Red Light Therapy - the Answer to Jumper’s Knee?
If you’re raising an active kid (or you’re an athlete yourself), you’ve probably heard of jumper’s knee, the annoying, stubborn pain that shows up just below the kneecap when running, jumping, or pivoting.
Officially called patellar tendinopathy, this injury can take athletes out of the game for months, and not always by choice. Treatments like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections get a lot of buzz, but the latest research suggests there’s another option that doesn’t involve needles or downtime.
It’s laser therapy, and the science keeps getting more encouraging.
The Research: Laser vs PRP - Which One Works Best?
In a recent clinical trial, researchers recruited 60 athletes aged 18 to 40 with a clear diagnosis of jumper’s knee (confirmed by ultrasound). The athletes were split into two groups:
One group received a single PRP injection directly into the tendon (done under ultrasound guidance for precision).
The other group underwent therapeutic laser - three times per week for 12 weeks.
This wasn’t an at-home LED panel or red light mask — this was a professional-grade laser device with:
Wavelength of 810 nm (that’s near-infrared, perfect for reaching deeper tissues like tendons)
An intensity of 100 mW/cm²
Sessions spread across 36 treatments in total
The Results? The Laser Group Pulled Ahead
After 12 weeks, here’s what the researchers found:
✅ Less Pain: Laser therapy reduced pain levels by an average of 5.4 points on a 10-point scale, compared to 4.3 points in the PRP group.
✅ Better Tendon Healing: The laser group saw their tendon thickness shrink by 1.8 mm, showing actual tissue healing, not just temporary relief. The PRP group had a 1 mm reduction.
✅ Improved Function: When it came to moving and using the knee without discomfort, the laser group improved by 6.1 points on a standard function scale, compared to 5.2 points with PRP.
Plus, the laser-treated athletes started feeling better faster, with noticeable improvements by week 4 — ideal for anyone eager to return to sport.
Why Laser Therapy Makes Sense for Athletes
What stands out here is that laser therapy worked on multiple levels: it tackled pain, helped the tendon heal, and made movement easier, all without an invasive procedure.
The specific laser wavelength used in the study is designed to stimulate mitochondria (the energy factories of your cells), which can kickstart the body's natural healing processes. It also helps reduce inflammation and encourage collagen production, both essential for repairing damaged tendons.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Like any study, this one wasn’t perfect.
The PRP group only received one injection — and some practitioners recommend multiple doses for better results.
The follow-up was 12 weeks, so we don’t know how the results hold up long-term.
The athletes obviously knew whether they were getting an injection or a laser session, which might have influenced how they rated their pain.
What This Means for Parents, Athletes & Coaches
If your child (or you!) is sidelined by jumper’s knee, Low-Level Laser Therapy might be worth considering, especially if you’re looking to avoid injections or surgery.
It’s safe, non-invasive, and in this study, more effective than PRP at reducing pain and improving function.
And as always, any treatment works best when combined with a smart rehab plan - including physical therapy and strength training targeted to the knee.
If you’re in the Central Texas region call our Solasta Office and schedule your first laser treatment today.
Tracy
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