and results vary. Individual responses vary.
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is a musculoskeletal presentation involving pain around the outer elbow. Gripping, lifting, manual work, racquet sport and desk or mouse use may be relevant. Tennis is only one possible context.
Outer-elbow pain does not confirm a diagnosis. Assessment helps determine whether another elbow structure, the neck, a nerve or a recent injury may need to be considered.
What does the research say?
A systematic review and meta-analysis specific to tennis elbow found that results varied with wavelength, dose and treatment location. It supports a protocol-dependent interpretation, not a claim that every laser approach is equivalent or that an individual result is certain.
A multicentre randomised trial published in 2025 studied photobiomodulation combined with a static magnetic field. It reported a pain difference compared with placebo, but no significant between-group difference in function or grip strength. The combined study protocol is not assumed to match the clinic approach.
Bjordal and colleagues, 2008, systematic review and meta-analysis: PubMed 18510742.de Oliveira and colleagues, 2025, multicentre randomised placebo-controlled trial: PubMed 41047274.The studies summarised here describe research groups and study protocols. They do not predict an individual response. All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability.
Assessment and care options
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) discusses your elbow concern, relevant history, work or sport demands and current care, then completes an assessment appropriate to your presentation.
Depending on the presentation, exercise, load advice, physiotherapy, bracing or medical review may also be relevant. Cold laser is one option that may be discussed and should not delay medical assessment when it is needed.
There are no lock-in plans. The decision is always yours.
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
When to seek medical advice first
Seek medical advice if elbow pain follows a significant injury, is severe or rapidly worsening, or occurs with marked swelling, heat, redness, fever, new numbness, notable weakness or major loss of movement. If you are unsure, contact your GP or another appropriate health professional.
This information is general and does not replace personal medical advice.
Would you like to discuss your elbow concern?
Book a consultation with Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), or return to the current Conditions page for other musculoskeletal information.
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.