Class 4 Laser Therapy

Here at Soma Hand Therapy, we are always looking for ways to improve the care we provide by utilizing modern technologies like class 4 laser therapy (AKA: Class IV Laser Therapy).

What is it?

Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects. The red light wavelengths in Class IV Laser Therapy rapidly penetrate deeper and more efficiently into the affected nerves, ligaments, muscles, or tissues. The targeted tissue responds at the cellular level via cell metabolism.

The process stimulates ATP (Adenosine triphosphate). ATP is responsible for driving many functions in the cells, including speeding up healing. It also:

• Promotes better circulation

• Increases energy levels

• Enhances neuron functions

• Improves the immune defense

• Inhibits platelet aggregation and coagulation

• Activates the T-cells and macrophages by stimulating the immune system

Infrared light increases energy in therapies where fatigue is an issue. It also stimulates ATP production for cellular energy.

What are the benefits of Class IV Laser Therapy?

• Pain relief

• Inflammation Reduction

• Increased tissue regeneration, enabling faster tissue and bone repair.

• Improved Nerve Function

• Enhanced cell metabolism, enzymatic responses, collagen production, and angiogenesis.

• Improved vascular activity

What conditions are Class IV Laser Therapy used for?

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)

• Golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis)

• Elbow Joint Pain

• Fibromyalgia

• TMJ Pain

• DeQuervains (first dorsal tenosynovitis)

• Osteoarthritis

• Tendinopathies

• Ligament Sprains

• Repetitive Stress injuries

• Burns

• Sports Injuries

• Shoulder injuries

• Neck and Back Pain

• Post-surgery pain

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Thumb and finger arthritis

• Rib Pain

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

How often should I be treated?

Acute conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they are accompanied by significant pain. More chronic problems respond better when treatments are received 2 to 3 times a week, tapering to once a week or once every other week, with improvement.

How many treatments does it take?

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 may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.

How long before I feel the results?

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.

How long does each treatment take?

The typical treatment is 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.

Has effectiveness been demonstrated scientifically?

Yes. There are thousands of published studies demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of Laser Therapy. Laser therapy is a safe intervention and has been FDA approved for use in the clinic for various conditions.

What are the contraindications for laser therapy?

• Do not treat over growth plates in children.

• Do not treat pregnant patients over the abdominal area or the low back/ pelvic area.

• Avoid treating around glandular tissue (such as thyroid, testes, ovaries).

• Do not treat over pacemakers or internal pain pumps.

• Do not treat patients taking photosensitive medications (such as steroids or antibiotics)

Can laser be used over metal/implants?

Yes, laser can be used over metal implants/ hardware. At the irradiance levels used, light will simply bounce off of metal. There will be no heating that takes place at depth when using lasers within recommended parameters.