How to Reduce Inflammation with Class IV Laser Therapy

Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism—but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to persistent pain, joint degeneration, and long-term tissue damage. Whether caused by arthritis, tendonitis, injury, or post-surgical swelling, inflammation can slow healing and limit mobility. At Healios Laser Therapy, we specialize in Class IV laser therapy—a powerful, non-invasive treatment that targets inflammation at its source and accelerates recovery.

Here’s how Class IV laser therapy works, what it treats, and why it’s a superior option for reducing inflammation and restoring function.

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 inflammation in muscles, joints, tendons, and nerves.

The therapy works through photobiomodulation, a biological process that:

• Stimulates mitochondrial activity and increases ATP production
• Enhances circulation and lymphatic drainage
• Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines
• Promotes collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration

Sessions are non-invasive, drug-free, and require no downtime. Many patients report reduced pain and swelling after just a few treatments.

How Class IV Laser Therapy Reduces Inflammation

Class IV laser therapy targets inflammation through multiple mechanisms:

1. Suppressing Pro-Inflammatory Markers

Laser therapy inhibits key inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2. These molecules drive swelling, pain, and tissue breakdown. By modulating their activity, laser therapy helps calm the inflammatory response and restore balance.

Clinical studies show that high-intensity laser therapy significantly reduces inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and tendon injuries (Alghamdi et al., 2018; Jang et al., 2021).

2. Enhancing Circulation and Lymphatic Flow

Laser energy increases microcirculation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues while removing metabolic waste and excess fluid. This helps reduce edema and accelerates soft tissue healing.

Research on post-surgical recovery confirms that laser therapy improves lymphatic drainage and reduces swelling more effectively than standard care (Aimbire et al., 2006).

3. Boosting ATP Production for Cellular Repair

Mitochondria absorb laser energy and produce more ATP—fuel for cellular repair. This accelerates tissue regeneration and helps resolve inflammation faster.

A meta-analysis of musculoskeletal pain treatments found that laser therapy enhances healing and reduces inflammatory pain through ATP-driven repair mechanisms (Jang et al., 2021).

4. Remodeling Scar Tissue and Fibrosis

Chronic inflammation often leads to excess scar tissue, which restricts movement and contributes to pain. Class IV laser therapy softens fibrotic tissue and promotes collagen remodeling, restoring flexibility and reducing discomfort.

Studies show that photobiomodulation therapy improves tissue elasticity and reduces fibrosis in inflammatory conditions (Marcos et al., 2018).

Conditions That Benefit from Class IV Laser Therapy

Class IV laser therapy has been clinically validated as an effective anti-inflammatory treatment for a wide range of conditions:

• Arthritis (Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis) – Reduces joint inflammation and pain
• Tendonitis & Bursitis – Lowers swelling in tendons and fluid-filled sacs
• Plantar Fasciitis – Eases foot pain by decreasing inflammation in the plantar fascia
• Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Syndromes – Modulates inflammatory responses to improve quality of life
• Post-Surgical Recovery – Minimizes swelling and promotes faster healing
• Autoimmune Inflammatory Conditions – Helps reduce excessive immune system responses

Whether you’re recovering from injury or managing a chronic condition, Class IV laser therapy offers a regenerative, drug-free solution.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Class IV Laser Therapy

Several peer-reviewed studies support the effectiveness of laser therapy in reducing inflammation:

• A systematic review found that laser therapy significantly reduces pain and inflammation in patients with chronic joint disorders, especially osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (Wang et al., 2016).
• A clinical study showed that laser therapy improves tendon healing and decreases inflammatory markers in patients with Achilles tendinopathy (Huang et al., 2019).
• Research on muscle injuries concluded that laser therapy enhances tissue repair, reduces oxidative stress, and speeds up inflammatory resolution (Leal-Junior et al., 2019).

These findings confirm that Class IV laser therapy is not just a wellness trend—it’s a clinically validated tool for inflammation control and recovery.

Maximizing the Benefits of Laser Therapy

To get the most out of your Class IV laser therapy sessions, consider these supportive strategies:

• Hydration – Drinking water supports cellular repair and inflammation reduction
• Anti-Inflammatory Diet – Include foods rich in omega-3s, turmeric, and antioxidants
• Regular Movement & Physical Therapy – Gentle stretching and activity help maintain mobility
• Consistent Treatment Schedule – Sticking to your plan ensures optimal inflammation control

Healios therapists can help you integrate these strategies into your care plan for lasting results.

Final Thoughts

Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to pain, stiffness, and long-term tissue damage. Class IV laser therapy offers a powerful, non-invasive solution that reduces inflammatory markers, enhances circulation, and stimulates cellular repair. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, tendonitis, post-surgical swelling, or chronic pain, Healios Laser Therapy provides personalized care that helps you heal faster and move better.

If you’re exploring options for inflammation relief, inquire about our new client specials and personalized treatment plans. Our team is here to help you find the right path to recovery.

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/
• Aimbire, F., et al. (2006). Low-level laser therapy induces dose-dependent reduction of TNF-α levels in acute inflammation. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 24(1), 33–37. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16706694/
• 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/
• 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/
• Wang, Y., et al. (2016). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 6(2), e008540. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/2/e008540
• 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/
• 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/