At HealthSource Chiropractic of Roseland, laser therapy is one tool that Dr. Jenna Patel, D.C., may add to your care plan after she examines you. We use a Class IV laser, and we see it as a helper, not the whole plan. Here is what a session is like, who it may suit and what the research can and cannot tell you.
What Class IV laser therapy is
Class IV laser therapy aims focused light through the skin at sore muscles, tendons or joints. The idea is that this light energy may affect cells in the area. As a result, it may help ease pain for some people. There are no needles and no cuts.
“Class IV” is a power rating. The FDA sorts lasers into hazard classes from I to IV, and the higher the class, the more powerful the laser. You can read more in the FDA’s answers to common laser questions. Because of that power, safe use takes training and eye protection. Dr. Patel has extra training in laser therapy, along with sports injury rehab and movement analysis.
What to expect during a laser therapy session
First, we check the area and go over why laser is in your plan. Next, you get comfortable on the table with the skin over the sore spot uncovered. Because Class IV light can harm the eyes, you wear protective glasses. Then we guide the laser over the area.
You may feel mild warmth on the skin. If it ever feels too warm, tell us right away so we can adjust. Session length depends on the area we treat, so ask us when we go over your plan. Afterward, we talk through how the area feels and what comes next.
How laser fits with the rest of your care
We use laser as one part of a care plan. Dr. Patel’s approach mixes hands-on chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, exercise rehab, and nutrition and lifestyle guidance. She looks for the source of the problem, not only the symptoms. So if laser is in your plan, it sits next to other care, such as exercise rehab.
Who laser therapy may suit
Dr. Patel may suggest laser for some joint and soft tissue problems. For example, it may be part of care for shoulder and arm pain or foot and ankle pain. It may also play a role with sports injuries, hip and knee pain, or arthritis. Even so, every case is different. That is why she evaluates you first and only then decides if laser makes sense.
When laser may not be right
Laser is not for everyone. Clinicians tend to avoid it over a known cancer and over the belly during pregnancy. In addition, tell Dr. Patel about any medicine that makes your skin sensitive to light. If you have sudden severe pain, new weakness or numbness, or pain after a fall or crash, see a medical doctor or go to the ER first.
What the research does and does not show
We want to be straight with you about the evidence. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says researchers do not fully understand how laser may ease pain. In its summary of research on low back pain, it rates the evidence for low-level laser as low to moderate quality. One review found it may help, but only at higher doses.
Keep in mind that low-level lasers run at lower power than a Class IV unit, so those findings may not carry over exactly. For that reason, we do not promise that laser will speed recovery or end your pain. Instead, we treat it as something that may help, and we check how you respond along the way. If it does not seem to help, ask Dr. Patel about other options.
Questions to ask about laser therapy
Dr. Patel explains your report of findings and care plan before any care starts. That is a good time to ask questions like these:
- Why is laser in my plan, and what else is in it?
- How will we know if it is helping?
- What happens if I skip it?
- Does my insurance plan cover it?
Take your time to decide. A good plan should make sense to you before you start.
Insurance and getting started in Roseland
We accept most major insurance plans, but coverage differs from plan to plan, so call us to verify yours. We also offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit, plus the APEX discount plan. For details, see our insurance and financing options.
New to our office? Ask about our new-patient visit: consultation, exam and X-rays if clinically needed. The offer is for new patients only. It does not apply to Medicare, Medicaid, other federal healthcare program patients or ACN members. You can find us at 12 Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 1, in the Downtowne At Roseland complex.
This page about laser treatment is for education only and is not a diagnosis.