If you're dealing with an aching knee, stubborn tendon pain, a nagging sports injury, or another musculoskeletal problem, you may have heard of Class IV laser therapy.
While the word “laser” might sound futuristic, therapeutic laser treatment is a non-invasive technology that uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with the body's tissues.
At our office, your favorite Rochester, NY chiropractor, we use the LightForce XLi Class IV Therapy Laser (LTS-4000-L-S8) as one of the tools available to help manage pain and support the body's natural recovery processes.
What Is Class IV Laser Therapy?
Class IV laser therapy, also called photobiomodulation therapy, uses therapeutic wavelengths of red and near-infrared light.
Our LightForce XLi is a 40-watt Class IV solid-state laser that uses 810 nm (deeper penetration and stimulates mitochondria at the cellular level) and 980 nm wavelengths (increases blood circulation and provides pain relief). It can operate in both continuous-wave and pulsed modes, allowing treatment parameters to be adjusted for the area and condition being treated.
Unlike a surgical laser, therapeutic laser treatment isn't designed to cut or remove tissue. Instead, light energy is delivered to the treatment area with the goal of influencing cellular activity.
The LTS-4000-L-S8 is specifically designed as a deep-tissue therapy laser, making it useful when treating larger or deeper musculoskeletal areas - this means that this laser unit is ideal for treating many different conditions on many different body types.
How Does the LightForce XLi Work?
One of the primary concepts behind photobiomodulation is that certain wavelengths of light can interact with structures within our cells, particularly the mitochondria.
Mitochondria help produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which provides energy for many cellular processes. Photobiomodulation is thought to influence cellular signaling and energy metabolism, potentially supporting processes involved in tissue recovery.
The LightForce XLi delivers its therapeutic energy through an EmpowerIQ delivery system and a variety of treatment heads. The system includes different contact and non-contact treatment attachments, allowing us to customize and cater every treatment to each specific condition and patient being treated.
In other words, the laser isn't simply “shining light” on the skin. Treatment parameters, wavelength, power, time, treatment area, and delivery method can all be adjusted based on the patient's condition.
Why Use a 40-Watt Class IV Laser?
One of the distinguishing features of the XLi is its 40-watt maximum power.
Higher power allows therapeutic energy to be delivered efficiently, particularly when treating larger or deeper areas.
That doesn't mean that every patient—or every condition—requires 40 watts. More power isn't automatically better. The appropriate settings depend on the individual and the treatment goal.
The advantage of having a high-powered system is the ability to adjust the treatment parameters over a broad range rather than being limited to a single setting.
What Does Laser Therapy Feel Like?
One of the most common questions patients have is:
“Does laser therapy hurt?”
For most patients, treatment is comfortable and non-invasive.
You may notice a gentle warming sensation in the area being treated. The amount of warmth can vary depending on the treatment settings, the area being treated, and the technique being used.
Your treatment should be comfortable, and we can adjust the treatment parameters based on your response.
What Conditions Can It Be Used For?
Laser therapy may be incorporated into care for a variety of musculoskeletal problems, including:
- Knee pain and osteoarthritis
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Back and hip pain
- Achilles pain and plantar fasciitis
- Elbow and wrist pain
- Muscle strains
- Sports-related injuries
- Joint pain
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Other musculoskeletal conditions
Laser therapy isn't a treatment for every condition, and it isn't necessarily appropriate for every patient. Your Rochester, NY chiropractor will first determine what is contributing to your symptoms and whether laser therapy makes sense as part of your overall treatment plan.
More Than Just Temporary Pain Relief
When you're experiencing pain, getting some relief is obviously important.
But the goal of photobiomodulation isn't simply to make an area feel better for a few minutes.
Research into photobiomodulation suggests that therapeutic light can influence cellular signaling, inflammation, circulation, and other biological processes involved in tissue function and recovery - meaning Class IV deep tissue therapy can improve tissue function and accelerate healing times.
That is why we use laser therapy as one component of a broader treatment strategy—not a replacement for chiropractic adjustments, appropriate exercise, rehabilitation, movement, or other care.
A Smart Tool for a Comprehensive Treatment Plan
One of the benefits of having a system like the LightForce XLi is that it can be incorporated with other treatments.
Depending on your condition, your chiropractic treatment plan may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Soft-tissue treatment
- Therapeutic exercise
- Mobility and flexibility work
- Class IV laser therapy
Each treatment serves a different purpose. The goal is to combine the appropriate tools to address the underlying problem and help you get back to the activities you enjoy.
Could Class IV Laser Therapy Be Right for You?
If you're dealing with persistent pain, a stubborn tendon problem, or an injury that isn't responding the way you'd hoped, Class IV laser therapy may be worth discussing with your chiropractor in Rochester, NY.
The LightForce XLi provides another non-invasive treatment option that can be incorporated into a personalized chiropractic and rehabilitation program.
The goal isn't simply to chase the pain. It's to understand why you're hurting and use the appropriate combination of treatments to help you move, function, and recover.
If you're curious whether Class IV laser therapy could be appropriate for your condition, ask us about the LightForce XLi and whether it may be a good addition to your care.
