Home / Technology / Deep Tissue Class IV Laser Therapy
The LIGHTFORCE® XLI Therapy Laser is a medical device Dr. Caroline of Balance Atlanta Family Chiropractic uses for therapeutic purposes. It utilizes low-level laser therapy (LLLT), known as cold laser therapy or photobiomodulation, to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, faster recovery, and alleviate pain in patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
Dr. Caroline may integrate laser therapy into treatment plans that include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle recommendations to optimize results and promote long-term musculoskeletal health.
The LIGHTFORCE® XLI Therapy Laser is equipped with high-power laser diodes that emit specific wavelengths of light in the near-infrared spectrum. These wavelengths penetrate deep into the tissues, reaching target areas such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
The laser energy delivered by the LIGHTFORCE® XLI Therapy Laser stimulates cellular metabolism and promotes various biological effects through photobiomodulation. This includes increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, enhanced cellular repair and regeneration, improved circulation, and modulation of inflammatory mediators.
The LIGHTFORCE® XLI Therapy Laser helps alleviate pain by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue healing. The laser energy inhibits the transmission of pain signals, blocks pain receptors, and activates endogenous opioid pathways, resulting in pain relief for patients with acute or chronic pain conditions.
The LIGHTFORCE® XLI Therapy Laser accelerates tissue healing by stimulating fibroblast activity, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels). This promotes the repair of damaged tissues, reduces scar formation, and enhances the overall healing process for patients recovering from injuries or surgeries.
LIGHTFORCE® XLI Therapy Laser is a non-invasive and safe treatment modality that does not require anesthesia or sedation. The laser energy is delivered directly to the target tissues without causing thermal damage or adverse side effects, making it suitable for patients of all ages and conditions.
The LIGHTFORCE® XLI Therapy Laser allows Dr. von Fluegge-Chen to customize treatment parameters, such as laser power, treatment duration, and pulse frequency, based on each patient's specific needs and condition. This flexibility ensures personalized and effective treatment for various musculoskeletal issues.
The LIGHTFORCE® XLi Therapy Laser features Adaptive Power Control, which makes it safe for use on children, teens, and adults and is even effective for patients recovering from spinal surgery or healing broken bones, offering targeted pain relief without invasive procedures.
LIGHTFORCE® XLI Therapy Laser can be used as a standalone therapy or combined with other chiropractic techniques and modalities to provide comprehensive patient care.
During a typical cold laser therapy session at our chiropractic clinic, we strive to create a comfortable and relaxing environment for our patients, with the goal of helping them achieve optimal health.
Here’s what to expect:
Before commencing the cold laser therapy session, a thorough evaluation of the patient’s condition is conducted to assess their symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. This evaluation aids in tailoring the treatment plan to meet the individual’s needs.
The treatment area is prepared once the evaluation is complete and it’s determined that cold laser therapy is suitable. This may involve positioning the patient comfortably on a treatment table and ensuring accessibility to the treatment area.
The cold laser device is applied to the skin over the affected area. Emitting low-intensity laser light, it provides a painless and noninvasive treatment. Patients may experience a slight warming sensation or tingling during the application, though most find the treatment comfortable and relaxing.
The duration of a cold laser therapy session varies depending on the specific condition and size of the treatment area. Typically, sessions last between 5 to 20 minutes per treated area.
Sometimes, patients may be asked to move the affected area during the treatment session gently. This ensures effective penetration of the laser light into the tissues, reaching all areas requiring treatment.
Following the cold laser therapy session, patients may receive recommendations for home care or additional therapies to complement the effects of the treatment. This may include stretches, exercises, or lifestyle modifications to optimize recovery and promote long-term healing.
Depending on the patient’s response to treatment and condition, a series of cold laser therapy sessions may be recommended to achieve optimal results. A tailored treatment plan is discussed, and any necessary follow-up appointments are scheduled.
A typical cold laser therapy session at our chiropractic clinic is designed to be gentle, effective, and tailored to the patient’s specific needs.
