Class IV Laser Therapy
Advanced healing through light energy
Class IV laser therapy — also known as high-power photobiomodulation — uses concentrated light energy in the red and near-infrared spectrum to penetrate deep into muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. Unlike lower-power cold lasers, Class IV devices deliver therapeutic doses in minutes rather than hours, reaching tissues that other modalities simply cannot.
At Chiropractic Solutions of Denver, we use FDA-cleared Class IV laser therapy to treat acute injuries, chronic pain conditions, and post-surgical recovery. It is safe, painless, and requires no downtime.
How photobiomodulation works
When laser light enters the body, it is absorbed by a photoreceptor in your cells called cytochrome c oxidase, located in the mitochondria. This triggers a chain of beneficial cellular responses:
- Increased ATP production — your cells generate more energy, accelerating repair and regeneration
- Reduced inflammation — laser therapy decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines while promoting anti-inflammatory molecules
- Enhanced collagen synthesis — strengthens damaged tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue
- Improved circulation — brings more oxygen and nutrients to the injured area
- Nerve function improvement — stimulates nerve cell regeneration and reduces pain signaling
Treatments typically last 5 to 10 minutes per area. Most patients feel a gentle warmth during the session. There is no pain, no needles, and no recovery time needed.
Conditions treated with Class IV laser therapy
Laser therapy is effective across a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions:
- Back and neck pain — disc herniations, muscle spasms, facet joint irritation
- Neuropathy — numbness, tingling, and burning pain in the hands or feet
- Arthritis — pain and stiffness in the knees, hands, hips, and spine
- Tendonitis — Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff, and elbow tendon injuries
- Muscle strains and sprains — accelerates recovery from acute soft tissue injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome — reduces nerve compression symptoms in the wrist
- Bursitis — shoulder, hip, and knee bursitis
- Fibromyalgia — widespread pain and tenderness
- Post-surgical recovery — speeds healing after orthopedic procedures
Why Class IV over Class III (cold laser)?
Class III cold lasers operate at 0.5 watts or less. They can be effective for superficial conditions, but sessions often take 30 minutes or more and the light may not reach deeper structures like spinal discs or hip joints. Class IV lasers operate at higher power levels, allowing therapeutic doses to reach deeper tissues in a fraction of the time.
For conditions involving deep muscles, joints, or nerves, Class IV laser therapy delivers measurably better outcomes in fewer sessions.
How laser therapy works with chiropractic care
Chiropractic adjustments restore proper joint mechanics, but the surrounding soft tissues need to heal for results to hold. Laser therapy accelerates that tissue healing — reducing inflammation around adjusted joints, relaxing muscle guarding, and improving nerve function. When used together, patients often experience faster relief and more durable results.
Dr. Baldwin integrates laser therapy into individualized treatment plans alongside chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitation exercises, and acupuncture as needed.
What to expect
Acute conditions typically respond within 4 to 8 sessions. Chronic conditions may require 6 to 10 sessions. Treatments are usually scheduled 2 to 3 times per week. Many patients report noticeable improvement after the first few sessions.
Is Class IV laser therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment begins. We also offer affordable options for patients paying out of pocket.
Contact us at 303.647.9196 or to find out if Class IV laser therapy in Denver is the right treatment for your condition.