Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy and Eccentric Exercises in the Treatment of Recreational Athletes With Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy.
Stergioulas et al Am J Sports Med. 2008.
This study demonstrates that a 30mW 830nm laser with a 0.5cm2 beam (= only 60mW/cm2 intensity) applied over 6 points along the Achilles tendon for 180 seconds per point accelerates recovery from chronic Achilles tendonitis.
Note the relatively large spot size of this 30mW laser (hence rather low intensity), and long treatment times used.
All the dose rate studies that I have read indicate that intensities in the tens of mW/cm2 range work best for anti inflammatory and healing effects in superficial tendon injuries, whereas the higher intensities (1,000 mW/cm2) are probably only suitable for analgesic effects.