High- vs low-dose high-intensity laser therapy for tennis elbow
Official title: Comparison of the Effects of High and Low Dose High-intensity Laser Therapy in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis
Run by Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital · NCT07342426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This tests whether higher or lower doses of high-intensity laser therapy help adults with recent-onset tennis elbow.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kaohsiung City) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 12, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 6, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 6, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07342426 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 with a physician diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis lasting less than three months and full capacity to consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with chronic or longstanding elbow pain, prior elbow surgery, cervical radiculopathy, pregnancy, implanted pacemakers, photosensitivity, sensory impairment, malignancy, or recent nonstandard local treatments are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase 4 interventional study compares two different dosages of high-intensity laser therapy in adults diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis of less than three months' duration. Treatments are non-invasive and delivered at a physical therapy clinic, with protocol-specified use of high-intensity laser and other listed modalities as appropriate. The trial excludes patients with contraindications such as photosensitivity, implanted pacemakers, pregnancy, malignancy, sensory impairment, prior elbow surgery, or cervical radiculopathy. Outcomes will focus on pain, function, and quality of life to determine whether dose influences clinical benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify an optimal laser dose that reduces pain and speeds recovery for people with recent tennis elbow.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown high-intensity laser therapy can improve pain and quality of life in lateral epicondylitis, but dose and treatment schedules have varied widely and direct dose-comparison data are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis by physician 2. Disease duration of less than three months 3. Adults aged above 18 years with full decision-making capacity Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients who have received treatments other than standard treatment to the affected area within past three months 2. Patients with contraindication for rehabilitation therapy 1. Photosensitivity 2. Sensory impairment 3. Implanted cardiac pacemaker 4. Pregnancy 5. Malignancy 3. Patients with a history of surgery on the affected elbow 4. Patients with cervical radiculopathy
Where it's running
-
TSAI CHENG-TAO Physical Therapy Clinic
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Cheng-Chang Lu
- Email: cclu0880330@gmail.com
- Phone: +886 975357331
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This study tests whether an ultrasound-guided posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm epicondylar branch block, with or without a triamcinolone injection, can reduce pain and improve elbow function in adults with lateral epicondylitis.
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Central Sensitization and Ultrasound in Lateral Epicondylitis
This study tests whether people with chronic tennis elbow have different pressure pain thresholds and ultrasound findings compared with healthy controls.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.