High-Intensity (Class IV) Laser Therapy
Introduction
At Interstate Medical Group, we aim to give patients top-notch, integrative care that helps the body heal naturally. Our High-Intensity (Class IV) Laser Therapy is a game-changer for anyone dealing with pain or injury. It works deep under the skin, reaching muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. This therapy fits perfectly with chiropractic care, rehab, and soft-tissue work. It’s all about tackling pain where it starts, speeding up recovery, and helping you get back to your daily grind.
High-Intensity (Class IV) Laser Therapy, sometimes called deep tissue photobiomodulation, uses a powerful beam of light in the red and near-infrared spectrum. Unlike low-level or “cold” lasers, Class IV devices pack more energy into a shorter time, meaning the light can reach deep tissues faster.
The photons are absorbed by cells, mainly in the mitochondria. That sparks more ATP production — basically extra energy for your cells. With that boost, tissues repair faster, inflammation calms down, circulation improves, and pain signals reduce. It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and works where your body needs it most.
Why Choose High-Intensity (Class IV) Laser Therapy
There are lots of reasons patients pick Class IV laser therapy:
- Pain Relief: It quiets nerve signals, easing pain naturally.
- Inflammation Control: Reduces swelling and helps lymphatic drainage.
- Faster Healing: Stimulates collagen, boosts enzymes, and helps new blood vessels grow.
- Better Circulation: Oxygen and nutrients reach injured tissue faster, while waste products get cleared.
- Quick Sessions: Higher energy means therapy often takes minutes, not hours.
- Safe & Non-Invasive: It complements other treatments without adding drugs or side effects.
Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury, managing chronic pain, or healing after surgery, Class IV laser therapy can give your body the jump-start it needs.
How It Works
The clinician will apply the laser over the targeted area. They move it in a sweeping motion to cover the tissue evenly. A session usually lasts 3–10 minutes depending on the injury’s size and depth.
Most patients start with 2–3 sessions per week. As pain improves, sessions taper to once a week or as needed. You’ll wear protective eyewear, and most people feel a gentle warmth or tingling. The sensation is comfortable and reassuring.
Your clinician will track your progress, adjusting dose and frequency to make sure healing stays on track.
When / Who It Helps
Class IV laser therapy works for a wide variety of conditions:
- Low back pain, neck pain, and sciatica
- Tendonitis or tendinopathy (Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff)
- Bursitis, ligament sprains, and joint pain
- Muscle strains, contusions, and sports injuries
- Post-surgical pain and soft tissue recovery
- Nerve pain and neuropathy
- Scar tissue and adhesions
It’s great for anyone recovering from auto accidents, work injuries, sports injuries, or chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Pair it with chiropractic adjustments, massage, or physical therapy, and you’ve got a full toolbox for faster, safer recovery.
Safety
Safety is a priority with Class IV laser therapy. Clinicians are trained to follow strict safety protocols. Protective eyewear is required for both patients and staff.
Contraindications include:
- Active cancers
- Open bleeding or wounds unless part of a protocol
- Areas over growth plates in children
- Photosensitivity or use of photosensitizing medications
- Implanted devices like pacemakers or pumps
Strict adherence to these safety guidelines ensures a secure, effective experience for patients while delivering the full therapeutic benefits of Class IV laser therapy.
What to Expect
- Short and Comfortable Sessions: Most last under 10 minutes.
- Immediate Relief: Some patients notice improvement after one session.
- Cumulative Benefits: Each session builds on the last, supporting tissue repair.
- No Downtime: Resume normal activities right away.
- Custom Plans: Your treatment adjusts based on progress and needs.
You’ll likely feel a gentle warmth or tingling. Over time, pain reduces, mobility improves, and tissues heal faster.
Adding Laser Therapy to Your Recovery
Class IV laser therapy shines when it’s part of a bigger plan. At Interstate Medical Group, we combine it with chiropractic care, physical therapy, and massage. That way, pain is addressed from all angles.
You get a plan that fits your goals, whether it’s bouncing back from an injury, managing chronic pain, or staying active. Integrating laser therapy helps you heal faster and keeps you moving.
Learn More About High-Intensity Laser Therapy
Wondering if High-Intensity Laser Therapy is right for you? Give us a call at 503-339-7351 to schedule a free consultation. See how this non-invasive, drug-free treatment can fit into your personalized recovery plan. It’s time to take the next step toward feeling better, moving easier, and living pain-free.
FAQs
Most patients report a gentle warming or mild tingling sensation during treatment. The therapy is non-invasive, comfortable, and typically does not cause pain. Some may notice immediate relief, while others experience cumulative benefits over several sessions.
Treatment plans vary depending on the condition and severity. Most patients begin with 2–3 sessions per week, tapering to once weekly or maintenance as symptoms improve. Chronic cases may require 6–12 sessions or more.
Class IV laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free option that complements chiropractic care, rehabilitation, and massage. While it may reduce the need for medications or surgery for some patients, it works best as part of an integrated care plan tailored to your needs.
Laser therapy is effective for acute and chronic musculoskeletal issues, including low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, tendonitis, bursitis, ligament sprains, post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, neuropathy, and scar tissue remodeling.
The therapy is generally safe when administered by trained clinicians. Protective eyewear is required, and contraindications include active cancers, open wounds, growth plates in children, photosensitivity, or implanted devices like pacemakers. Clinicians follow strict protocols to ensure patient safety.