Exploring the Power of Class Four Laser Therapy for Clinical Care at NeuroSport

At NeuroSport, we constantly seek evidence-based, cutting-edge technologies to provide our patients with the most effective pain relief and healing treatments. One such tool that has transformed clinical care is the LightForce® 40W XLi Class Four Laser. This powerful treatment has shown tremendous promise in addressing a variety of conditions, from nerve injuries to post-surgical pain.

What is Class Four Laser Therapy?

Class Four lasers represent the highest classification of clinically useful “medical lasers”, distinguished by their ability to deliver high-powered energy deep into the tissues. The LightForce® 40W XLi exemplifies this technology, offering rapid and efficient treatments through photobiomodulation (PBM), a process where light energy interacts with cells to promote healing. (Graeme, Farivar) This technology is far more potent than lower-powered lasers, reaching deeper tissues to stimulate cellular activity, reduce inflammation, and enhance blood flow.

The Science Behind Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation (PBM) occurs when the light emitted from the laser penetrates the skin and underlying tissues. Photobiomodulation (light energy interacting with the mitochondria in cells) boosts ATP production (the energy source of cells) and promoting regeneration and healing. (Farivar) Multiple studies have shown that Class Four laser therapy is effective in:

• Improving blood flow: Enhanced circulation means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to injured tissues, accelerating the healing process.

• Reducing inflammation: Laser therapy works to reduce swelling and inflammation, which are often the primary sources of pain.

• Stimulating nerve regeneration: For those suffering from nerve injuries, the light energy has been shown to encourage nerve tissue repair, speeding recovery and reducing pain.

Clinical Applications at NeuroSport

At NeuroSport, we see a wide range of patients who can benefit from Class Four laser therapy, including those dealing with:

1. Nerve Injuries: Whether due to carpal tunnel syndrome, sports injuries, accidents, or post-surgical complications. Class Four laser can be helpful to reduce nerve pain. The LightForce® 40W XLi helps reduce pain and inflammation while supporting nerve regeneration. (Ezzati)

2. Sports Injuries: Athletes often face muscle strains, ligament sprains, and joint injuries that require fast and effective treatment. There is a reason many professional sport teams use class four lasers. The deep tissue penetration of the Class Four laser ensures that these injuries are addressed at their root, promoting faster recovery and allowing athletes to return to their sport more quickly. (Coulter)

3. Post-Surgical Pain: Recovering from surgery can be painful and lengthy. The literature suggests Class Four laser therapy can help reduce post-surgical wound pain, reduce swelling, and improve healing time, making it an ideal option for patients seeking a non-pharmacological method for managing postsurgical discomfort. (Ezzati)

4. Chronic Pain Conditions: Conditions such as migraine, arthritis or persistent musculoskeletal pain can also benefit from the improved blood flow and tissue healing stimulated by Class Four laser therapy. (Tomaz)

5. Potential Benefits to Brain Injury: Investigations at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital suggest laser therapy may contribute beneficial clinical effects in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), including neuroprotection, reduction of inflammation and stimulation of neurogenesis. Additional research is needed in the applications of laser to brain injury. (Huang, Abijo, Morries) 

Evidence-Based Results

Recent clinical studies support the effectiveness of Class Four laser therapy across various clinical conditions. Research shows that patients treated with laser therapy experience reduced pain and inflammation, improved range of motion, and faster recovery times. Evidence has also demonstrated that laser therapy is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from neurogenic pain conditions, including those with post-concussion syndrome, which we frequently encounter at NeuroSport.

Additionally, the doctors at NeuroSport are trained to understand the safe applications and noninvasive nature of this powerful treatment, which makes the class four laser an attractive option for patients looking for alternatives to medication or more invasive procedures.

Why Choose Class Four Laser Therapy at NeuroSport?

At NeuroSport, our mission is to provide safe, cutting-edge, evidence-guided care for our patients and promote the responsible use of technology to assist recovery. The LightForce® 40W XLi Class Four Laser allows us to offer a powerful, safe treatment option for a wide variety of conditions. Whether you are an athlete recovering from an injury, dealing with post-surgical pain, or managing select chronic conditions, this technology could be the key to accelerating your healing process.

Contact us today to learn more about Class Four laser therapy and discover if it’s the right treatment for your condition!

Your Path to Recovery, Our Expertise

Selected References:

1. Abijo A, Lee CY, Huang CY, Ho PC, Tsai KJ. The Beneficial Role of Photobiomodulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomedicines. 2023 Jun 26;11(7):1828. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines11071828. PMID: 37509468; PMCID: PMC10377111.

2. Cotler HB, Chow RT, Hamblin MR, Carroll J (2015) The use of low level laser therapy (LLLT) for musculoskeletal pain. MOJ Orthop Rheumatol 2(5):pii 00068

3. Ezzati K, Laakso EL, Saberi A, Yousefzadeh Chabok S, Nasiri E, Bakhshayesh Eghbali B. A comparative study of the dose-dependent effects of low level and high intensity photobiomodulation (laser) therapy on pain and electrophysiological parameters in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2020 Dec;56(6):733-740. doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.19.05835-0. Epub 2019 Nov 18. PMID: 31742366.

4. Ezzati K, Fekrazad R, Raoufi Z. The Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Post-Surgical Pain. J Lasers Med Sci. 2019 Spring;10(2):79-85. doi: 10.15171/jlms.2019.13. Epub 2019 Feb 25. PMID: 31360374; PMCID: PMC6499566.

5. Farivar S, Malekshahabi T, Shiari R. Biological effects of low level laser therapy. J Lasers Med Sci. 2014 Spring;5(2):58-62. PMID: 25653800; PMCID: PMC4291815.

6. Graeme Ewan Glass, Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 41, Issue 6, June 2021, Pages 723–738, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjab025

7. Huang YY, Gupta A, Vecchio D, de Arce VJ, Huang SF, Xuan W, Hamblin MR. Transcranial low level laser (light) therapy for traumatic brain injury. J Biophotonics. 2012 Nov;5(11-12):827-37. doi: 10.1002/jbio.201200077. Epub 2012 Jul 17. PMID: 22807422; PMCID: PMC5379852.

8. Morries LD, Cassano P, Henderson TA. Treatments for traumatic brain injury with emphasis on transcranial near-infrared laser phototherapy. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2015 Aug 20;11:2159-75. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S65809. PMID: 26347062; PMCID: PMC4550182.

9. Tomaz de Magalhães M, Núñez SC, Kato IT, Ribeiro MS. Light therapy modulates serotonin levels and blood flow in women with headache. A preliminary study. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2016 Jan;241(1):40-5. doi: 10.1177/1535370215596383. Epub 2015 Jul 22. PMID: 26202374; PMCID: PMC4935433.