Tendon and ligament injuries are some of the most frustrating setbacks in sport. Whether it’s a sore Achilles that won’t settle, a painful patellar tendon after jumping sports, or a stubborn rotator cuff injury, these tissues are slow to heal — and easy to re-injure.
That’s why many athletes, physios, and sports medicine teams are now using laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), to support faster, stronger recovery in high-impact sports.
This article explains how laser therapy works, what the research shows, and why it’s becoming a trusted tool for tendon and ligament healing.
Why Tendons & Ligaments Heal So Slowly
Unlike muscles, tendons and ligaments:
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Have limited blood supply
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Repair themselves gradually
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Are exposed to repeated loading in sport
In high-impact activities such as running, football, basketball, netball, and CrossFit, these tissues are constantly stressed. Even small micro-tears can turn into chronic injuries if healing doesn’t keep pace with training demands.
Many athletes feel stuck in a cycle of:
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Rest → temporary improvement → flare-up on return to sport
Laser therapy aims to break that cycle by supporting healing at a cellular level.
What Is Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation)?
Laser therapy uses specific red and near-infrared wavelengths of light to stimulate biological processes inside cells — particularly in the mitochondria, which produce energy needed for tissue repair.
Unlike heat or massage, low-level laser therapy (LLLT):
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Penetrates deep into soft tissue
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Does not cause tissue damage
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Works without pain or downtime
This makes it well suited for tendons and ligaments, where deep, targeted support is needed.
How Laser Therapy Supports Tendon & Ligament Healing
1. Encourages Collagen Remodelling
Healthy tendons and ligaments rely on well-organised collagen fibres. Research shows that photobiomodulation can:
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Stimulate fibroblast activity
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Support collagen synthesis
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Improve fibre alignment during healing
This helps repaired tissue become stronger and more resilient, not just less painful.
A PubMed-indexed study highlights how low-level laser therapy influences collagen organisation and tendon healing processes.
2. Reduces Inflammation Without Delaying Repair
Inflammation is part of healing — but when it lingers, recovery stalls.
Laser therapy helps:
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Modulate inflammatory signals
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Improve micro-circulation
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Reduce swelling around injured tissue
Importantly, it does this without suppressing healing, unlike some anti-inflammatory medications.
3. Speeds Up Functional Recovery
By improving cellular energy production (ATP), PBM helps injured tissue:
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Repair more efficiently
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Tolerate progressive loading sooner
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Adapt better during rehabilitation
This supports a smoother, more confident return to training and sport.
Common High-Impact Injuries That May Benefit
Laser therapy is commonly used to support recovery from:
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Achilles tendinopathy
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Patellar tendon pain (jumper’s knee)
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Rotator cuff strains and tendinopathy
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Hamstring and groin tendon injuries
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Ligament sprains under heavy load
It is often used alongside exercise-based rehab, physiotherapy, and load management.
An Athlete’s Perspective
Many athletes feel sceptical at first.
They’ve felt let down by treatments that reduce pain but don’t improve strength or durability.
What they often find is that laser therapy supports the quality of healing, not just symptom relief — helping tendons feel more robust as training progresses.
It becomes a support tool, not a shortcut.
Using Laser Therapy in Rehabilitation & Training
Laser therapy can be applied:
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In early-stage injury recovery
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During rehabilitation loading phases
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As part of maintenance in high-load sports
Sessions are quick, non-invasive, and easily integrated into sports medicine routines.
Clinical-Grade Laser Therapy Beyond the Clinic
Advances in technology mean athletes can now access pulsed low-level laser therapy devices designed to deliver therapeutic wavelengths used in research settings.
The Pulse Low-Level Laser Therapy is one example used to support:
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Tendon recovery
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Ligament stress management
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Ongoing tissue resilience
Always consult a qualified health professional when managing sports injuries.
Is Laser Therapy Safe?
When used correctly:
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Laser therapy is non-thermal
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Has a strong safety profile
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Can be used repeatedly over time
This makes it suitable for both acute and chronic tendon issues.
The Bottom Line
Tendon and ligament injuries don’t just test the body — they test patience.
Laser therapy offers a science-backed, athlete-friendly approach that supports collagen remodelling, reduces excessive inflammation, and helps injured tissues recover more effectively under load.
For athletes in high-impact sports, photobiomodulation is becoming a valuable part of modern injury management and long-term performance care.
References:
Evangelista AN, Dos Santos FF, de Oliveira Martins LP, Gaiad TP, Machado ASD, Rocha-Vieira E, Costa KB, Santos AP, Oliveira MX. Photobiomodulation therapy on expression of HSP70 protein and tissue repair in experimental acute Achilles tendinitis. Lasers Med Sci. 2021 Aug;36(6):1201-1208. doi: 10.1007/s10103-020-03155-3. Epub 2020 Oct 10. PMID: 33037560.
