You've probably seen the ads: "Relieve pain in days!" "Heal faster without meds!" But when it comes to medical devices, it's important to look at the evidence. Let's start with the basics: LLLT itself has been studied for decades, and research suggests it may help with certain conditions, including tendon issues.
One study published in the
Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy
found that LLLT reduced pain and improved function in people with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Another, in the
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
, showed it helped with elbow tendinitis (tennis elbow) by decreasing inflammation and promoting tissue repair. But here's the catch: not all lasers are created equal, and results can vary based on the device's power, wavelength, and how it's used.
So, what about B-CURE LASER specifically? The company claims their device is FDA-cleared. Wait, FDA-cleared? What does that mean? Unlike FDA approval (which is for new, high-risk devices), FDA clearance means the device is "substantially equivalent" to another device already on the market. For B-CURE LASER, this clearance is for "temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain, arthritis pain, and muscle spasm; and temporary increase in local blood circulation." That includes tendon pain, but it's important to note: the FDA doesn't endorse it as a cure-all, just a temporary reliever.
Real-world user reviews are mixed but generally positive. On forums and independent review sites, many people report reduced pain after a few weeks of use. One user with tennis elbow wrote, "I used it twice a day for 10 minutes, and after 3 weeks, I could finally grip a tennis racket without wincing." Another with a Achilles injury said, "It didn't fix it overnight, but the inflammation went down noticeably, and my physical therapist was impressed with how fast I healed."
Of course, there are skeptics too. Some users found no difference, while others said the results were temporary. As with any medical device, individual results depend on factors like the severity of the injury, how consistent you are with use, and your overall health.