What is Class IV Laser Therapy?
Class IV laser therapy, also called photobiomodulation therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused light energy to stimulate healing deep within the body's tissues. Unlike surgical lasers, Class IV lasers use near-infrared wavelengths to penetrate skin, muscle, and connective tissue without causing damage. At Atlas Chiropractic in Lynnwood, WA, we use Class IV laser therapy to help patients recover from pain, inflammation, and injury more quickly and effectively.
Class IV lasers operate at higher power outputs than standard cold lasers, which allows the light to reach muscles, tendons, ligaments, and deeper structures that lower-powered devices simply cannot access. This deeper penetration creates a gentle thermal effect that promotes circulation and accelerates the body's natural repair processes.
Here's how Class IV laser therapy works:
Class IV laser therapy delivers light energy directly to injured or inflamed tissues through a handheld device. The light is absorbed by cells, triggering a series of biological responses that support healing at the cellular level:
- Light Delivery: A handheld device emitting near-infrared light at specific wavelengths is applied to the skin over the treatment area. The light penetrates through the surface layers and is absorbed by the underlying cells and tissues.
- Cellular Effects: The absorbed light energy stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that powers cellular function. This boost in cellular energy helps accelerate tissue repair and improves metabolic efficiency.
- Pain and Swelling Reduction: Class IV laser therapy reduces pain by modulating nerve cell activity, decreasing inflammation, and encouraging the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relief compounds.
- Tissue Repair: By increasing blood flow, stimulating collagen production, and reducing local inflammation, laser therapy supports faster tissue regeneration and recovery.
- Improved Range of Motion: Patients often experience greater joint mobility and reduced stiffness as inflammation subsides and soft tissues begin to heal.
Conditions We Treat with Class IV Laser Therapy
Class IV laser therapy is effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, including:
- Back and neck pain -- one of the most common reasons patients seek chiropractor laser therapy at our clinic
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Shoulder injuries and rotator cuff strains
- Knee pain and osteoarthritis
- Sciatica and pinched nerves
- Neuropathy -- class IV laser therapy for neuropathy has shown strong results in reducing burning, tingling, and numbness associated with nerve damage
- Sports injuries and muscle strains
- Tendinopathy and tendinitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
If you are living with chronic pain or recovering from an injury, laser therapy may help you get back to the activities you love without relying on medication or surgery.
Why Choose Atlas Chiropractic for Laser Therapy in Lynnwood
At Atlas Chiropractic, Class IV laser therapy is integrated with our full range of chiropractic and soft tissue treatments for a comprehensive approach to healing. Our team combines laser therapy with chiropractic adjustments, cervical and lumbar decompression, and deep tissue therapy to address the root causes of pain, not just the symptoms.
Whether you are recovering from a sports injury, managing a chronic condition, or seeking relief from nerve pain, our Lynnwood clinic provides personalized treatment plans tailored to your goals. We also offer specialized care for patients dealing with herniated discs and neck and back pain, making it easy to coordinate all your care in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cold laser therapy, or low-level laser therapy, uses very low power levels that do not generate heat and typically only affect surface tissues. Class IV laser therapy uses significantly higher power output, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the body to reach muscles, tendons, and nerves. This deeper reach makes Class IV laser therapy better suited for treating more complex or deeply seated conditions.
Class IV laser therapy is generally very well tolerated, and most patients experience little to no discomfort during or after treatment. Some individuals may notice mild warmth or temporary soreness in the treated area, which typically resolves quickly. Serious side effects are uncommon when treatment is administered by a trained provider. Your chiropractor will review your health history before beginning treatment to ensure it is appropriate for you.
The number of sessions needed depends on your specific condition, how long you have had it, and how your body responds to treatment. Acute injuries may show improvement in just a few visits, while chronic conditions often benefit from a longer course of care. Your provider at Atlas Chiropractic will recommend a personalized treatment schedule during your initial consultation.
Yes. Class IV laser therapy is an FDA-cleared treatment with a strong safety profile when used by qualified practitioners. Protective eyewear is worn during sessions to shield the eyes from the laser light. The treatment is non-invasive, does not require downtime, and is safe to combine with other chiropractic and rehabilitative therapies.
