Top 20 Most Common Injuries Laser Therapy Can Help
Class IV laser therapy is one of the most powerful non-invasive tools available for injury recovery. At Healios Laser Therapy, we use high-powered infrared light to penetrate deep into tissue—up to 7 inches—and stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing. Whether you’re an athlete, recovering from surgery, or managing chronic pain, Class IV laser therapy can help you bounce back faster.
Here are 20 of the most common injuries and conditions we treat with Class IV laser therapy at our San Diego clinic—each supported by clinical evidence and peer-reviewed research.
1. Low Back Pain
Laser therapy reduces inflammation around spinal joints and nerve roots, improving mobility and reducing pain. Studies show significant pain reduction in patients with lumbar radiculopathy and chronic low back pain¹.
2. Sciatica
Laser therapy calms irritated nerve roots and improves circulation, helping relieve radiating leg pain and restore function².
3. Neck Pain
Laser therapy targets cervical joints, muscles, and nerve pathways to reduce stiffness and improve range of motion³.
4. Shoulder Impingement
Laser therapy reduces inflammation in the rotator cuff and subacromial space, easing pain and restoring overhead mobility⁴.
5. Rotator Cuff Tears
Class IV laser therapy promotes collagen synthesis and tendon healing, making it a valuable adjunct to rehab or post-surgical recovery⁵.
6. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Laser therapy reduces tendon inflammation and stimulates repair, improving grip strength and reducing pain⁶.
7. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Similar to tennis elbow, laser therapy helps resolve chronic tendon irritation and restore elbow function⁶.
8. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Laser therapy reduces inflammation around the median nerve and improves circulation, easing numbness and wrist pain⁷.
9. Wrist Sprains
Laser therapy accelerates ligament healing and reduces swelling, helping patients regain wrist stability⁸.
10. Hip Bursitis
Laser therapy calms inflamed bursae and surrounding tissues, reducing pain and improving gait⁹.
11. Knee Osteoarthritis
Laser therapy reduces joint inflammation, improves circulation, and supports cartilage health—often delaying or avoiding surgery¹⁰.
12. Meniscus Injuries
Laser therapy promotes healing of meniscal tissue and reduces joint swelling, especially post-injury or post-surgery¹¹.
13. Patellar Tendonitis
Laser therapy stimulates tendon repair and reduces inflammation, helping athletes return to sport faster¹².
14. IT Band Syndrome
Laser therapy reduces friction and inflammation along the iliotibial band, improving hip and knee mechanics¹³.
15. Ankle Sprains
Laser therapy accelerates ligament healing and reduces swelling, shortening recovery time¹⁴.
16. Achilles Tendonitis
Laser therapy promotes tendon regeneration and reduces pain, especially in chronic cases¹⁵.
17. Plantar Fasciitis
Laser therapy reduces inflammation in the plantar fascia and improves foot mechanics, easing heel pain¹⁶.
18. Post-Surgical Swelling
Laser therapy enhances lymphatic drainage and tissue repair, reducing swelling and accelerating recovery¹⁷.
19. Scar Tissue and Fibrosis
Laser therapy softens fibrotic tissue and promotes collagen remodeling, improving mobility and reducing discomfort¹⁸.
20. Nerve Entrapment Syndromes
Laser therapy modulates nerve signaling and reduces inflammation around compressed nerves, improving sensation and function¹⁹.
Why Class IV Laser Therapy Works
Unlike cold lasers or LED-based devices, Class IV laser therapy delivers up to 72 watts of infrared energy—powerful enough to reach deep tissue structures. The therapy works through photobiomodulation, which:
- Stimulates ATP production for cellular repair
- Enhances blood flow and oxygenation
- Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines
- Promotes collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration
- Modulates pain signaling and nerve conduction
Sessions are non-invasive, drug-free, and require no downtime. At Healios, treatments are tailored to your injury, goals, and recovery timeline.
Final Thoughts
Class IV laser therapy is a game-changer for injury recovery. Whether you’re dealing with a sprain, strain, chronic joint pain, or post-surgical swelling, laser therapy offers a safe, effective, and regenerative solution. At Healios Laser Therapy in San Diego, we’ve helped thousands of patients heal faster and move better—without relying on medications or invasive procedures.
If you’re exploring options for pain relief or injury recovery, inquire about our new client specials and personalized treatment plans. Our team is here to help you get back to doing what you love.
References (APA Format)
- Class4Lasers.com. . (2025). Guide to Class 4 laser therapy FAQ’s. https://class4lasers.com/2025/08/17/guide-to-class-4-laser-therapy-faqs-frequently-asked-questions-answered/
- Pankonin, K. J. (2024). Class IV laser therapy: Research, conditions & outcomes. Open Access Journal of Medical Sciences. https://cdn.ymaws.com/wichiro.org/resource/resmgr/class-notes/2024/sp24_class_notes/class_iv_laser_therapy_slide.pdf
- de la Barra Ortiz, H. A., Acevedo Cangas, S., Cumio Herrera, A., Oñate García, F., & Velásquez Velásquez, S. (2021). Efficacy of Class IV laser in the management of musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review. Physiotherapy Quarterly, 29(2), 1–11. https://physioquart.awf.wroc.pl/doi/10.5114/pq.2021.105882
- Smart Laser Therapy. (2023). Class IV laser therapy for musculoskeletal healing. https://smartlasertherapy.com/class-iv-laser-therapy-for-musculoskeletal-healing/
- CB Physiotherapy. (2024). Class 4 laser therapy: Exploring its effects in physiotherapy for musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. https://cbphysiotherapy.in/blog/class-4-laser-therapy-exploring-its-effects-in-physiotherapy-for-musculoskeletal-and-neurological-conditions
