Study Summary

Twelve randomized controlled trials including 382 patients with tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Pooled outcomes of interest included pain (VAS), functional status such as Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), grip strength, placebo-controlled outcomes, and baseline-controlled outcomes. Both HILT and LLLT significantly improved pain, function, and grip strength in patients with tennis elbow. Pain relief and functional improvement were comparable between modalities, whereas HILT demonstrated greater improvements in grip strength. In addition, laser therapy combined with bandaging appeared to provide greater benefits than laser therapy alone. Overall, both HILT and LLLT are effective treatment options for tennis elbow, with LLLT showing more consistent pain-relieving effects and HILT offering superior gains in grip strength, supporting their role within multimodal rehabilitation programs.