High intensity laser therapy in the treatment of tendinopathy: a brief narrative review and update of current literature

INTRODUCTIONː Tendinopathy is a pathology characterized by an inflammatory and a degenerative component; therefore, conservative treatment will need to manage both components. Among these therapies, laser therapy is indicated. In the last ten years, there has been an emerging interest in applying high intensity laser therapy in the management of this clinical picture. EVIDENCE ACQUISITIONː The clinical studies published so far in the application of high intensity laser therapy in different pathological models of tendinopathy, from shoulder impingement syndrome, to epicondylitis, from plantar fasciitis to Achilles tendinopathy, have so far highlighted the therapeutic efficacy of this methodical. The possibility emerges of modulating the choice of wavelengths, in order to modulate the treatment in relation to the expected biological effects. Studies demonstrate the safety of the treatment and the possibility of increasing the energy administered, in absolute safety, to obtain better tissue biostimulation effects. The protocols should be integrated with a rehabilitation part, to obtain a better functional recovery of the district. EVIDENCE SYNTHESISː Subsequent studies and systemic reviews will make it possible to verify the most suitable protocols for each pathological district and in relation to the more inflammatory or more degenerative phase of the tendinopathy. CONCLUSIONSː High-energy laser treatment is a valid therapeutic option in patients suffering from tendinopathy, resulting in improvement of pain, functional recovery and good compliance.