Class IV laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses concentrated light energy to stimulate the
body’s natural healing processes. The light penetrates deep into muscles, joints, and ligaments,
reducing pain and inflammation while speeding recovery. This technique is based on
photobiomodulation, where light energy interacts with cells to improve their function and repair capacity.
It is widely recognized in sports medicine and is used by professional athletes worldwide as a leading
therapy for faster recovery and long-term performance.
The therapy uses photobiomodulation, a process where light energy is absorbed by cells, boosting
energy production and stimulating repair. This increases circulation, reduces swelling, and calms
inflammation, which helps the body recover faster. Unlike pain medications that only mask discomfort,
Class IV laser therapy addresses the underlying cause of pain and promotes natural healing. It is
particularly valuable in chiropractic care, where reducing inflammation and restoring mobility enhances
the effects of spinal adjustments.
Class IV laser therapy is effective for both acute and chronic musculoskeletal issues. It is commonly
used for back pain, sciatica, neck pain, herniated discs, arthritis, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, sprains,
strains, and repetitive stress injuries. It also accelerates recovery from sports injuries and supports
tissue healing after overuse. Because it reduces inflammation and stimulates repair at the cellular level,
laser therapy is a versatile treatment that benefits a wide range of chiropractic patients.
Yes. Class IV laser therapy is FDA-cleared, drug-free, and non-invasive. It does not burn or damage
tissue. Instead, it uses therapeutic wavelengths of light to support cellular repair. Patients wear
protective glasses during treatment, but the procedure itself is safe and painless. Most people feel only
a gentle warmth in the treated area. Because it enhances natural healing rather than suppressing
symptoms, it is considered a safe and effective option for long-term pain relief.
A handheld laser device is moved over the painful or injured area, delivering light energy directly to the
tissues. Each session typically lasts 5–15 minutes, depending on the size and severity of the condition.
Patients often describe the sensation as soothing warmth. Many notice immediate improvements, such
as reduced stiffness or greater range of motion, with repeated sessions, benefits accumulate, leading to
stronger and more lasting results, especially when paired with chiropractic adjustments.
The number of sessions depends on the condition and severity. Acute injuries often respond within 4–6
treatments, while chronic issues may require 10–12 or more for lasting improvement. Each session
builds on the last, gradually reducing inflammation and supporting tissue repair. Some patients also
undergo periodic maintenance treatments to control symptoms. Athletes often schedule regular
sessions as part of their recovery routine, using laser therapy to maintain peak performance and
prevent re-injury.
Relief can often be felt after the very first session, with patients reporting less pain or greater ease of
movement. For others, improvements develop over several treatments as healing builds. Because laser
therapy reduces inflammation and enhances tissue repair, results tend to last beyond the treatment
period. Professional athletes frequently use it due to its ability to provide both immediate relief and
long-term recovery support, enabling them to return to training and competition more quickly.
Photobiomodulation is the scientific term for how light energy interacts with cells. When therapeutic light
penetrates tissue, it is absorbed by the mitochondria — the “powerhouses” of the cell — which boosts
energy production (ATP). This speeds up healing, reduces inflammation, and calms pain signals. It also
improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to damaged tissues. Photobiomodulation is the foundation of
Class IV laser therapy, making it a trusted, evidence-based approach to natural tissue repair.
Yes. Laser therapy is widely used in sports medicine and physical rehabilitation to accelerate healing.
By stimulating cellular repair and reducing swelling, it shortens recovery times for sprains, strains,
tendon injuries, and muscle soreness. Professional athletes rely on Class IV laser therapy to maintain
performance, recover from injuries quickly, and reduce downtime. For everyday patients, the same
technology offers faster healing, improved mobility, and reduced pain for common musculoskeletal
conditions.
Most patients experience reduced pain, improved mobility, and a faster recovery from injuries or chronic
conditions. Acute problems, such as sprains, may resolve within weeks, while long-standing conditions,
like arthritis, improve gradually with consistent care. Because Class IV laser therapy stimulates natural
healing rather than masking symptoms, results are often long-lasting. Patients frequently report that
they can return to their daily activities more comfortably and enjoy an improved quality of life with
regular treatment.