FAQs

What Is Class IV Laser Therapy??

Class IV laser therapy (also known as photobiomodulation or PBM) uses high-powered laser devices (over 500 milliwatts) to deliver specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light into tissues. The photons interact with cellular mitochondria, stimulating ATP production, cellular metabolism, and biological cascades that drive tissue repair, pain reduction, and decreased inflammation.

What Conditions Can Class IV Laser Therapy Positively Affect?

Class IV lasers have been clinically proven to help with:

  • Neurodegenerative Conditions

  • Arthritis (all types)

  • Back and neck pain

  • Muscle strains and ligament sprains

  • Tendinopathies

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Post-surgical healing, wounds, and scars

  • Neuropathy

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Sports and auto injuries

  • Chronic and acute inflammation

  • Discogenic pain

  • Frozen shoulder

  • Sciatica

  • Headaches

  • Veterinary applications for pets and horses​

Advantages Over Other Therapies?

  • Non-invasive and drug-free

  • Rapid results for pain and inflammation

  • No downtime—patients usually resume normal activity immediately

  • Deeper tissue penetration than ultrasound, E-stim, or moist heat

  • Effective for conditions that do not respond to other modalities

Is there research?

The substantial volume of research, including hundreds of systematic reviews and thousands of individual studies, establishes photobiomodulation as a well-researched therapeutic modality with growing clinical applications across multiple medical disciplines.

The research demonstrates increasing methodological sophistication:

  • Meta-analyses now commonly include 12-24 high-quality RCTs

  • Systematic reviews follow PRISMA guidelines and include risk of bias assessments

  • Studies increasingly report detailed dosimetry parameters (wavelength, fluence, irradiance)

  • Clinical trials show improved standardization of treatment protocols and outcome measures

Is Treatment Covered by Insurance?

Laser therapy is typically cash-based—most insurers do not reimburse for sessions, though billing codes exist. Clinics often offer package discounts or payment plans.​


How Are Treatments Administered?

Therapists position the laser handpiece in contact with the skin wit firm pressure, directly over the area being treated. Sessions typically last 2.5-12 minutes, depending on the size area affected and severity of the condition.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

Results may appear immediately, with gradual improvement in range of motion and pain levels over subsequent treatments.

  • Acute injuries: 3–6 treatments may suffice

  • Chronic conditions: 6–12 sessions are common

  • Maintenance for lifelong chronic issues: Monthly or bi-monthly follow-ups may be recommended

What is a typical treatment experience?

  • Warm, soothing - like a warm stone massage

  • Pain reduction by 75+% in < 12 minutes typical

  • Improved range of motion by 50% in < 12 minutes typical

Are there any side effects?

The procedure is safe, non-invasive, has no negative side effects and is drug-free.

Rarely, chronically injured tissues may feel mild discomfort during initial healing phases, typically lasting just an hour or two.

Class IV laser therapy should NOT be used:

  • On growth plates in children

  • For patients with active cancer (unless cleared by oncology)

  • Over pacemakers or internal pain pumps without physician approval

  • For those on photosensitive medications (e.g., steroids, antibiotics)

  • For hemorrhage, significant diabetes, or active infection

  • In the abdominal/pelvic region of pregnant women

Rare risks include thermal skin injury and deep tissue burning if protocols are ignored. Proper safety training and certified devices are essential.

How Is Class IV Laser Different from Low-Level ("Cold") Laser Therapy?

Class IV Laser Therapy

  • Power Output: Over 500 mW (up to 60W+) per diode

  • Designed for spot therapy and deeper targets

  • Treats target areas in less time with significantly faster outcomes and often greater efficacy.

Cold/LLLT (Class III)

  • Power Output: 5-500 mW per diode

  • Multi diode devices designed for large treatment area or full body treatment

  • Little or no sensation

  • Takes several sessions typically to see benefits.