Class IV Laser Therapy
High-power therapeutic laser — photobiomodulation — that reaches deep tissue to calm inflammation, ease pain and support repair. No needles, no anesthetic, no downtime.
What it involves
Class IV laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of near-infrared light to reach deep structures — joints, tendons, muscles and nerves — that superficial devices cannot effectively treat. You are given protective eyewear and the handpiece is moved over the area in a gentle, controlled pattern. Sessions run five to fifteen minutes depending on the size and depth of the target, and most patients describe a comfortable warming sensation.
Who it helps
- +Acute and chronic joint pain — knee, shoulder, hip, ankle
- +Tendinopathy, tendon injuries, bursitis and plantar fasciitis
- +Muscle strains and soft-tissue injuries
- +Arthritis pain and stiffness
- +Peripheral neuropathy and nerve pain
- +Recovery after injury or surgery, including wound healing
- +Anyone who wants a non-invasive option, or a complement to therapy, shockwave or an orthobiologic
Recovery
None. Treatment is performed in the office, you may drive yourself, and you return to your day immediately. Many patients notice relief after the first session; a full series gives the most durable improvement.
In the office
Your plan is built around your diagnosis, symptom severity, prior treatments, imaging and examination findings, and your activity goals. Acute problems often respond in three to six sessions; chronic problems usually benefit from eight to twelve, with maintenance as needed. Laser is typically a self-pay service with pricing given up front, and it is not used over active cancer, the eyes, or a pregnancy.
Common questions
Is laser therapy painful?+
Most patients find it completely comfortable. Many describe a pleasant warming sensation during treatment. There are no needles and no recovery period.
How many treatments will I need?+
Acute problems often respond in three to six sessions. Chronic problems typically benefit from eight to twelve, with periodic maintenance sessions when the condition is long-standing.
Is it covered by insurance?+
Class IV laser therapy is typically a self-pay service. You are given transparent, upfront pricing before any treatment.
How should I prepare?+
No special preparation is needed. Wear loose clothing that exposes the area, skip heavy lotions on the skin, stay well hydrated, and keep up any prescribed exercises or therapy between sessions. Avoid anti-inflammatories around your sessions when possible, and avoid nicotine during the treatment course. You may drive yourself.
Are there reasons not to have it?+
Laser is not applied over areas of active cancer, directly to the eyes, or over a pregnancy. You are screened before treatment begins, and protective eyewear is worn during every session.
Does it replace other treatment?+
It works best as part of a plan. Laser is often combined with physical therapy, focused shockwave for chronic tendon problems, or an orthobiologic such as PRP or BMAC, alongside a guided return to activity.
Printable patient guide
Your Guide to Class IV Laser Therapy — what the treatment is, how a session works, what to expect afterward, how to prepare, and answers to the questions patients ask most. Two pages, printable.
Download the laser therapy guideNot sure this is your path?
Two quick questions will point you to a sensible starting point.
Other treatments
PRP
A concentrate made from your own blood, injected into an irritated tendon, ligament or joint to support the body's own healing response.
Non-surgicalMicrofat
A small amount of your own fat tissue, gently processed and placed into a painful joint to cushion and calm irritated surfaces.
Non-surgicalBMAC
Cells drawn from your own bone marrow, concentrated and delivered to a damaged joint or tendon to support repair.
Non-surgicalShockwave
Non-invasive acoustic energy directed at a painful tendon or bone to stimulate blood flow and reduce chronic pain.
Non-surgicalConservative care
The first line of treatment for most joint and tendon problems: activity modification, anti-inflammatories or acetaminophen, ice, bracing or a cane when helpful, and physician-directed physical therapy.
SurgicalArthroscopy
Small-incision joint surgery using a camera and precise instruments — for repair work that biologics and therapy cannot reach.
SurgicalShoulder reconstruction
Rebuilding a shoulder that has lost its stability or its cuff — from anchor-suture repair to complex revision and instability surgery.
Non-surgical & surgicalShoulder arthritis
A worn shoulder joint doesn't have to mean giving up what you love. Care ranges from therapy and biologic injections to total shoulder replacement when the joint is truly worn out.
Non-surgical & surgicalKnee cartilage care
A joint-preserving approach to knee cartilage problems, from therapy and orthobiologics to arthroscopic repair or cartilage restoration when needed.
Non-surgicalSports medicine & longevity
Care for active adults who want to stay in the game, protect their joints and perform at their best — from injury prevention to recovery and long-term resilience.
General information only — not medical advice. Your plan is confirmed in person after an exam and imaging review.