What Is Therapeutic Laser Therapy?
Therapeutic laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to reach below the skin into muscles, joints, tendons and nerves. At Rigby Chiropractic in Tremonton, we use it to help reduce pain and inflammation and support the body's natural healing.
You may hear it called cold laser, low-level laser therapy or class IV laser therapy. These names refer to different power levels. Lower-power lasers deliver gentle energy over a small area, while higher-power class IV lasers can reach deeper tissue in less time. Both work on the same basic principle, and Dr. Rigby will choose the right settings for your needs.
How Laser Therapy Works
Inside your cells are tiny energy producers called mitochondria. Certain wavelengths of light are absorbed by these structures, which may help cells produce more energy and carry out repair work more efficiently. This process is known as photobiomodulation.
In everyday terms, laser therapy is designed to:
- Reduce inflammation.Light energy may help calm the chemical signals that drive swelling.
- Ease pain.Many patients notice reduced pain as irritated nerve endings settle.
- Improve circulation.Treatment may boost local blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the area.
- Support tissue repair.Energized cells may rebuild damaged muscle, tendon and ligament tissue more efficiently.
Conditions Laser Therapy May Help
Laser therapy is a versatile tool used for both recent injuries and long-standing pain, including:
- Back pain and neck pain
- Herniated disc and pinched nerve irritation
- Arthritis and degenerative disc pain
- Shoulder pain, hip pain and knee pain
- Plantar fasciitis and foot pain
- Sports injuries such as sprains, strains and tendonitis
- Auto injury and whiplash soft-tissue damage
- Neuropathy symptoms like numbness, tingling and burning feet, as part of a complete nerve care program
Our Laser Therapy Approach in Tremonton
Laser therapy works best as part of a full plan, not as a stand-alone fix. After your exam, we identify the tissue involved and the mechanical issues contributing to it.
Depending on your needs, laser may be combined with:
- Chiropractic adjustments to improve joint motion
- Spinal decompression for disc-related pain
- Shockwave therapy for stubborn tendon problems
- Corrective care and rehab exercises to rebuild strength and stability
What a Laser Therapy Session Feels Like
Laser therapy is comfortable and quick. You and your provider will wear protective eyewear. The handheld laser is moved over the treatment area, sometimes with light contact on the skin.
Most patients feel a soothing warmth, especially with higher-power lasers, while lower-power lasers often produce little or no sensation. Treatment time usually runs from a few minutes to around 15 minutes depending on the area. There is no downtime, so you can return to your day right away.
How Many Laser Sessions Will I Need?
Laser therapy effects tend to build with repeated sessions. Acute injuries may respond within a handful of visits, while chronic problems or neuropathy usually need a longer series. Sessions are often scheduled a few times per week at first and then spaced out as you improve.
We'll review how you're responding along the way and adjust your plan as needed.
Who Should Avoid Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy is very safe when used properly, but it is not used:
- Directly over the eyes (protective eyewear is always worn)
- Over known or suspected cancer
- Over the abdomen or low back during pregnancy
- Over the thyroid gland or active growth plates in children
- On skin recently treated with light-sensitizing medications, without review
- Over tattoos at high power, since dark ink absorbs more energy
Let us know about any medications, health conditions or pregnancy before your first session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does laser therapy hurt?
No. Laser therapy is painless. With higher-power lasers you'll typically feel gentle, pleasant warmth. With lower-power lasers you may feel nothing at all. If an area ever feels too warm, the settings are adjusted right away.
What is the difference between cold laser and class IV laser?
The main difference is power. Cold laser, or low-level laser, uses lower power and typically needs longer treatment times to deliver a dose. Class IV lasers deliver more energy, can reach deeper tissue and often treat an area faster. Both aim to support healing through the same light-based process.
Can laser therapy help with neuropathy?
Laser therapy is commonly used as part of neuropathy care to support circulation and nerve function. Many patients report less numbness, tingling or burning over time. Results vary depending on how much nerve damage is present, so we evaluate each case before recommending treatment.
How soon will I feel results from laser therapy?
Some patients notice reduced pain after their first few sessions. Since laser therapy supports the healing process, benefits typically build over a series of visits. Long-standing conditions usually take more sessions than recent injuries.
Is laser therapy safe?
When performed by trained providers with proper eye protection, laser therapy is considered very safe. It is non-invasive and drug-free, with no known lasting side effects for appropriate candidates.
Put Light to Work on Your Pain
If pain or inflammation is slowing you down, laser therapy may help your body recover more comfortably. Schedule a visit with our Tremonton team to learn whether it's right for you.
Conditions We Treat & Related Therapies
- Knee PainNon-surgical care for arthritic, injured or aching knees
- Herniated & Bulging DiscsNon-surgical care for herniated, bulging and slipped discs
- Shoulder PainNon-surgical care for stiff, aching or injured shoulders
- NeuropathyDrug-free care for numbness, tingling and burning nerve pain
- Arthritis & Degenerative DiscGentle care for spinal arthritis, stenosis and disc wear
- Red Light TherapyGentle red and near-infrared light to support recovery
- Shockwave TherapyAcoustic wave therapy for stubborn tendon, heel and joint pain
- Spinal DecompressionGentle, non-surgical relief for disc pain and nerve pressure