Tennis & Golfer's Elbow

Red and NIR Light Therapy Last updated: July 2025

Red and NIR light therapy (often called photobiomodulation) uses specific wavelengths of light—typically red (around 630–660 nm) and near-infrared (around 800–850 nm)—to stimulate biological processes in the body. These wavelengths can penetrate the skin and underlying tissues, where they interact with cells and trigger a range of beneficial effects.

1. Boosts Cellular Energy (ATP Production) Light therapy stimulates mitochondria—the “powerhouses” of your cells—helping them produce more ATP, the energy needed for repair and regeneration. More ATP = faster recovery and reduced inflammation. 2. Improves Circulation Red and NIR light can help widen blood vessels and enhance microcirculation. Better circulation means: • More oxygen to tissues • Better nutrient delivery • Faster removal of metabolic waste This alone can significantly reduce pain and stiffness. 3. Reduces Inflammation Light therapy has been shown to down-regulate inflammatory markers. Less inflammation = less swelling, less irritation, and quicker healing. 4. Supports Collagen & Tissue Repair Red light helps stimulate collagen production, which supports tendons, ligaments, fascia, and skin. 5. Relieves Pain Naturally Red/NIR light can modulate nerve activity and increase endorphin release, offering a natural analgesic effect without medication.

1. Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow): The most common cause of elbow pain. Pain on the outer side of the elbow. Caused by overuse of forearm extensor muscles. 2. Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow): Pain on the inner side of the elbow. Caused by repetitive wrist flexion or gripping. 3. Elbow Bursitis (Olecranon Bursitis): Swelling and pain at the tip of the elbow. Often caused by repetitive leaning on the elbow or trauma. 4. Elbow Arthritis: Can be osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Causes stiffness, grinding, swelling, and aching pain. 5. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the ulnar nerve (the “funny bone nerve”). Causes numbness, tingling in ring/pinky fingers, and inner elbow pain. 6. Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the radial nerve. Pain on the outer elbow that may mimic tennis elbow. 7. Tendonitis / Tendinopathy: Overuse injury of elbow tendons (biceps tendonitis, triceps tendonitis). Causes pain with bending or extending the elbow. 8. Elbow Sprains and Strains: Ligament or muscle injury from sudden movement or trauma. 9. Fractures: Radial head fracture, olecranon fracture. Severe pain, swelling, inability to move the elbow. 10. Dislocation: Very painful; usually after a fall or accident. 11. UCL Injury (Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear): Common in throwing athletes. Inner elbow pain and instability. 12. Osteochondritis Dissecans: Cartilage injury; common in young athletes. Causes catching, locking, or deep elbow pain. 13. Gout or Pseudogout: Crystal buildup in the elbow joint. Sudden severe pain, redness, warmth, swelling. 14. Infection (Septic Bursitis or Septic Arthritis): Elbow becomes hot, red, swollen, very painful. Requires urgent medical attention. 15. Referred Pain: Pain coming from the neck or shoulder problems. Radiating pain down into the elbow. 16. Overuse Syndromes: Repetitive strain injuries from work, sports, lifting.

• Reduce inflammation and swelling • Improve circulation & cellular repair (ATP production) • Reduce pain signals • Speed up tendon, muscle, and nerve recovery • Improve joint mobility

• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Can RLT heal it? It can significantly help healing, because this is a tendon overuse injury and RLT improves tendon repair. • Benefits: Reduces inflammation in the extensor tendons, speeds tendon cell regeneration, reduces pain in 1–3 weeks, improves grip strength. • Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Yes, it can support healing by reducing inflammation and improving tendon collagen repair. • Benefits: Faster tendon regeneration, decreased pain during gripping or lifting. • Elbow Bursitis: Reduces swelling around the bursa, helps chronic bursitis inflammation, decreases fluid buildup over time. • Elbow Arthritis (Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid): It can reduce symptoms and slow progression. • Benefits: Less joint inflammation, improved lubrication & flexibility, reduces stiffness and pain, improves mobility. • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Nerve Compression): It can reduce inflammation around the nerve, which may relieve symptoms. • Benefits: Reduces tingling & numbness, calms irritated nerve tissue, improves blood flow to the nerve. • Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Reduces nerve inflammation, eases burning/pulsing outer elbow pain. • Tendonitis / Tendinopathy: Yes — one of the strongest supported uses. • Benefits: Speeds tendon cell repair, stimulates collagen production, increases circulation in damaged tendon. • Sprains & Strains: Accelerates natural healing. • Benefits: Reduces swelling, speeds muscle and ligament recovery, decreases pain. • Fractures: It helps bone healing go faster in the later stages by boosting circulation and reducing inflammation. • Elbow Dislocation: Reduces swelling, helps ligaments recover faster, reduces stiffness. • UCL Tears (Thrower’s Elbow): Less inflammation, better collagen repair, reduced pain. • Osteochondritis Dissecans: May support recovery but does not cure cartilage defects. • Benefits: Reduces pain, helps surrounding tissue heal better, reduces inflammation around the joint. • Gout / Pseudogout: No — cannot remove crystals. But RLT helps: Reduce severe inflammation, decrease pain, improve function during flare recovery. • Infection (Septic Bursitis/Arthritis): Can reduce inflammation after the infection is treated medically. • Referred Pain from Neck/Shoulder: Relaxes tight muscles, reduces nerve irritation. • Overuse Strain Syndromes: Yes — because these are inflammation-based. • Benefits: Speeds soft tissue healing, reduces chronic irritation, improves muscle recovery.