Movement Medicine

Laser Therapy for Athletes

Laser Therapy, also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation (PBM), is an evidence-backed modality used to reduce pain, control inflammation, and support tissue healing. For baseball players and overhead athletes, it’s a versatile tool for both acute injuries and chronic overuse conditions.

When used correctly — with the right dose and target area — laser therapy can complement hands-on treatment, exercise, and recovery protocols to speed up return to play.

Prevalence
Laser therapy is now widely integrated in sports rehab, physical therapy, and high-performance recovery clinics. Research supports its use for tendonitis, muscle strains, ligament sprains, nerve irritation, and joint pain.


How Does Laser Therapy Work

Laser therapy uses specific light wavelengths to penetrate tissues and:

  • Increase cellular energy (ATP) production
  • Enhance blood flow and oxygen delivery
  • Reduce inflammatory chemicals
  • Modulate pain pathways (endorphins & nerve sensitivity)
  • Stimulate collagen production for soft tissue repair

This photobiomodulation effect helps injured tissues heal faster with less pain and swelling.


When Should Athletes Use Laser Therapy

  • Acute soft tissue injuries (strains, sprains, bruises)
  • Tendinopathies (medial/lateral epicondylitis, rotator cuff)
  • Joint pain (shoulder, elbow, knee)
  • Nerve irritation (e.g., pronator syndrome, PIN, AIN, carpal tunnel)
  • Post-surgical healing (incision sites, tendon repair)

It’s most effective when paired with rehab exercises, load management, and good tissue care.


Typical Treatment Protocol

  • Session time: 5–15 minutes per area
  • Frequency: 2–4x per week for acute phases → taper to 1–2x/week
  • Dose: 4–12 J/cm² for superficial tissues; 8–20+ J/cm² for deeper structures 


Example diagnosis which laser therapy can be beneficial:

  • Muscle Strain or Contusion (bruise) → 2-3x/week, for 2-3 weeks
  • Shoulder and Elbow Tendonitis → 2-3x/week, for 3-5 weeks 
  • Knee/Patellar Tendonitis → 2-3x/week, for 3-5 weeks 
  • Ligament Sprain (UCL, MCL, Ankle) → 2-4x/week, for 2-4 weeks 
  • Nerve entrapment → 2-3x/week, for 4+ weeks 
  • Bone Bruise/Stress Reaction → 3-5x/week , for 2-3 weeks 
  • General Pain → 2-3x/week, as needed 

Your Clinician will adjust power output, time, and area based on tissue depth and tolerance.

What Does It Feel Like?

Our Class IV laser devices produce a gentle warmth or mild tingling. Sessions are painless, non-invasive, and take less than 20 minutes. No downtime! athletes can usually train immediately after.

Supportive Research/Evidence 

  • Doses matter: Correct energy density is key — too low is ineffective, too high can inhibit healing.
  • Multiple studies show significant pain reduction in tendinopathies vs placebo.
  • Meta-analyses show improved tendon and muscle recovery when LLLT is combined with exercise. (Bjordal et al.)
  • Nerve regeneration: LLLT has positive results for mild peripheral nerve injuries and post-op healing.


For Best Results 

  • Use laser with a skilled clinician who knows sports dosing.
  • Combine with progressive rehab, strength work, and workload management.
  • Consistent/Regular Treatment — 1–3x/week is better than once every few weeks.
  • Monitor pain and function improvements, not just symptom relief.

Summary 

Laser therapy is a powerful, evidence-supported tool to help reduce pain, control inflammation, and support tissue repair. For athletes, it can bridge the gap between hands-on care and loading work — keeping them on the field and pain free.

Used correctly, laser is not a “magic fix”. It is a high tech complement to a complete rehab and recovery plan.


Laser therapy is a powerful adjunct tool, not a standalone fix. When delivered at the correct wavelength and dose, it can help athletes recover faster, control pain, and maintain competitive readiness while protecting tissue integrity.

References

  1. Bjordal JM, et al. (2006). Low level laser therapy for tendinopathy: evidence of a dose-response pattern. Photomed Laser Surg, 24(2): 161–166.
  2. Tumilty S, et al. (2010). Low level laser treatment of tendinopathy: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Photomed Laser Surg, 28(1): 3–16.
  3. WALT Guidelines. Recommended treatment doses for LLLT. World Association for Laser Therapy.
  4. Enwemeka CS, et al. (2004). The efficacy of low-power lasers in tissue repair and pain control. Photomed Laser Surg, 22(4): 323–329.
  5. Zati A, Valent A. (2006). Laser therapy in sports medicine: basic principles and clinical applications. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.