Today’s healthcare consumer has grown tech-savvy enough that they’re actively asking for newer, state-of-the-art options in chiropractic care. Laser therapy is one of these popular cutting-edge treatment options, and Class IV lasers top the market in popularity. It impresses customers to have this treatment available, but does it work?

The survival of a chiropractic service is dependent on repeat business. It doesn’t matter how impressive a piece of equipment looks if it doesn’t work for the patient. Does hot laser treatment work and what are the therapeutic benefits?

Classifications of Lasers: I, II, III, IV

In healthcare, you’ll see several of the four classifications of lasers in play. Class I is a laser with just a few microwatts (mW) of power and is not regulated (or useful in therapeutic context). An LED is a Class I laser light.

Class II has greater than 1 mW but is still not used therapeutically. A barcode scanner is a Class II laser.

Classes IIIR, IIIB, and IV are the categories that matter to the chiropractic practitioner. Class III represents what are commonly called “cold lasers.” They deliver a low-light therapy that some practices use to treat musculoskeletal pain.

It is the Class IV laser (or “hot laser”) that delivers the most energy, though. This high-intensity light can reach deep into the tissue and stimulate the healing processes at a cellular level.

How Does High Intensity Laser Therapy Work?

The hot laser therapy device uses infrared electromagnetic energy to stimulate a photo biochemical process. The output can approach 500 mW, and these higher energy levels allow the laser to penetrate deep at a more effective rate than the low-light units — through several centimeters of tissue.

It works by producing energy that the mitochondria of cells absorb. That in turn stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate or ATP. ATP is energy that cells use for processes such as muscle contractions, chemical synthesis, and nerve impulse propagation that are at the heart of cellular regeneration and the healing process. The laser also boosts the general ability of cells to thrive. Cells can take in oxygen and nutrients at a faster rate while more quickly passing out waste materials.

Chiropractors use Class IV lasers to treat common injuries such as:

  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Arthritis
  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Tendonitis
  • Plantar fasciitis

Lasers can be effective in everything from chronic pain management to treating sports injuries.

What Are the Benefits of Class IV Laser Therapy?

  • Accelerated Healing: The energy absorption and stimulation of ATP production accelerate tissue growth and healing.
  • Reduced Scar Formation: Class IV laser therapy can reduce the problems that sometimes come with an incision. Scar tissue lacks the elasticity of normal tissue and can be more painful and injury-prone.
  • Reduced Inflammation: Inflammation or swelling is the body’s natural response to an injury, but it increases pain and reduces mobility. Laser therapy reduces inflammation from traumatic, overuse, and biomechanical stress injuries, as well as systemic conditions such as arthritis.
  • Pain Management: Chiropractic hot laser therapy is a natural analgesic. The light suppresses the signals from the nerves to the brain.
  • Enhanced Circulation: The laser treatment stimulates the formation of new capillaries. This means more blood flow to affected areas, bringing increased levels of oxygen and nutrients and removing waste products.
  • Nerve Cell Regeneration: Laser light deep in the tissue stimulates new nerve cells to develop. This means restoration of function to that area faster.

Cold Laser Therapy vs. Hot Laser Therapy

The primary difference in hot vs. cold laser therapy is the power output. The low-level power with a Class III or cold laser does not reach deep into the tissues with the same amount of energy.

Hot laser therapy for pain delivers the therapeutic dose at a faster rate. This means quicker relief.

It may also take more visits to the chiropractor’s office with a cold laser. This is a critical consideration when planning cold vs hot laser therapy. Studies show the Class IV laser is nearly five times faster. Hot is a more efficient use of time for both the practitioner and the patient.

Common Questions about Hot Laser Therapy

Consider some common questions asked about Class IV laser therapy.

Is Class IV Laser Therapy Safe?

The FDA has cleared hot lasers as safe to use for chiropractic care. Practitioners go through training to use the equipment and understand the safety protocols.

Does the Laser Hurt?

Most patients tolerate the treatment well. They feel a warming sensation, but there should be no pain. Hot laser therapy is non-invasive, so there is no cutting or breaks in the skin.

Some people report a slight increase in pain immediately after their treatment, but it subsides quickly. The pain increase signifies the stimulation of the healing process.

How Long Do Treatments Take?

That will depend on the condition, but, on average, they take about 10 minutes. The treatments are cumulative, but the patient should feel improvement right away. The benefits of the therapy go on long after treatment, as well.

Can Hot Laser Therapy Be Used After Surgery?

Laser therapy can work in conjunction with other treatments and even surgical repair. It is more effective with other forms of therapy including physical therapy.

Class IV laser therapy does not require medication or surgery to be effective, though. It can work on its own or in combination with other treatment modalities.

Scientific studies prove that Class IV laser therapy does work in chiropractic care. Just as importantly, chiropractors find it benefits their patients without adverse effects.

Get Class 4 Laser Therapy Devices For Your Practice

Class IV laser therapy devices from Medray offer chiropractors a powerful tool to accelerate healing, manage pain, and enhance patient outcomes. By delivering high-intensity energy that penetrates deep into tissues, these advanced treatments stimulate cellular regeneration and promote recovery without the need for invasive procedures or medication. Contact us today for hot laser therapy solutions that provide fast, efficient results that both practitioners and patients can trust.