For people working in trades, warehouses, farming, or other physically demanding roles, repetitive movement is part of the job — but it can take a toll on the body. Tendon overuse in the wrists, elbows, or shoulders can lead to pain, swelling, and reduced strength, making everyday tasks more difficult. Cold Laser Therapy, also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), offers a non-invasive option to help reduce discomfort, promote healing, and keep workers moving.
Why Tendon Overuse Happens
In manual labour, tasks like lifting, gripping, hammering, and pulling can place repetitive strain on tendons — the strong, fibrous tissues that attach muscle to bone. Over time, small microtears can develop, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Common conditions in workers include:
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Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
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Rotator cuff tendinopathy
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De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (thumb/wrist tendon pain)
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Bicipital tendonitis (front shoulder pain)
Without proper management, these conditions can worsen and interfere with both work performance and quality of life.
How LLLT Helps with Tendon Recovery
LLLT delivers specific wavelengths of light that penetrate soft tissue without heat or damage. Research published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery (Bjordal et al., 2008) shows that LLLT can:
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Reduce inflammation – Light energy triggers a reduction in pro-inflammatory chemicals, helping calm irritation in overworked tendons.
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Stimulate tissue repair – LLLT enhances cellular energy production (ATP), supporting faster repair of microtears in tendon fibres.
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Improve blood flow – Better circulation brings oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissue and carries away waste products.
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Decrease pain – By modulating nerve activity, LLLT can reduce pain signals from the affected area.
Real Experience
Many workers find LLLT helps them stay active while avoiding downtime. As Ann A, a customer since 2022, shared:
“I’m 73 and have owned my Handy Pulse Laser since 2022. I work on my farm property alone, and I find the laser incredibly helpful for treating myself without having to travel into town. It keeps me doing what I love — looking after my stock animals. I’ve found the laser extremely useful for a range of conditions, from earaches and neck pain to upper arm tendonitis and bursitis in my shoulder. If I address the early signs of an ache or pain after working on the farm, I experience great relief with the laser which helps prevent the pain from becoming chronic, and I don’t have to take painkillers. The only time I find it doesn’t work is when I don’t follow the treatment guidelines or I stop using it!”
Using LLLT in Trades and Warehouse Settings
The Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy device is portable and simple to use, making it ideal for workers to apply at home after shifts or during rest periods. For tendon overuse, treatments are typically targeted directly at the sore or inflamed area, following the instructions in the user guide.
Many workers apply the laser at the first signs of soreness to help reduce inflammation early, potentially preventing a minor strain from becoming a chronic problem.
Safety and Best Practices
While LLLT is generally safe, users should:
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Follow the device’s recommended treatment times and settings.
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Avoid shining the light into the eyes.
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Seek professional assessment if pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by significant swelling.
Key Takeaway
Cold Laser Therapy can be a valuable tool for manual labourers looking to manage tendon overuse injuries without relying on medication or invasive procedures. By reducing inflammation, boosting healing, and easing pain, it can help keep workers strong, mobile, and able to do what they love.
References:
Bjordal JM, Lopes-Martins RA, Joensen J, Couppe C, Ljunggren AE, Stergioulas A, Johnson MI. A systematic review with procedural assessments and meta-analysis of low level laser therapy in lateral elbow tendinopathy (tennis elbow). BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2008 May 29;9:75. doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-9-75. PMID: 18510742; PMCID: PMC2442599.
