Class IV Laser Therapy vs. Red Light Therapy
At Healios Laser Therapy, we specialize in advanced Class IV laser therapy to help you heal faster, reduce pain, and restore function—without drugs or surgery. While red light therapy is a popular wellness trend, it’s important to understand how it compares to the deeper, more powerful healing offered by Class IV laser therapy.
This guide breaks down both options, highlighting the Healios approach and why Class IV laser therapy may be the right choice for serious pain relief and recovery.
What Is Class IV Laser Therapy with Healios?
At Healios, our Class IV laser therapy delivers deep, regenerative healing using high-powered infrared light. It’s designed for serious injuries, chronic pain, and post-surgical recovery.
How It Works Class IV lasers use infrared wavelengths to penetrate up to 7 inches into tissue. This stimulates mitochondria to produce ATP (cellular energy), reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and accelerates tissue repair.
Light Wavelength Healios lasers operate in the 1064 nm range—ideal for deep tissue penetration without being absorbed by melanin or hemoglobin.
Power and Precision Our system delivers up to 72 watts of energy—far stronger than cold lasers or LED-based devices—making it effective for muscle, joint, nerve, and connective tissue healing.
What It Treats
- Chronic pain (e.g., sciatica, arthritis, neuropathy)
- Post-surgical recovery
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Nerve compression and inflammation
- Scar tissue remodeling and mobility restoration
Treatment Details Sessions last 15–60 minutes and are customized by our expert therapists to match your condition and goals. Many patients report noticeable relief after just one session.
Pros
- Deep penetration
- Rapid results
- Personalized care
- No downtime
Cons
- Requires professional administration
- Not available for home use
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT) is a gentler, surface-level treatment that uses LED lights to stimulate skin cells and superficial tissues.
How It Works RLT delivers red and near-infrared light (typically 630–850 nm) to boost ATP production, collagen synthesis, and blood flow—primarily in the skin and shallow tissues.
Light Wavelength Most devices operate in the 600–850 nm range, which is effective for skin rejuvenation but limited in depth.
Penetration Red light therapy reaches only a few millimeters into the skin, making it suitable for cosmetic and mild inflammatory conditions.
What It Treats
- Wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage
- Mild inflammation
- Hair growth stimulation
- Temporary relief for fibromyalgia or carpal tunnel
Treatment Details Sessions typically last 10–20 minutes and can be done at home using devices that range from $80 to $400.
Pros
- Easy to use at home
- Affordable
- Great for skincare
Cons
- Limited depth
- Not effective for deep tissue or joint pain
- Long-term safety of unregulated devices is still being studied
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Class IV Laser Therapy (Healios) | Red Light Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Light Source | High-intensity infrared laser | LED lights |
| Wavelength | 1064 nm (deep tissue) | 600–850 nm (surface) |
| Penetration Depth | Up to 7 inches | A few millimeters |
| Best For | Chronic pain, deep injuries, post-surgical recovery | Skin rejuvenation, mild inflammation |
| Treatment Time | 15–60 minutes (clinic-based) | 10–20 minutes (home or clinic) |
| Accessibility | Professional clinic only | Widely available for home use |
| Cost | Higher (clinic visits) | Lower ($80–$400 for devices) |
| Safety Notes | Avoid near cancer, thyroid, or pregnancy | Generally safe; long-term risks unclear |
| Effectiveness | Strong for deep tissue repair | Great for skin and surface-level issues |
Why Choose Healios Class IV Laser Therapy?
At Healios, we focus exclusively on Class IV laser therapy because of its unmatched ability to treat serious conditions. Here’s why it may be right for you:
Perfect For
- Chronic pain
- Deep tissue injuries
- Post-surgical recovery
- Scar tissue and nerve repair
Our Edge Healios sessions are personalized and powerful—often delivering a 67% pain reduction in just one visit for athletes and chronic pain sufferers. Unlike short “add-on” laser sessions offered elsewhere, our treatments are designed for real healing.
Not For You If You’re only seeking skincare or mild relief. In those cases, red light therapy’s convenience may be a better fit.
Both therapies are safe when used correctly, but Class IV laser therapy requires professional expertise due to its power and depth. Red light therapy’s gentler approach suits home use, though some question the long-term effects of unverified devices.
Final Thoughts
Red light therapy offers a convenient option for surface-level healing and cosmetic benefits. But when it comes to deep pain, injury recovery, and serious inflammation, Class IV laser therapy stands out for its power, precision, and clinical results.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain or injury, Healios Laser Therapy’s personalized, clinic-based approach could be your solution. Inquire about new client specials and let our team help you determine whether Class IV laser therapy is right for your goals.
References
- Healthline. (2018, July 17). Cold laser therapy: Procedure, purpose, pros/cons, and more. https://www.healthline.com
- Simply Move Chiropractic. (2024, October 19). How LLLT, red light, cold laser and infrared laser differ. https://simplymovechiropractic.com
- The BodyFix. (2023, August 16). Red light therapy vs. class IV laser therapy. https://www.thebodyfixchiro.com
- Woman and Home. (2024, November 23). Low-level laser therapy vs red light therapy: What’s the difference and which one is right for you? https://www.womanandhome.com
- Healios Laser Therapy. (2024, January 28). Healios Laser Therapy – The future of healing and pain relief. https://www.healioslasertherapy.com
