Health article
What is Class IV laser therapy, and how is it different from cold laser?
By Pamer Chiropractic Health Center, Akron, Ohio
Class IV laser therapy uses an FDA-cleared medical laser to deliver light energy into tissue, with the goal of reducing pain and inflammation and supporting the body's natural recovery. It differs from low-level (cold) laser mainly in power output: Class IV delivers more power, which changes how much energy reaches the tissue and how long sessions last. Pamer Chiropractic Health Center in Akron is the area's only provider of the ReliefNow Laser Method. Patients from Green, North Canton, Uniontown, Cuyahoga Falls, Barberton and other communities across Summit, Stark and Medina counties are welcome at the Akron office.
How does laser therapy work?
A handpiece is placed on or near the area of concern, and light energy is delivered through the skin into the tissue below. The intended effects include reduced pain and inflammation and support for the body's own recovery processes.
It is worth being precise about what this does and does not mean. The research on therapeutic laser is evolving, and effects are described carefully: laser therapy may help, results vary, and it should be understood as one tool in a care plan rather than a standalone cure.
Class IV vs. low-level (cold) laser
Low-level laser therapy, sometimes called cold laser, operates at a lower power output and typically needs longer or more frequent sessions to deliver comparable energy. Class IV lasers deliver a higher power output, which means more energy can be delivered in a shorter session.
Neither is automatically better for every condition. The distinction is about power delivery and session design, and the right approach depends on the condition and the patient.
What is it used for?
At the clinic, Class IV laser therapy may be part of care for joint pain, back and neck pain, neuropathies, plantar fasciitis, tendon and soft tissue injuries, and sports injuries. It is commonly combined with chiropractic care or physiotherapy.
Because it is supportive care, laser therapy works best when the underlying issue is understood first, which is why an exam always comes before a recommendation.
What does a session feel like?
Sessions are short, often 10 to 20 minutes, and non-invasive. Most people feel a gentle warmth where the handpiece is applied, and there is no downtime afterward.
Protective eyewear is used during treatment. If you have questions about safety or candidacy, the clinic is straightforward about who should and should not have laser therapy.
What does the research say?
Clinical trials on therapeutic laser report mixed results: some studies show reduced pain for low back pain, neck pain and tendinopathy, while others show more modest effects. Study quality varies, and the response is individual.
One useful frame is the FDA clearance. Class IV therapy lasers are FDA-cleared as medical devices for temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain and stiffness, minor arthritis pain and muscle spasm, and temporary increase in local blood circulation. That is a specific, modest claim, and the clinic uses it as the honest basis for what laser therapy can do.
What this means for you
Class IV laser therapy is a short, non-invasive option that may help with pain and inflammation when it is part of a well-matched plan. Ask Dr. Pamer whether laser therapy fits your condition during a consultation; if it does not, he will recommend what does.
When to see a chiropractor or doctor
Laser therapy is supportive care, so serious symptoms belong in the emergency room first: chest pain, sudden severe headache, loss of bladder or bowel control, or a hot, red, swollen area can all signal something urgent. For everyday pain that is not improving, a chiropractic evaluation is a good next step.
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Common questions
Is Class IV laser therapy painful?
No. You typically feel a gentle warmth at the treatment site. Sessions are short and there is no recovery time.
Is laser therapy the same as cold laser?
No. Cold laser (low-level laser) uses lower power output; Class IV delivers more power in a shorter session. Both aim to influence tissue response, and the right choice depends on the situation.
How many sessions will I need?
The number depends on the condition and your response. Dr. Pamer outlines a course after your exam and reviews progress as you go.
Is laser therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Call (330) 724-9331 and the office will check your benefits before you start.
Who should not have laser therapy?
It may not be appropriate over certain tumors, in pregnancy over the abdomen, or with some light-sensitive conditions or medications. Candidacy is reviewed at the exam.
Last updated October 2026