Class IV Laser Therapy in Lighthouse Point, FL
Class IV laser therapy — also called photobiomodulation or high-intensity laser therapy — uses specific wavelengths of light at therapeutic power levels to produce biological effects deep within tissue. It's a cornerstone of Dr. Carol McNamara Krauss's treatment protocols at McNamara Chiropractic Center, used across the knee, spine, shoulder, and soft tissue programs.
How Laser Therapy Works
The term "photobiomodulation" describes what happens: photo (light) + bio (biological) + modulation (change). When specific wavelengths of near-infrared laser light (typically 810nm, 980nm, or 1064nm) penetrate tissue, they interact with chromophores in the mitochondria of cells — specifically cytochrome c oxidase, the terminal enzyme in the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
This interaction drives several therapeutic effects:
Increased ATP production Mitochondrial stimulation increases ATP (cellular energy currency) production, giving cells more energy to carry out repair processes.
Reduced oxidative stress Laser therapy reduces reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in damaged tissue, which is a major driver of chronic inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory cytokine modulation Laser reduces pro-inflammatory prostaglandins (PGE2), interleukins, and tumor necrosis factor — the molecular mediators of inflammation. This is the mechanism behind its consistent pain-reducing effect.
Stimulation of collagen synthesis Fibroblasts exposed to therapeutic laser produce more collagen, and the collagen produced is better organized. This is critical for tendon and ligament repair.
Increased microcirculation Laser causes vasodilation and stimulates angiogenesis in tissue with poor blood supply — a critical factor for tendons, discs, and cartilage, which are inherently poorly vascularized.
Class IV vs. Cold Laser / LLLT
"Cold laser" or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses power levels of milliwatts. Class IV laser therapy uses power levels measured in watts — typically 6–25 watts. This distinction matters clinically.
For tissue lying 2–4 cm below the skin surface — a disc, a knee joint, a rotator cuff tendon — low-power devices simply don't deliver meaningful energy at the target. Class IV laser power levels are required to penetrate to therapeutic depth in large joints and spinal structures.
Conditions Treated with Class IV Laser
- Back pain and disc-related conditions (part of Spinal Decompression Program)
- Knee osteoarthritis and knee pain (part of Knee Restoration Program)
- Frozen shoulder, rotator cuff, shoulder impingement (part of Shoulder Restoration Program)
- Plantar fasciitis (Plantar Fasciitis Treatment)
- Tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, sports tendinopathies (Sports Injury Recovery Program)
- Neck pain and cervical disc conditions
- Post-surgical tissue healing
- Acute and chronic soft tissue injuries
What a Laser Session Is Like
A laser probe or scanner is moved across the treatment area in a systematic pattern. The session is completely painless — most patients feel a gentle warmth in the area. Treatment times range from 5–15 minutes depending on the area and dosing protocol.
There is no recovery time. You can continue your day normally after treatment.
FAQs
Is Class IV laser safe for everyone? Laser is contraindicated over active malignancy, over the eyes (protective eyewear is always provided), and during pregnancy over the abdomen. Dr. McNamara screens appropriately. It is otherwise safe for a wide range of patients including seniors.
How many sessions? Acute conditions: often 4–8 sessions. Chronic conditions: 10–15 sessions as part of a program. Laser is typically used at every session within multi-modality programs.
Is it covered by insurance? Coverage varies. Call (954) 943-1100 to verify your benefits.
How do I get started? Call (954) 943-1100 or contact us online.
Ready to Feel Better?
Call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Carol McNamara.