Tendinopathy

LightForce® laser therapy may be integrated to support session readiness and symptom modulation in patients whose pain or stiffness limits tolerance to manual therapy or loading progressions.

Clinicians may use laser therapy to:

• Provide relief of minor muscle and joint pain or stiffness
• Support temporary increases in local circulation
• Promote muscle relaxation prior to therapeutic exercise or manual techniques

Laser therapy is commonly positioned before or alongside active rehabilitation to help relieve pain so that patients can better tolerate progressive loading strategies and actively participate in stretching and exercises.

The Intelect® RPW 2 or Intelect® Mobile 2 RPW may be considered when muscle pain, connective tissue sensitivity, or regional discomfort interferes with participation in functional training or loading programs.

In tendinopathy plans of care, clinicians may use RPW to:

• Address muscle pain and aches surrounding the involved tendon
• Support temporary increases in local blood flow
• Stimulate connective tissue activation 

RPW is typically applied as part of a broader rehabilitation strategy focused on pain relief, restoring load tolerance and functional movement.

Electrotherapy may be incorporated based on clinical goals and patient presentation, particularly when neuromuscular or pain-related factors limit movement quality.

Depending on labeling and configuration, electrotherapy may support:

• Relaxation of muscle spasms
• Temporary pain management in acute or chronic presentations
• Muscle re-education and neuromuscular activation
• Maintenance or improvement of range of motion

Electrotherapy is often used to facilitate and enhance participation in exercise-based rehabilitation.

Therapeutic ultrasound may be used to apply deep heat to selected sub-chronic or chronic soft-tissue conditions associated with tendinopathy.

Clinicians may integrate ultrasound to:

• Support temporary pain relief or muscle relaxation
• Address capsular tightness, scar tissue, or joint contracture that may accompany tendinopathy 
• Prepare tissues for manual therapy or therapeutic exercise

Ultrasound is not indicated for direct modification of tendon structure but may support symptom management within conservative care plans.

Hot and cold therapy modalities can help support clinic workflow efficiency and patient comfort throughout tendinopathy rehabilitation.

• Cold therapy can be used for pain relief and to reduce swelling 
• Heat can be used to provide relief from pain and stiffness to support tissue preparation or post-exercise recovery typically in the chronic phase.