The value of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as a therapy for painful tennis elbow is dubious since evidence for its efficacy is conflicting. This report presents the results of a randomized, double-blind, controlled study on patients with tennis elbow (n = 29) using a gallium aluminium arsenide laser. Two different methods of assessing pain, visual analogue scores and a Marcy Wedge Pro® exerciser, were used. No significant differences were found between the treatment and placebo groups. This suggests that LLLT at the dosage and duratiion used in this study is without benefit in the short-term management of painful tennis elbow.
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