“Laser therapy” covers a wide range of devices, from low-powered handheld units to genuine Class IV clinical lasers — and the difference in what they can actually achieve is significant. Here’s how our 60W Class IV laser actually works.
What “Class IV” actually means
Class IV is an FDA power classification, not a marketing term — it specifically refers to a laser with an output greater than 500 milliwatts. That power threshold is what determines how deeply the light can penetrate into tissue. Higher-powered Class IV lasers can reach therapeutic depths of around 4-6cm, well beyond what lower-powered devices can achieve — which matters a great deal for treating deeper structures like tendons, joints and even bone.
The actual cellular mechanism
This isn’t a vague “energy” claim — there’s a specific, well-studied mechanism. The laser’s infrared wavelength is absorbed by an enzyme in the mitochondria called cytochrome c oxidase, which increases production of ATP — the cellular energy currency required for repair, regeneration and managing inflammation. More available ATP means cells have more energy to actually do the repair work they need to do.
Improved blood flow to the area
The laser also stimulates nitric oxide release, which dilates blood vessels at the treatment site. This increases delivery of oxygen, nutrients and immune cells to the area, and speeds up clearance of inflammatory waste products — a meaningful factor in areas with naturally poor blood supply, like tendons.
What this means for tissue repair specifically
Research on high intensity laser therapy has found it enhances tissue repair through increased fibroblast activity, collagen synthesis and angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) — all of which accelerate healing timelines in muscle and tendon injuries. It also reduces production of pro-inflammatory cytokines while supporting lymphatic drainage, which helps bring down swelling and speeds the resolution of inflammation generally.
A 2023 systematic review covering 48 randomised controlled trials and over 3,000 patients found meaningful improvements in function and range of motion from high intensity laser therapy across musculoskeletal conditions.
Where we use it clinically
Because of its depth of penetration, our 60W Class IV laser is particularly useful for:
- Deep joint inflammation (see Knee & Joint Pain)
- Tendon and ligament injuries that are slow to heal (see Injury & Recovery)
- Bone healing support — fractures, stress fractures and deep structural bruising
- Stubborn inflammation around the neck, shoulders and jaw contributing to referred pain (see Headaches & Migraines and TMJ & Jaw Pain)
Is it a standalone treatment?
It can be, but it’s frequently combined with dry needling or motor point needling — the laser addresses inflammation and cellular repair capacity, while needling addresses the muscular and neuromuscular contributors directly. Together they tend to cover more ground than either approach alone.
Read more on our High Intensity Laser Therapy page, or book an appointment to find out if it’s appropriate for your condition.
