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What is Class IV Laser Therapy?
Class IV laser therapy is a type of medical treatment that uses high-powered lasers to stimulate cellular activity and promote healing. It is a non-invasive, painless, and safe treatment option for a variety of acute and chronic conditions, especially in pain and inflammation management.
What Type of Conditions can be Treated with Class IV Laser Therapy?
Class 4 Laser Therapy is effective for treating a range of different issues, that include:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Fibromyalgia pain
- Sciatica
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Sports injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bursitis
- TMJ disorder
- Wound healing or scar tissue reduction
- Tendinitis
- Disc problems like a herniated disc or pinched nerve
- Repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pain
How does Class IV Laser Therapy Work for Pain?
Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects, including:
- Increased production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
- Increased cellular metabolism
- Increased collagen production
- Increased enzyme production
- Increased protein synthesis
- Improved blood circulation
- Improved lymphatic flow and drainage
- Reduced inflammation and pain
What are the Benefits of Laser Treatments?
Class IV lasers offer numerous benefits in treating various conditions, including pain relief, inflammation reduction and tissue repair. The laser’s energy penetrates deep into the tissue, promoting cellular regeneration and healing. It can also improve blood flow in the area, reducing inflammation and swelling. Through this procedure there are various benefits to be gained:
• A boost in cellular metabolism
• Reduction in muscle spasms
• A decrease in pain
• Improved healing to damaged tissues
Studies have shown that class IV lasers can be effective in treating conditions such as back pain, arthritis, tendonitis, and muscle strains, among others. With its non-invasive approach and few side effects, class IV lasers are becoming an increasingly popular choice for pain management and injury recovery in many fields of medicine.
What are the Differences between Class 4 Lasers and Others?
There are different classes of lasers used in therapy, including Class 3 lasers, which are cold lasers, and Class 4 lasers, which produce heat. Class IV therapy lasers are different from other lasers as they utilize high-powered light waves to trigger photochemical effects within tissues at varying depths. This unique method of treatment often results in quicker and more effective healing compared to traditional laser therapies.
In other words, compared to Class 3 lasers, the wavelength of lasers used in Class 4 laser therapy can penetrate deeper and more efficiently. This allows for the energy to be passed onto the nerve, muscle, ligament, and tendon tissue in a shorter amount of time. In just 2-6 minute sessions, we can treat injured tissues in multiple areas, thereby improving results.
Other FAQs
Laser therapy treatments are considered highly safe as they utilize non-ionizing laser light and are non-invasive in nature. Photobiomodulation treatments with a Class 4 therapy laser are one of the safest treatment options available in a healthcare setting.
In some cases, patients may experience a mild achiness or soreness in the treated area following treatment due to an increase in blood flow and the release of tissue toxins. This potential side effect should be communicated to patients before their first treatment. It is important to reassure them that this soreness is a positive sign indicating changes in the tissues, and there is no tissue damage involved.
It is also worth mentioning that the biggest risk when it comes to laser therapy is to our eyes — this is why we always use certified, protective eyewear in each one of our laser therapy treatments.
If you’ve never had laser treatments done before, it’s only natural to be nervous about your first time. However, many patients report it to be a pleasurable experience, where you will feel warm, soothing and relaxing sensations during your sessions. These feelings are a reflection that your cells are getting the stimulation they need to promote healing.
When performing laser therapy, the device will be administered directly to the skin since laser light isn’t able to penetrate through clothing. This means that the device will be touching your skin, where you’ll feel soothing warmth during your therapy. Many patients who receive laser therapy treatments provide great feedback, saying that the experience is enjoyable.
The treatment durations for this drug-free and non-invasive procedure can vary depending on the condition being treated. On average, sessions typically last between 5-10 minutes. However, treatment time may vary based on factors such as
• the size of the area being treated
• the depth of penetration required
• the acuteness of specific condition being treated.
High-powered lasers can provide a significant amount of energy in a short duration, allowing patients to receive therapeutic dosages quickly. Laser therapy sessions are ideal for busy patients and clinicians as they provide fast and effective treatment options.
The number of treatments required for Class IV Laser Therapy varies depending on several key factors, including:
• the patient’s response to treatment
• the nature of their condition
Typically, acute conditions require 5-6 treatments while chronic conditions may require 6-12 treatments to achieve optimal results. Healing time can vary between individuals based on unique circumstances, and follow-up treatments may be recommended for lifelong conditions.
Following treatment, patients may experience an improvement in sensation, including analgesia and therapeutic warmth. For more significant improvements in symptoms and conditions, multiple treatments are recommended. The effects of laser therapy tend to improve with each subsequent treatment, which is why many patients are eager to continue their treatments to reap the benefits.
Which Type of Laser Should You Consider?