How Does Laser Therapy Work?

Class IV laser therapy is a powerful, non-invasive treatment that uses high-intensity infrared light to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing. While often compared to cold laser therapy (also known as low-level laser therapy or LLLT), Class IV laser therapy delivers deeper penetration and higher energy—making it ideal for treating musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, and post-surgical recovery.

At Healios Laser Therapy, we specialize in Class IV protocols designed to reach deep tissue structures and activate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Here’s how it works, what it treats, and why it’s backed by science.

The Science Behind Class IV Laser Therapy

Class IV laser therapy operates in the infrared spectrum, typically between 800 and 1064 nanometers. This wavelength range allows light to penetrate up to 7 inches into tissue, reaching muscles, joints, tendons, and nerves. The light energy is absorbed by mitochondria—specifically by cytochrome c oxidase—triggering a cascade of biological effects known as photobiomodulation.

Key Biological Effects

• Increased ATP Production Laser light stimulates mitochondrial enzymes, boosting adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—the energy currency of the cell. This fuels tissue repair and regeneration.
• Reduced Oxidative Stress Class IV laser therapy helps neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contribute to inflammation and cellular damage.
• Enhanced Blood Circulation Laser energy promotes nitric oxide release, improving microcirculation and oxygen delivery to damaged tissues.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects The therapy downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, reducing swelling and pain.
• Collagen Synthesis and Tissue Remodeling Class IV laser therapy stimulates fibroblast activity, encouraging the formation of new collagen and accelerating wound healing.

Conditions Treated with Class IV Laser Therapy

Class IV laser therapy is used across multiple disciplines to treat pain, inflammation, and tissue damage. Common conditions include:

Musculoskeletal Injuries

• Low back pain
• Sciatica pain
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Knee osteoarthritis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Ankle pain & sprains
• IT band syndrome
• Piriformis syndrome

Nerve and Neurological Conditions

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Neuropathy
• Fibromyalgia
• Nerve entrapment syndromes
• Post-surgical nerve pain

Post-Surgical and Recovery Applications

• Swelling and inflammation
• Scar tissue remodeling
• Ligament and tendon healing
• Joint stiffness and mobility restoration

What Happens During a Session?

Class IV laser therapy sessions at Healios are quick, comfortable, and require no downtime. Here’s what to expect:

• Assessment A trained therapist evaluates your condition and selects the appropriate protocol.
• Laser Application The laser device is positioned over the affected area. Sessions typically last 15–60 minutes depending on the condition.
• Cellular Activation Infrared light penetrates deep into tissue, triggering photobiomodulation and initiating repair.
• Recovery Most patients experience immediate or progressive relief. No anesthesia or medication is required.

Clinical Research Supporting Class IV Laser Therapy

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of Class IV laser therapy in treating pain and inflammation:

• Photobiomodulation has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers and accelerate tissue repair in musculoskeletal injuries (Hamblin, 2017).
• A systematic review found that high-intensity laser therapy significantly improves pain and function in patients with chronic joint disorders (Chung et al., 2012).
• Research confirms that infrared laser therapy enhances fibroblast activity and collagen production, supporting wound healing and tissue regeneration (Karu, 2010).
• Studies on nerve regeneration show improved outcomes in patients with neuropathy and post-surgical nerve pain (Zein et al., 2018).

Advantages of Class IV Laser Therapy

• Deep Penetration – Reaches muscles, joints, and nerves up to 7 inches below the skin
• Fast Results – Many patients report relief within 1–4 sessions
• Non-Invasive – No needles, incisions, or downtime
• Drug-Free – Avoids the risks of opioids and anti-inflammatories
• Clinically Proven – Backed by decades of research and thousands of successful treatments

Final Thoughts

Class IV laser therapy is a clinically validated, non-invasive solution for pain relief, injury recovery, and inflammation control. By stimulating cellular repair and modulating the body’s healing response, it offers a safe and effective alternative to surgery, injections, and medications.

At Healios Laser Therapy, we tailor every treatment to your condition and goals. If you’re exploring options for pain relief or recovery, inquire about our new client specials and personalized care plans.

References

• Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337–361. https://www.aimspress.com/article/10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337
• Chung, H., Dai, T., Sharma, S. K., Huang, Y. Y., Carroll, J. D., & Hamblin, M. R. (2012). The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 40(2), 516–533. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10439-011-0454-7
• Karu, T. I. (2010). Multiple roles of cytochrome c oxidase in mammalian cells under action of red and IR-A radiation. IUBMB Life, 62(8), 607–610. https://doi.org/10.1002/iub.359
• Zein, R., Selting, W., & Hamblin, M. R. (2018). Review of light therapy applications in wound healing. Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering, 4, 47–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobme.2017.11.007
• Barolet, D., & Boucher, A. (2010). Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in dermatology. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 29(3), 168–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sder.2010.03.002