Healing Light: The Benefits of Class 4 Laser Therapy in Pain Management

Heal Space incorporates cutting edge and innovative technology to improve the health outcomes of their patients. Class 4 Laser Therapy is among the many tools our therapists use to help accelerate healing. This article explores the benefits of Class 4 Laser Therapy, its mechanism of action, the diverse range of conditions it can effectively treat, contraindications for its use, the spectrum of laser therapies, and the essential training required to wield this healing modality.

What Is Class 4 Laser Therapy?

Class 4 Laser Therapy, also known as High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT), involves the precise application of high-powered laser light to injured or inflamed areas of the body. Dr. Ricky Singh, a renowned chiropractor in the heart of Toronto’s Queen West, advocates for the integration of Class 4 Laser Therapy into his treatment plans, emphasizing its efficacy in pain management and tissue healing.

What’s The Difference Between Class 4 Laser Therapy and Low Level Laser Therapy? 

Class 4 laser therapy and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are both forms of therapeutic laser treatments, but they differ primarily in their power output and depth of penetration. Class 4 lasers are characterized by their high power output, typically ranging from 500 milliwatts to 10,000 milliwatts (or 0.5 watts to 10 watts). This high power allows Class 4 lasers to deliver a significant amount of energy to the target tissues, resulting in faster treatment times and deeper penetration. Low-level laser therapy, on the other hand, utilizes lasers with much lower power output, usually ranging from 5 milliwatts to 500 milliwatts (or 0.005 watts to 0.5 watts). These lower power levels are often referred to as “cold lasers” and are not capable of producing thermal effects on tissues.

Due to their higher power output, Class 4 lasers can penetrate deeper into the tissues, reaching depths of several centimeters beneath the skin’s surface. This makes them well-suited for treating conditions that affect deeper structures, such as muscles, tendons, and joints. Low-level laser therapy, while still effective, has a more limited penetration depth. The lower power output means that the light energy is absorbed more superficially, primarily affecting tissues closer to the skin’s surface.

Class 4 laser therapy sessions typically have shorter treatment times compared to low-level laser therapy. The higher power output allows for more energy to be delivered to the target tissues in a shorter amount of time, resulting in faster treatment sessions.

Low-level laser therapy sessions may require longer treatment times to achieve similar therapeutic effects due to the lower power output and limited depth of penetration.

How Does Class 4 Laser Therapy Work?

At the core of Class 4 Laser Therapy lies the principle of photobiomodulation, a process wherein photons of light interact with cellular components to stimulate biochemical reactions. When administered by skilled practitioners like Dr. Ricky Singh, laser light penetrates deep into tissues, initiating a cascade of physiological responses. This includes enhanced cellular metabolism, vasodilation, and the release of endorphins, thereby alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, and accelerating tissue repair.

What Conditions Can Class 4 Laser Therapy Treat?

Class 4 Laser Therapy serves as a versatile tool in the arsenal against pain and dysfunction, addressing a myriad of conditions. Key conditions treated include:

• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Strains, sprains, and tears respond favorably to Class 4 Laser Therapy, facilitating tissue regeneration and promoting healing.

• Arthritis: Whether osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, laser therapy offers relief from joint pain and stiffness, promoting functional improvement.

• Neuropathy: Patients grappling with neuropathic pain find respite in laser therapy, as it modulates neural activity and enhances nerve regeneration.

• Soft Tissue Disorders: Conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, and plantar fasciitis exhibit marked improvement with targeted laser therapy sessions, fostering tissue healing and a reduction in inflammation.

• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Following surgical interventions, Class 4 Laser Therapy accelerates the healing process, mitigating scar tissue formation and optimizing functional outcomes.

What Are Contraindications for Class 4 Laser Therapy?

While Class 4 Laser Therapy boasts an impressive safety profile, certain contraindications warrant consideration to ensure optimal patient care. Dr. Ricky Singh emphasizes the importance of thorough assessment and patient education to mitigate potential risks. Contraindications include:

• Pregnancy: Laser therapy is contraindicated in pregnant individuals due to the potential risk of fetal harm.

• Cancer: Patients with active malignancies or suspicious lesions should avoid laser therapy.

• Photosensitivity: Individuals predisposed to photosensitive reactions, either due to inherent conditions or medication usage, should exercise caution when exposed to laser light.

• Thyroid Disorders: Laser therapy over the thyroid gland is contraindicated to prevent disruption of thyroid function and hormone production.

• Epilepsy: Patients with a history of seizures may be susceptible to seizure induction by flashing or pulsing light sources, necessitating careful consideration before laser therapy administration.

• Tattoo: Laser therapy is not recommended over tattoos due to the risk of increasing temperature of the ink and causing a skin burn. 

What is the Training Required for Laser Therapy Practitioners?

The therapeutic application of laser therapy demands a comprehensive understanding of laser physics, safety protocols, and treatment strategies. Key components of laser therapy training include:

• Laser Physics and Safety: Practitioners undergo rigorous education on laser fundamentals, including wavelength selection, power output calibration, and safety precautions to minimize adverse effects.

• Treatment Protocols: Practitioners are taught evidence-based treatment protocols to tailor therapy interventions to the unique needs of each patient, optimizing therapeutic efficacy.

• Hands-On Experience: Practical training equips practitioners with proficiency in laser probe manipulation, treatment parameter adjustment, and patient monitoring

The Heal Space team is trained on the safe and therapeutic application of Laser Therapy to help improve the treatment outcomes of their patients. To find out if Laser Therapy is right for you, book a complimentary discovery call with Dr. Ricky Singh!