Laser therapy is a type of treatment that uses a laser to stimulate healing in damaged tissue. It has become increasingly popular in recent years for musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and back pain. However, not all lasers are created equal. There are two main classes of lasers used in therapy: class 3 and class 4. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two classes and the benefits of laser therapy for musculoskeletal conditions.
Class 3 Lasers
Class 3 lasers, also known as cold lasers, use low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate healing in damaged tissue. They emit low levels of light energy, typically less than 500 milliwatts (mW), and are considered safe for use by healthcare professionals. Class 3 lasers do not produce any heat and are non-invasive, meaning they do not require any incisions or injections.
Class 4 Lasers
Class 4 lasers, on the other hand, use high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) to stimulate healing in damaged tissue. They emit high levels of light energy, typically greater than 500 mW, and can produce heat in the tissue. Class 4 lasers are also considered safe for use by healthcare professionals, but they require more caution and should only be used by trained professionals. The Summus Class 4 Laser used at our clinic can produce up to 24W of power- far exceeding the power of any Class 3 or ‘cold laser’.
Differences between Class 3 and Class 4 Lasers
The main difference between class 3 and class 4 lasers is the level of light energy they emit. Class 4 lasers produce higher levels of light energy, which can penetrate deeper into the tissue and stimulate more healing. This means that results are achieved faster with fewer treatments needed than with Class 3 laser.
Benefits of Laser Therapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions
Regardless of the class of laser used, laser therapy has been shown to provide numerous benefits for musculoskeletal conditions. Here are some of the general benefits of laser therapy:
- Pain relief: Laser therapy can help reduce pain in the affected area by stimulating the production of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers.
- Improved circulation: Laser therapy can help improve blood flow and oxygenation in the affected area, stimulating the which can promote healing.
- Reduced inflammation: Laser therapy can help reduce inflammation in the affected area by promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cells, improving circulation, and stimulating the release of oxygen from red blood cells.
- Accelerated healing: Laser therapy can help speed up the healing process by stimulating the production of collagen and ATP (the energy source used by cells) to speed up your recovery.
- Non-invasive: Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment, meaning it does not require any incisions or injections, it has no side effects and has immediate benefits that continue to improve over the following 2-3 days.
Conclusion
In summary, laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment for musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, sciatica, and back pain. While there are differences between class 3 and class 4 lasers, both can provide significant benefits for patients. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to a musculoskeletal condition, laser therapy may be an effective treatment option to consider. Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.