Immediate effect of photobiomodulation therapy on Achilles tendon morphology and mechanical properties: an exploratory study.
Objectives
Evaluate the immediate (within 4 hours) effects of laser-induced photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on Achilles tendon morphology and mechanical properties in healthy and pathologic tendons.


Materials and Methods
Twenty people with healthy Achilles tendons and twelve people with Achilles tendinopathy participated. One Achilles tendon received PBM treatment following an established protocol and the contralateral side received a placebo treatment. Achilles tendon morphology and mechanical properties were evaluated bilaterally with ultrasound imaging and continuous shear wave elastography immediately before treatment, immediately after treatment, then 2- and 4-hours after treatment.


Results
There were no immediate effects of PBM on tendon morphology or mechanical properties when comparing the PBM-treated side and placebo-treated side within each cohort. Additionally, the effects of PBM did not differ between healthy and pathologic Achilles tendons.


Conclusion
When treated with a laser-induced PBM treatment, healthy and pathologic Achilles tendons do not have immediate (within 4 hours) changes in tendon morphology or mechanical properties. These findings suggest that PBM therapy can be administered before other clinical treatments or high-load activities.
['Corrigan|Patrick|P|0000-0001-7263-5599', 'Cortes|Daniel H|DH|', 'Silbernagel|Karin Grävare|KG|']
Tendinopathy Ultrasound Elastography Laser Therapy Material Properties Tendinitis