Class 4 laser therapy, also known as high-power laser therapy or photobiomodulation, delivers specific wavelengths of light energy to targeted tissue at therapeutic doses. The light is absorbed by mitochondria within cells, increasing ATP production and triggering a cascade of physiological effects, including increased local circulation, reduced inflammatory response, and accelerated cellular repair. Unlike lower-powered lasers, Class 4 devices can deliver therapeutic energy to deeper tissue layers — including muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints — in shorter treatment times.
Class 4 Laser Therapy
How does this pair with chiropractic care?
Within a chiropractic setting, laser therapy is often used as an adjunct to manual adjustment and rehabilitative care, addressing soft tissue dysfunction and inflammation that can limit the effectiveness of structural correction alone. Clinical applications include management of lumbar and cervical pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, ligament sprains, and post-exercise or post-injury recovery. Treatment is non-thermal, non-invasive, and does not require medication, making it a low-risk option for patients seeking to reduce pain and inflammation while improving tissue healing capacity. A treatment plan, including frequency and number of sessions, is determined based on individual evaluation.