06/17/2025
Understanding Class IV Cold Laser Therapy
What Is Laser Therapy?
Laser Therapy—also known as photobiomodulation—uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing, reduce pain, improve circulation, and decrease inflammation.
How Does It Work?
Laser light penetrates deep into tissues, where it interacts at the cellular level. It enhances metabolic activity, improves nutrient transport across cell membranes, and boosts ATP (cellular energy) production.
Resulting in:
• Enhanced and quicker tissue repair
• Accelerated healing ( some authorities say up to 10 times faster healing)
• Reduced pain and inflammation
• Improved circulation and lymphatic flow
Each session draws oxygen, water, and nutrients to damaged areas, creating a highly effective healing environment.
Proven Results: Is It Backed by Science?
Absolutely. Over thousands of studies, including more than 100 rigorous clinical trials, have demonstrated laser therapy’s effectiveness across a wide array of medical conditions, from sports injuries to chronic pain and wound healing.
What Does Laser Therapy Feel Like?
Treatments are painless, with most patients reporting little to no sensation. Some individuals experience a mild, soothing warmth or tingling sensation. Occasionally, an increase in sensitivity may occur in areas of inflammation, but this is typically short-lived and indicates increased cellular activity and blood flow.
Are There Risks or Side Effects?
Laser therapy is remarkably safe, with very few reported side effects over its 40+ year history of global use. Occasionally, a temporary flare in symptoms may occur, especially in chronic conditions. This is usually due to increased blood flow and heightened metabolic activity—a sign the body is healing.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Thanks to the power of Class IV lasers, sessions are quick, typically between 3 to 9 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
• Acute conditions: 3–6 sessions may suffice.
• Chronic issues: 10–15 sessions or more may be required.
• Severe or degenerative conditions (e.g., arthritis): Ongoing periodic treatments may be beneficial.
Many patients notice improvement after just 3-4 sessions, though full benefits often accumulate over time.
What Conditions Can It Help?
Class IV Laser Therapy is used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurologic, and dermatologic conditions, including:
Muscle, Joint, and Soft Tissue Pain
• Tendonitis and tendinopathies
• Plantar fasciitis
• Sprains and strains
• Myofascial pain and trigger points
• Bursitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tennis/golfer’s elbow
• Shoulder, knee, and back pain
Arthritis and Chronic Pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS/RSD)
Wound and Nerve Healing
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Post-surgical wounds
• Non-healing ulcers
• Venous and diabetic foot ulcers
• Amputee stump pain
• Burns and post-herpetic neuralgia (Shingles)
Sports & Overuse Injuries
• Shin splints
• Patellofemoral syndrome
• IT band syndrome
• Repetitive strain injuries
..and more
