Class IV Laser Therapy
How It Works
What Is Class IV Laser Therapy?
The Class IV Laser is a powerful and highly effective tool useful for accelerating healing and reducing pain. It utilizes specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to stimulate the body's natural ability to heal.
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What Are The Benefits of Laser?
Some of the numerous benefits of Class IV Laser therapy include:​
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Improved healing time
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Relief from muscle and joint soreness
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Accelerate healing of soft tissue tears, bone fractures and surgical wounds
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Pain reduction
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Increased circulation and decreased swelling
Class IV Laser Therapy is an FDA cleared therapeutic treatment that manages pain and inflammation while accelerating tissue regeneration. Class IV has significantly more healing capacity than Class III or lower and is a powerful tool used to speed up the body's natural healing process. Laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen, and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm, stiffness and pain.
Some of the common conditions treated include:
• Acute and chronic back, neck & joint injuries • Headaches, migraines, sinuses, TMJ pain • Whiplash & car accident injuries • Fractures, strains, sprains, muscle, tendon & ligament injuries from day-to-day tasks or sports injuries • Nerve entrapment syndromes (sciatica, carpal tunnel, tarsal tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome) • Scoliosis, failed back syndrome, rupture/bulged discs, arthritis • Foot/arch pain, plantar fasciitis, wrist & hand injuries • Pre/post-surgical care - safe over surgical staples, pins, rods, pacemaker! • General health and well-being Other healthcare therapies or modalities that may complement your Class IV Laser goals include: -Chiropractic Adjustment & Soft Tissue Therapies -Shockwave/Ultrasound Therapy -TENS -Traction, ART, MRT, Graston, GuaSha, Cupping -Infrared Sauna (Hyperthermy/Heat Therapy) -Registered Massage -Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture -Dry Needling Acupuncture
Laser is ideal for a variety of physical conditions and ages, with settings adjustable for various needs. A few things to consider before booking:
-Laser is not for directly treating the thyroid, eyes, malignant or benign tumours
-Laser should not be used on patients with cancer or with a history of cancer -As the pigments in tattoos have the potential to heat up, laser treatment is not advised over a tattoo, however, we can potentially treat from another direction or angle as the laser has a depth of 10cm (Shockwave may be another alternative). -Unfortunately, there have been limited studies on the effects of laser therapy on pregnant women (much like the 'no hot-tub' rule) so laser will not be available for these ladies, however, we encourage our Mums-to-be to consider Chiropractic, kinesio taping, massage and acupuncture for much needed relief!
**Please keep in mind that our Class IV Laser can safely treat over pacemakers and anelgesic pumps and is a good choice for folks with surgical staples, pins, rods, bone fractures, ligament/muscle pulls or tears!
You may be familiar with how powerful laser light can be utilized for very fine surgical precision. Our laser delivers specific red and near-infrared wavelengths of laser light over a larger area to reach a vast number of cells instead.
The powerful laser light energy induces a photochemical reaction in your cells similar to the process of photosynthesis in plants, when the light is absorbed by your cells it creates energy for your cells to to fulfill the natural healing process but at an accelerated rate.
This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions 4 to 6 treatments may be sufficient. Those of a more chronic nature may require 6 to 12 (or more) treatments. Conditions such as severe arthritis or migraines may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.
Acute conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they are accompanied by significant pain. Chronic problems also respond better when treatments are received 2 to 3 times a week, tapering to once a week or once every other week, with improvement.
You may feel improvement in your condition (usually pain reduction) after the very first treatment. Sometimes you will not feel improvement for a number of treatments. This does not mean that the condition is not improving. Each treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after 3 or 4 sessions.
Yes! Laser Therapy is often combined with Chiropractic, Shockwave Therapy, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture and even following surgery. Other healing modalities are complementary and can be used with laser to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
A therapeutic laser treatment plan under the guidance of Dr. Sacco can be direct billed on to your insurance plan under Chiropractic coverage.
The typical treatment is 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of the area/region being treated - you may be treated in more than one area per session. Follow-up sessions target therapy to up to 3 regions of the body and are designed to accelerate tissue healing in between Chiropractic visits.
There is little or no sensation during treatment. Occasionally one feels a mild, soothing warmth or tingling. Areas of pain or inflammation may be sensitive briefly before pain reduction - not to worry, this is normal and indicates that your body is responding to the positive changes we are making. Consider adding a relaxing sauna to accelerate healing and improve circulation after treatment. If interested, feel free to inquire with reception about purchasing epsom bathsalts, joint/muscle nutritional supplements and Biofreeze pain reliver products for home use in between treatment.
During more than twenty years of use by healthcare providers all over the world, very few side effects have ever been reported. Occasionally some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response is more active after treatment. Those recieiving steroid pain injections may not want to have laser in that region for the first few days as the laser is powerful enough to dampen the effects of the injection, however, having laser beforehand can be beneficial in order to create a more optimal healing environment.
Yes! There are thousands of published studies demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of Class IV Laser Therapy. Among these, there are more than one hundred rigorously controlled, scientific studies that document the effectiveness of laser for many clinical conditions. Powerful modalities such as Class IV Laser and Shockwave Therapy (available in our clinic) are often preferred to various treatments or surgeries due to their effectiveness and non-invasiveness. We are thrilled to provide patients access to these amazing tools.
Prior to your first visit, please take a few moments to complete the appropriate New Patient Intake paperwork found within your confirmation email or arrive 10-minutes early to complete a paper version, as this will provide our team with the required information to evaluate your health needs to ensure the utmost care. During your first visit, you will share information about your health, such as any injury or surgery, medications, family health history and your reasons for seeking Class IV Laser at this time. A physical assessment may include: posture, range of motion, reflexes, vitals, and other orthopaedic and neurologic tests. Often, the first recommended course of care will be Chiropractic or massage for best results. If Laser Therapy is determined to be the best course of care for your specific needs, we will then proceed with the Laser treatment.
During your first treatment, the laser is a passive device, a mild warmth and a beeping may take place throughout. Gown or shorts are provided if needed. Your required treatment plan will be outlined for your optimal results. Should you be interested in Chiropractic adjustment or some soft tissue techniques for enhanced range of motion, please note during booking. Some patients may require x-rays in order to provide greater insight into their condition, at that point in time we will provide you with the required referral information.​ After your treatment, some homecare recommendations may have been suggested to you including gentle stretches or exercises, water/diet/lifestyle modifications, ice/heat application and various follow-up treatment. Expect to book several consecutive treatments at first for best results or on occasion for the pain reduction of acute flare-ups. As they have accumulated over time, chronic conditions may require additional time to correct. Your compliance with our team's recommendations will ensure optimal results!



