If you’ve ever had to sit out of training due to an overuse injury, you know how frustrating it can be. Whether you’re a sprinter pushing your limits in the 100m dash or a long-distance runner logging endless miles, injuries like stress fractures, shin splints, and Achilles tendonitis can sideline you for weeks—or even months.
But what if there was a way to speed up recovery, reduce pain, and get back to training sooner? Enter laser therapy—a non-invasive, drug-free method that’s helping athletes heal faster and stronger.
Common Overuse Injuries in Track and Field and How Laser Therapy Helps
1. Stress Fractures: A Runner’s Worst Nightmare
Stress fractures happen when repetitive impact overloads the bones, leading to tiny cracks. These are most common in the shin (tibia), foot (metatarsals), and hip (femoral neck). If left untreated, they can develop into full fractures, leading to months of inactivity.
How Laser Therapy Helps:
- Boosts Cellular Repair: Laser therapy stimulates mitochondrial activity, which speeds up bone healing at a cellular level.
- Increases Blood Flow: Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reach the injury, allowing faster recovery.
- Reduces Pain & Inflammation: Laser therapy blocks pain receptors and reduces swelling, making movement more comfortable.
Example: Imagine you’re training for a marathon, and suddenly, you feel an aching pain in your foot. A scan confirms a stress fracture in the second metatarsal—a common runner’s injury. Instead of being benched for 8+ weeks, you start using Handy Cure low-level laser therapy twice a day. Within a few weeks, the pain is significantly reduced, and a follow-up X-ray shows solid bone regrowth.
Pro Tip: Combine laser therapy with proper nutrition (calcium, vitamin D), reduced weight-bearing exercise, and gradual return to training for optimal healing.
2. Shin Splints: The Constant Throbbing in Your Lower Legs
If you’ve ever ramped up your mileage too quickly, you’ve probably felt that burning pain along your shins. Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, are caused by inflammation in the muscles and periosteum (bone lining) of the shin.
How Laser Therapy Helps:
- Reduces Muscle Inflammation: Laser therapy penetrates deep into the affected tissues, reducing swelling.
- Promotes Healing of Microtears: The laser stimulates the repair of microdamage in the shin muscles, speeding up recovery.
- Restores Mobility Faster: By improving circulation and reducing pain, laser therapy helps you get back to running sooner.
Example: Picture this—you’ve been training hard for your next track meet, but your shins start aching so much that even walking is painful. Instead of resorting to painkillers, you apply laser therapy to the affected area for 10 minutes a day. Within a week, the swelling is significantly down, and you can start light jogging again.
Pro Tip: Shin splints are often a sign of poor running form or overtraining—adjusting your stride and gradually increasing intensity can prevent them in the future.
3. Achilles Tendonitis: The Tight, Burning Sensation at the Back of Your Ankle
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the thick band connecting your calf muscles to your heel. It’s a common issue in sprinters and middle-distance runners due to the explosive force needed for sprinting and jumping.
How Laser Therapy Helps:
- Speeds Up Collagen Production: The Achilles tendon is mostly made of collagen. Laser therapy stimulates fibroblasts, which produce new collagen, strengthening the tendon.
- Breaks Down Scar Tissue: Chronic Achilles injuries often involve scar tissue buildup, making the tendon less flexible. Laser therapy breaks down adhesions, restoring movement.
- Decreases Pain Without Medication: By modulating nerve activity, laser therapy helps block pain signals without the need for painkillers.
Customer Testimonial:
“Over the course of two treatment cycles, my Achilles tendinopathy improved greatly, with the swelling in the tendon much reduced.” – Caroline M.
Pro Tip: Achilles injuries often stem from tight calves—make sure to stretch and strengthen your gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to prevent future problems.
What the Research Says About Laser Therapy for Athletes
A study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine (Bjordal et al., 2008) examined the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on tendon injuries and found significant improvements in pain reduction and tissue healing.
Key Findings from the Study:
- Improved Tendon Healing: The research found that LLLT accelerated collagen synthesis in damaged tendons, promoting stronger and more resilient tissue repair.
- Pain Reduction: Athletes experiencing Achilles tendinitis and patellar tendinopathy reported a 53% decrease in pain compared to those receiving placebo treatments.
- Faster Return to Activity: Laser therapy shortened recovery time by 2-3 weeks, allowing athletes to return to training sooner than with conventional treatments alone.
Why This Matters for Track & Field Athletes:
Since injuries like Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, and shin splints involve inflammation and microdamage to tendons and bones, this study supports laser therapy’s role in speeding up recovery and improving long-term tendon resilience.
Top 5 FAQs About Laser Therapy for Athletes
1. How quickly will I see results?
Many athletes report pain relief after just a few sessions. However, for chronic injuries like tendonitis, 4-6 weeks of consistent use is recommended for full recovery.
2. Is laser therapy safe?
Yes! Unlike medication or injections, laser therapy is non-invasive and drug-free, with zero known side effects when used correctly.
3. Can I use laser therapy alongside other treatments?
Absolutely. Laser therapy works well alongside physiotherapy, stretching, and strength training to enhance overall recovery.
4. Does it work for old injuries?
Yes! Even chronic injuries (e.g., Achilles tendinopathy or scar tissue from a past injury) can benefit, as laser therapy stimulates collagen regeneration and breaks down adhesions.
5. Which laser therapy device should I choose?
For athletes looking for a portable, powerful option, the Handy Cure Low Level Laser is an excellent choice.
Recommended Products for Athletes
1. Handy Cure Low-Level Laser Therapy Device
Best for: Runners, sprinters, and track athletes dealing with stress fractures, shin splints, or tendon injuries.
Benefits: Deep tissue healing, reduced inflammation, accelerated recovery.
View Product
2. IASO Ultra Laser Device
Best for: Athletes needing targeted pain relief on-the-go.
Benefits: Compact, lightweight, effective for muscle pain and acute injuries.
View Product
Final Thoughts: A Breakthrough for Track and Field Athletes
If you’re dealing with stress fractures, shin splints, or Achilles tendonitis, laser therapy offers a proven way to speed up healing, reduce pain, and prevent re-injury. With research-backed results and success stories, it’s becoming a must-have recovery tool for serious athletes.
Don’t let injuries keep you off the track—give laser therapy a try and get back to doing what you love!
References:Stergioulas A, Stergioula M, Aarskog R, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM. Effects of low-level laser therapy and eccentric exercises in the treatment of recreational athletes with chronic achilles tendinopathy. Am J Sports Med. 2008 May;36(5):881-7. doi: 10.1177/0363546507312165. Epub 2008 Feb 13. PMID: 18272794.