Here at Serenity Holistic Healthcare, we are always looking for ways to improve the care we provide by utilizing modern technologies like class 4 laser therapy. Class 4 laser therapy is not new (it was cleared by the FDA in 2003), however, it is something that many of our patients have never heard of.
What is Class 4 Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects. The light that is transmitted via the laser helps stimulate certain processes within the body that help provide relief to symptoms including pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
How does Class 4 Laser Therapy Work?
There are different classes of lasers like the Class 3 laser which is a cold laser whereas the Class 4 laser produces heat.
The wavelength of the laser used in Class 4 laser therapy penetrates deeper and more efficiently than the Class 3 laser allowing it to pass energy to the nerve, muscle, ligament, and tendon tissue in a short amount of time. In fact, most sessions range from 2-6 minutes.
Class 4 laser therapy stimulates the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which drives many of the processes within our cells. This increased production of ATP helps speed up the healing process within cells. As a result of increased ATP production the patient experiences an improvement of symptoms, including reduced pain, swelling, and range of motion.
Class 4 Laser Therapy Benefits
The benefits of class 4 laser therapy include reduced pain and swelling as well as improved range of motion but a class 4 laser has some very interesting effects that we don’t notice as obviously. A class 4 laser increases tissue regeneration which is why you heal faster but it also accelerates soft tissue and bone repair. This kind of laser therapy can also improve nerve regeneration & function as well as impact your cells to increase cell metabolism, enzymatic responses, collagen production, and promote angiogenesis (the creation of new blood vessels). So yes, you walk away from class 4 laser therapy feeling better but the therapy continues to work on the cellular level to improve your musculoskeletal health after you leave the office.Patients are pleasantly surprised that they feel soothing warmth in the area being treated.
