How Does Class IV Laser Therapy Work for Pain and Inflammation?

Persistent pain and inflammation can make everyday activities uncomfortable, whether you're dealing with muscle tension, joint stiffness, or an ongoing injury. Class IV laser therapy offers a non-invasive approach to managing discomfort while supporting the body's natural healing processes. At Dawn of Health Chiropractic in Apex, NC, we use this advanced technology to help patients address pain and improve mobility without surgery or injections.

What Is Class IV Laser Therapy?

Class IV laser therapy is a treatment that uses concentrated light energy to stimulate biological processes within the body's tissues. Unlike surgical lasers that cut or remove tissue, therapeutic lasers are designed to support cellular activity without damaging the skin.

Class IV lasers deliver higher levels of energy than low-level laser devices, allowing practitioners to treat various musculoskeletal conditions. This process, known as photobiomodulation, may help reduce pain, influence inflammation, and support tissue recovery.

How Does Class IV Laser Therapy Reduce Pain and Inflammation?

When laser light reaches the targeted tissues, it interacts with components within cells, particularly those involved in energy production. This interaction can influence several biological processes associated with healing.

One important effect involves adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule cells use for energy. Laser therapy may help support ATP production, allowing cells to carry out functions involved in tissue maintenance and recovery.

Laser therapy may also influence inflammatory responses and pain signaling. By helping regulate these processes, treatment can potentially reduce discomfort, improve movement, and support recovery from certain injuries.

What Conditions Can Class IV Laser Therapy Help Treat?

At Dawn of Health Chiropractic, we use Class IV laser therapy as part of our approach to addressing musculoskeletal pain and inflammation. Depending on the patient's condition, laser therapy may help manage discomfort associated with:

•          Muscle strains, spasms, and soft tissue injuries

•          Joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis

•          Tendon inflammation, including tendinitis

•          Plantar fasciitis and other overuse injuries

•          Shoulder, neck, and back pain

Because different conditions require different approaches, we evaluate each patient's symptoms and medical history before recommending treatment.

What Happens During a Class IV Laser Therapy Session?

During treatment, we direct a therapeutic laser over the affected area using a specialized handheld device. The light energy passes through the skin and interacts with the targeted tissues.

Sessions are generally brief, although treatment time depends on the size and location of the affected area. Patients may notice a gentle warming sensation, but the procedure typically does not cause significant discomfort. Appropriate protective eyewear is used during treatment.

Class IV laser therapy does not require incisions or injections, and patients can generally return to their usual activities afterward unless otherwise advised.

How Many Laser Therapy Sessions Are Needed?

The number of sessions depends on the severity of the condition, how long symptoms have been present, and how the body responds to treatment. Some patients may notice improvement relatively early, while others require multiple visits.

We assess your progress and determine whether laser therapy should be combined with other appropriate chiropractic treatments. Our goal is to develop an individualized plan that addresses your symptoms and supports better movement and comfort.

Discover whether Class IV laser therapy could be right for you by scheduling a consultation with Dawn of Health Chiropractic. Contact our office in Apex, NC, by calling (919) 303-2213 to book an appointment today.