How Laser Therapy Can Accelerate Your Physical Therapy Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of recovery—whether you’re healing from injury, surgery, or chronic pain. But when paired with Class IV laser therapy, its benefits can be dramatically enhanced. At Healios Laser Therapy, we specialize in combining high-powered infrared laser treatments with physical therapy protocols to reduce inflammation, accelerate tissue repair, and improve mobility.

If you’re undergoing physical therapy in San Diego—or considering it—here’s how Class IV laser therapy can help you heal faster and move better.

What Is Class IV Laser Therapy?

Class IV laser therapy uses high-powered infrared light to penetrate deep into tissue—up to 7 inches—and stimulate cellular repair. Unlike cold laser therapy (low-level laser therapy or LLLT), which operates at lower intensities and shallower depths, Class IV lasers deliver up to 72 watts of energy, making them ideal for treating muscles, joints, tendons, and nerves.

The therapy works through photobiomodulation, a biological process that:

• Stimulates mitochondrial activity and increases ATP production
• Enhances circulation and oxygenation
• Reduces inflammation and edema
• Promotes collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration
• Modulates nerve signaling and pain perception

Sessions are non-invasive, drug-free, and require no downtime. Many patients report noticeable improvement in pain and mobility within 1–4 sessions.

Why Combine Laser Therapy with Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy focuses on restoring movement, strength, and function. But when inflammation, scar tissue, or pain are present, progress can be slow or uncomfortable. Class IV laser therapy helps resolve these barriers—making physical therapy more effective and less painful.

1. Reducing Inflammation Before Exercise

Laser therapy calms inflamed tissues, allowing for more productive physical therapy sessions. By reducing swelling and muscle tension, laser treatments prepare the body for movement and reduce post-exercise soreness.

Studies show that laser therapy suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, which are often elevated in patients recovering from injury or surgery (Alghamdi et al., 2018).

2. Accelerating Soft Tissue Repair

Physical therapy often involves stretching and strengthening damaged tissues. Class IV laser therapy stimulates collagen production and cellular repair, helping heal strains, sprains, and microtears faster.

Research confirms that laser therapy improves tendon healing and reduces recovery time in musculoskeletal injuries (Huang et al., 2019).

3. Enhancing Neuromuscular Function

Laser therapy improves nerve conduction and reduces pain signaling, which can enhance motor control and proprioception. This helps patients perform exercises more effectively and maintain proper movement patterns.

A 2021 meta-analysis found that laser therapy improves neuromuscular coordination and reduces pain in patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions (Jang et al., 2021).

4. Improving Range of Motion and Flexibility

By softening scar tissue and reducing muscle guarding, laser therapy helps restore mobility in restricted joints. This complements physical therapy by allowing deeper, more lasting improvements in flexibility and function.

Healios patients often report greater range of motion and faster progress when laser therapy is integrated into their rehab plan.

Conditions That Benefit Most from Combined Care

Pairing Class IV laser therapy with physical therapy is especially effective for:

• Post-surgical recovery – Reduces swelling and accelerates tissue healing
• Rotator cuff and shoulder injuries – Improves mobility and reduces inflammation
• Knee pain and ligament injuries – Enhances joint function and speeds up rehab
• Low back pain and disc issues – Supports spinal stability and soft tissue repair
• Arthritis and joint degeneration – Eases stiffness and supports movement
• Sports injuries and overuse syndromes – Promotes faster recovery and performance restoration

Whether you’re recovering from surgery or managing chronic pain, this combination offers a comprehensive, non-invasive path to healing.

Scientific Evidence Supporting the Synergy

Several peer-reviewed studies support the combined use of laser therapy and physical therapy:

• A randomized trial found that patients receiving laser therapy alongside exercise therapy reported faster pain relief and improved function compared to exercise alone (Glazov et al., 2014).
• A systematic review concluded that laser therapy enhances outcomes in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, especially when paired with manual and movement-based therapies (Leal-Junior et al., 2019).
• Clinical data from multidisciplinary practices show that laser therapy reduces post-exercise soreness and improves long-term mobility (Marcos et al., 2018).

These findings confirm that laser therapy is not just a supplement—it’s a strategic enhancement to physical therapy.

Final Thoughts

Physical therapy rebuilds strength and mobility. Class IV laser therapy accelerates the healing process behind it. Together, they offer a powerful, non-invasive solution for pain relief, recovery, and long-term wellness.

At Healios Laser Therapy, we work closely with physical therapists and patients to design integrated care plans that maximize results. If you’re undergoing physical therapy—or considering it—inquire about our new client specials and how laser therapy can help you heal faster and move better.

References

• Alghamdi, K. M., Kumar, A., & Moussa, N. A. (2018). Low-level laser therapy: A useful technique for enhancing tissue repair and reducing inflammation. Lasers in Medical Science, 33(4), 889–900. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29313793/
• Glazov, G., Yelland, M., & Emery, J. (2014). Low-level laser therapy for chronic non-specific low back pain: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 32(9), 471–479. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25268115/
• Huang, Y. Y., et al. (2019). Effects of low-level laser therapy on tendon healing: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 37(3), 622–630. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30328234/
• Jang, H. J., Lee, H. S., & Cho, S. H. (2021). The effects of low-level laser therapy on musculoskeletal pain: A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Pain Research & Management, 2021, 1–12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33728242/
• Leal-Junior, E. C. P., et al. (2019). Photobiomodulation therapy in skeletal muscle injury: A systematic review. Lasers in Medical Science, 34(6), 1171–1185. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30806977/
• Marcos, R. L., et al. (2018). The influence of photobiomodulation therapy on fibrosis and inflammation. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 50(1), 1–10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29402665/