Tendon pain is one of the most persistent issues for active adults. Whether it’s golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendonitis, or shoulder pain, the discomfort lingers and often flares up again once you’re back to activity.
That’s because tendons heal differently than muscles. They’re slower to recover, and rest alone rarely solves the problem.
At Vive, we’ve seen excellent results using a combination of red light therapy for tendons, manual tissue work, and passive blood flow restriction (BFR). This integrated approach doesn’t just mask symptoms—it helps repair the tendon and restore function.
Here’s how it works.
Problem 1: Tendons Lose Glide and Mobility When They’re Irritated
Solution: Tissue Work Restores Movement and Reduces Tension
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is often combined with red light therapy for tendon healing
When a tendon becomes inflamed or overused, the surrounding soft tissue often tightens up. This creates friction, pain, and poor movement patterns.
That’s where manual tissue work makes a big difference.
At Vive, we apply techniques like:
Pin-and-stretch
Focused myo-fascial release
Mobilization around the tendon with IASTM tooling
This work restores pliability and improves blood flow—both essential for reducing load on the injured tendon and allowing it to heal properly. It also preps the tissue to respond better to the other recovery tools we use.
Problem 2: Inflammation Disrupts Tendon Repair at the Cellular Level
Solution: Red Light Therapy for Tendonitis and Chronic Inflammation
Red light therapy for tendonitis is gaining traction for good reason. Specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light help reduce inflammation, boost circulation, and stimulate ATP production at the cellular level.
This creates a better environment for healing—especially in tendons, where blood flow is limited.
We regularly use red light therapy for tendon repair in conditions like:
Golfer’s and tennis elbow
Patellar tendonitis
Achilles tendon issues
Rotator cuff irritation
The light penetrates deeply enough to reach the tendon, and when used consistently (2–3 times per week), it helps calm flare-ups and promote long-term tissue repair.
Tendons don’t get the same blood supply that muscles do. That’s why they heal slowly—and why we often pair red light with passive blood flow restriction (BFR).
By applying cuffs to gently restrict blood flow for short periods, we can:
Increase nutrient delivery
Trigger growth hormone release
Create a better internal recovery environment
When stacked with red light therapy for tendons, this combination supports healing without the need for high mechanical stress—making it ideal during rest or early recovery phases.
We typically use this protocol post-tissue work, while the client is seated under red light for 10–15 minutes.
red light therapy is a scientifically backed tool for tendon repair
Case Study: Tendon Recovery in a Recreational Pickleball Player
One of our clients, a 55-year-old pickleball player, came in with stubborn Achilles tendonitis. He had tried rest, stretching, and anti-inflammatories for months— but with no real progress.
We built a plan using:
Manual tissue work 1x/week for 2 weeks, 30 minutes 2x/month.
A Red Light Tech Stack for Tendonitis; Red light therapy, Passive Blood Flow Restriction, and NeuroMuscular Electrical Stimulation.
By week 3, he reported 70% less pain. By week 6, he was back to the playing 3-5 days per week pain-free.
The key wasn’t just one method—it was the synergy of targeted therapies, repeated consistently.
How We Use Red Light Therapy for Tendon Pain at Vive
We typically use red light in two ways:
As part of a Tech Stack for inflammation, pain, and tissue stimulation
Combined with tissue work for deeper recovery and tendon remodeling
Most clients see good results with 4 sessions across 3 weeks, especially when paired with mobility work and strength progressions.
And you don’t have to do it alone. At Vive, we give you an at home program and guide you through the right sequence and dosage for each tool—so your recovery is efficient and sustainable.
Bonus Tips: Support Tendon Repair Between Visits
Use a red light device at home, 10–15 minutes per area
Focus on isometric loading and slow eccentrics to strengthen the tendon gradually
Consistency beats intensity—especially with tendon recovery.
Ready to Start Red Light Therapy for Your Tendon Repair?
If your tendon pain keeps coming back, it’s time to change your approach.
Red light therapy for tendons, when combined with tissue work and BFR, offers a smarter, science-backed path to healing—without relying on medications or endless rest.
Book a session with a recovery specialist at Vive. We’ll help you create a plan that fits your needs and gets you moving again.
