How Long Does Class IV Laser Therapy Take?

Quick Answer: Each Class IV laser therapy session at McNamara Chiropractic Center takes 5 to 15 minutes per area treated. Most patients complete a series of 6 to 12 sessions over 2 to 4 weeks. Treatment is painless with no downtime — you can get back to your day immediately after.

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The Full Answer

Class IV laser therapy (also called high-power laser therapy or photobiomodulation) is one of the fastest-growing treatments in chiropractic and sports medicine — and one of the most misunderstood. Patients often expect a lengthy procedure, but it's actually one of the shortest treatments we offer while still delivering powerful therapeutic results.

Session Duration

A single Class IV laser session takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on:

• Size of the treatment area — A small area like a wrist or ankle takes 5 to 7 minutes; a large area like the lumbar spine or hip may take 10 to 15 minutes
• Depth of the target tissue — Deeper structures require more energy delivery time
• Diagnosis and tissue condition — Acute inflammation is treated differently than chronic fibrotic tissue

If we're treating multiple areas in one visit, total treatment time might run 20 to 30 minutes, but each individual zone is treated in minutes.

Number of Sessions

The typical treatment series for Class IV laser therapy is 6 to 12 sessions, spaced 2 to 3 times per week. Here's a general guide:

Condition Type	Typical Sessions	Timeframe
Acute injury (e.g., recent sprain)	4–8 sessions	2–3 weeks
Subacute inflammation	6–10 sessions	2–4 weeks
Chronic pain / degenerative conditions	8–12 sessions	3–5 weeks
Post-surgical recovery support	10–15 sessions	4–6 weeks

Some patients experience significant relief after just 2 to 4 sessions. Others require the full series before achieving maximum benefit. Dr. McNamara re-evaluates your progress periodically and adjusts the plan based on your response.

What Is Class IV Laser Therapy?

Class IV refers to the power level of the laser — typically above 500 milliwatts, with therapeutic lasers ranging from 1 to 25 watts or more. This higher power allows energy to penetrate deeper into tissue than the Class III "cold lasers" used in many settings.

The treatment works through photobiomodulation — the process by which specific wavelengths of light (typically 810–1064 nm) are absorbed by mitochondria in cells, triggering a cascade of biological effects:

• Increased ATP production — Laser light energizes mitochondria to produce more cellular energy (ATP), accelerating cellular repair
• Reduced inflammation — Decreases prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators
• Enhanced circulation — Stimulates local blood flow and lymphatic drainage
• Nerve regeneration — Supports myelin repair and reduced nerve sensitivity in painful conditions
• Faster tissue healing — Accelerates fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis

What Does It Feel Like?

Class IV laser therapy is completely painless. Most patients feel a gentle, soothing warmth during treatment — similar to a heating pad, but without the surface heat. There is no burning, vibration, or discomfort. Protective eyewear is provided to shield your eyes from the laser wavelength.

There is zero downtime. You can drive yourself home, return to work, exercise, and carry on with your normal day immediately after treatment.

What Conditions Do We Treat with Class IV Laser?

At McNamara Chiropractic Center, we use Class IV laser therapy to treat:

• Neck and back pain (acute and chronic)
• Disc herniations and sciatica
• Shoulder injuries and rotator cuff tendinopathy
• Knee pain and osteoarthritis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Post-surgical healing support
• Sports injuries and muscle strains
• Tendonitis and bursitis
• Auto accident injuries (acute soft tissue damage)

Is Class IV Laser Covered by Insurance?

Laser therapy is not currently covered by most health insurance plans, though coverage varies. We'll let you know upfront what the cost is, and we offer affordable packages for laser therapy series.

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Want to experience the benefits of Class IV laser therapy? Call McNamara Chiropractic Center at (954) 943-1100 or visit 3320 N. Federal Highway, Suite 101, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064.

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