Class IV Laser Therapy in State College
What Is Class IV Laser Therapy?
Class IV laser therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that uses laser energy to promote soft tissue healing.
Laser therapy for pain works to heal the body by using wavelengths of light that pass through the skin
and fat. This light is then absorbed by the cells of the soft tissues (muscle, tendon, ligament, etc.). When
these tissues absorb light, the process of new cell repair and development is accelerated. This process is
a scientific principle called photobiomodulation, which leads to significantly improved healing time.
Class 4 Laser Therapy vs. Cold Laser Therapy: What’s the Difference?
Are you considering laser therapy as a non-invasive treatment for back pain, knee pain, or another
painful condition? Chances are that you’ve seen the terms “Class IV Laser Therapy” and “Cold Laser
Therapy.” So, what’s the difference?
How It Works
Both class IV laser treatment and cold laser treatment use wavelengths of light that are within the same
spectrum: red light and near infrared light. The difference between class IV laser and cold laser is the
energy at which the therapy is applied. Cold laser therapy uses lower energy outputs that may be helpful
for superficial injuries such as elbow or wrist tendonitis. On the other hand, class IV laser therapy can be
used at the same energy output setting as cold laser -- while also being capable of applying energy at a
much higher output. This means that class IV laser therapy not only treats your elbow or wrist pain, but
can also be effective at treating much denser and more muscular structures in the body. Our team has
used class IV laser as an effective chiropractic treatment to heal numerous conditions, including muscle
strains, ligament sprains, and inflammatory tendonitis.
Feel the Difference
The term “cold laser” is actually a misnomer. Cold laser doesn’t feel cold or warm. It doesn’t produce
any noticeable sensation at all. However, class 4 laser treatment creates a gentle warming sensation on
the skin. Although the tangible heat from the therapy isn’t what causes the treatment to be effective,
it’s a nice bonus.
Neither cold laser nor class 4 laser therapy are painful. The treatment you receive at our office is
administered in a private and comfortable setting by either a trained staff person or by the chiropractor
himself.
To put it in simple terms, class IV laser can do everything that cold laser can do and more. If cold laser
is “the kit,” class IV laser is “the kit and the caboodle.” Class IV laser is the more powerful and superior
option when treating soft tissue injuries and painful inflammatory conditions such as tendonitis.
If you live in or near the State College area, give us a call at 814-777-1558. We are one of the top-rated
chiropractic facilities in Central PA and have many years of experience performing class IV laser therapy.
We’ll get you pain free in no time!
What conditions will laser therapy treat?
Laser therapy is performed by applying wavelengths of light to the skin above an affected area. The treatment is not painful. Most patients report that the treatment is very soothing, as the laser causes a warming sensation over the treatment area. The FDA has approved Class IV Laser as a safe and effective treatment option for soft tissue healing.
Some of the conditions Class IV Laser therapy will help with include:
- Muscle strains
- Sprained ligaments
- Scar tissue
- Tendonitis
- Golfers elbow
- Tennis elbow
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Extremity pain
- Inflammation
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Shoulder impingement
- IT band pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- TMJ
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Sports-related injuries
- Accident-related injuries
- Whiplash
How does class IV laser therapy work?
Class IV Laser therapy works by stimulating the body's natural repair process. Simply put, much of the light that contacts our skin is absorbed by the cells of our soft tissues.
For example, UV rays from the sun are absorbed by the cells of our skin. The interaction of sunlight with our skin is what causes our skin to burn or tan.
Some wavelengths of light, classified as red light and near-infrared, are capable of passing through the skin and fat, where they are absorbed by the cells of our muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
When light is absorbed by the cells of these soft tissues, cellular metabolism speeds up, leading to much faster healing times. This is a scientifically proven principle called photobiomodulation.
Class IV Laser is the most powerful laser available for use by a medical professional. It penetrates deep into the tissues using a high power output, contributing to a faster and more effective treatment and healing process.
Don’t be fooled by clinics offering lower-level lasers (Classes 1-3). Class IV Laser is the only laser treatment with the proven power to penetrate deep into the cells of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Class IV Laser therapy is helpful for superficial issues such as elbow tendonitis and deep tissue problems like hamstring strains. Class IV Laser treatments can help when other treatment options have failed or when you need to get back to work or play as quickly as possible.
Benefits of class IV laser therapy
Class IV Laser therapy is a cutting-edge technology. We are excited to offer the benefits of this therapy to the State College and surrounding communities. When other treatment options have failed, we are confident that Class IV Laser can help you get the pain relief you need.
Although it works rapidly, it is safe and painless, offering several benefits, including:
- Reduced inflammation
- Increased range of motion
- Decreased pain
- Quicker tissue regeneration
- Less downtime and faster recovery
- Reduced scar tissue
- Improved circulation
- Enhanced cell and tissue function
At our State College Chiropractic clinic, we only offer treatment options that are safe, proven, and trusted. Start living to your fullest potential, free of pain and discomfort.
What to expect when receiving class IV laser therapy
Laser therapy treatments last from 5-10 minutes and are painless.
Dr. Brummert uses a handheld device over the impacted area of the body. The device emits light onto and into the skin (not over clothing). The patient usually feels warmth where the treatment is administered. This is described as soothing by most patients and is not uncomfortable.
In most cases, we expect patients to feel some relief within the first four to six treatments; however, many individuals have reported significant relief within just one or two treatments.
Class IV Laser Therapy in State College
If you are ready to take the next step to heal your injuries once and for all, give laser therapy a try today. We can get you back to doing the activities that you love quickly and safely.
Speed up your recovery today.