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Class IV Laser Treatment for Osteoarthritis

The FDA originally approved low level laser treatment in 2001 as a safe method for reducing pain caused by arthritis. Therapeutic laser treatment using Class IIIA and Class IV lasers were later approved, and Class IV laser treatment is now used to treat both chronic and acute pain caused by osteoarthritis.

  1. Significance

    • Osteoarthritis is a condition with the potential to cause excessive, chronic pain, since it is a form of arthritis that affects the entire joint, its nearby muscles, ligaments, joint lining, joint cover and underlying bone. Pain is the most significant symptom of osteoarthritis, according to MedicineNet.com's report on the condition.

    Features

    • Class IV laser therapy, also known as photo-medicine and deep tissue therapy, is a type of therapeutic laser therapy that is painless and non-invasive. Class IV lasers are white, red and infra-red light emitted from a handheld device over the affected areas.

    Function

    • Class IV laser therapy reduces inflammation and alleviates pain of the joints caused by osteoarthritis. This is achieved by stimulating rapid healing of the soft tissue.

    How It Works

    • Therapeutic lasers penetrate the skin tissue with light energy, which reaches to the deep tissues and activates the enzymes and metabolic functions of the cells of the target area. The light stimulates proper cell functioning and speeds up the healing process, thereby reducing pain and inflammation.

    Benefits

    • The benefits of Class IV laser treatment for osteoarthritis include rapid healing of the joints, strengthening of the treated tissue, improved blood flow to the affected areas, pain relief, reduced inflammation and an improved immune response.

    Side Effects and Complications

    • Class IV lasers are non-surgical and do not use heat like other laser treatments, making the process safe, painless and free of side effects. According to Acree Chiropractic of Iowa and the Mane Center in Tampa, Fla., there have never been any reported complications or side effects from therapeutic laser treatment.

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