Class IV laser therapy uses specific red and near-infrared wavelengths to reduce pain and inflammation and support tissue healing. These medical-grade lasers should not be confused with low-level portable red-light panels or at-home devices. At Crosby Chiropractic & Acupuncture Centre, Class IV laser therapy is used for muscle and joint injuries, arthritis pain, back and neck pain, and neuropathy symptoms. Treatment can be applied to areas ranging from the feet and lower back to the hands, forearms, and neck. It is drug-free, non-invasive, and typically a non-covered service.
Laser therapy is one of the treatments patients ask us about most, and it is also one of the most oversold treatments in the industry. This page explains what it is, which conditions it may realistically help, what the evidence supports, what a session involves, and when we will not use it.
What is Class IV laser therapy?
Class IV laser therapy, also written as Class 4 laser therapy, is a form of photobiomodulation. Specific wavelengths of light are absorbed by cells and appear to influence cellular energy production and activity. “Class IV” refers to the laser’s power classification. It has a higher power than the low-level or “cold” lasers used in some clinics, allowing it to deliver more energy to deeper tissue during a shorter session.
During treatment, a provider slowly moves a handheld device over the affected area, delivering light to muscle, tendon, joint, and nerve tissue. The goals are to reduce pain signaling, calm inflammation, improve local circulation, and support the body’s tissue-repair processes.
What does laser therapy treat?
We use laser therapy for a range of musculoskeletal and nerve-related problems, including:
- Sprains, strains, and sports injuries
- Tendinitis and tendinopathy – including tennis elbow and problems affecting the Achilles tendon, rotator cuff, or patellar tendon
- Arthritis and joint pain – including the knees, hips, shoulders, and hands
- Back and neck pain – including disc-related pain when used alongside other care
- Plantar fasciitis and foot pain
- Post-injury and postsurgical recovery – after your surgeon has cleared you for treatment
- Peripheral neuropathy symptoms – learn more about laser therapy for neuropathy
For neuropathy, treatment may be applied to the feet, lower legs—and sometimes the upper legs—and lower back. For symptoms in the upper extremities, it may be applied to the hands, forearms—and sometimes the upper arms—and neck. The areas treated depend on where the symptoms occur and where the affected nerves originate.
What does the evidence say?
Evidence for laser therapy is promising and continues to develop. It is strongest for certain tendon and joint conditions and short-term pain relief, while evidence for other uses is more limited. Results vary between patients, and laser therapy is not a cure for the underlying condition.
Because it is non-invasive and affordable, laser therapy can be a reasonable, low-risk option for pain and inflammation. It is often most useful as part of a broader treatment plan that may include chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, nutrition, exercise, or soft-tissue work. Results are not guaranteed, so we reassess your response after a fair trial instead of continuing treatment indefinitely. A provider who promises that laser therapy alone will fix a condition is overstating what it can do.
What is a laser therapy session like?
A session is short and comfortable. You remain clothed, with only the treatment area exposed, while the provider slowly moves the handpiece over the area. Most patients feel a gentle, soothing warmth. There is no downtime, and you can return to your normal activities immediately.
Treating one area usually takes only a few minutes, while treating several areas takes longer. You will wear protective eyewear because Class IV lasers are powerful. The provider keeps the device moving to distribute the energy evenly. Most conditions are treated through a series of sessions over several weeks because the effect builds over time.
Is laser therapy safe?
Class IV laser therapy is considered safe when performed by a trained provider. Side effects are uncommon and usually mild, such as brief warmth or temporary tenderness. It is not appropriate in every situation, so we screen patients before beginning treatment.
We do not use laser therapy during active cancer treatment. We also avoid applying the laser over the abdomen during pregnancy, directly over the thyroid, or over areas of active bleeding. Tell us about photosensitizing medications, implanted devices, and any history of cancer so we can modify or avoid treatment when appropriate.
How many sessions will I need?
Most conditions are treated through a series of visits, often beginning with a few sessions per week and tapering as symptoms improve. Acute injuries may respond within a handful of sessions, while chronic problems may require a longer course. The number of sessions depends on your response, which we reassess throughout treatment.
Laser therapy is typically a non-covered service, and Medicare does not cover it when provided under a doctor of chiropractic. Please call for pricing on a recommended course of treatment. We accept CareCredit, offer in-house payment plans, and explain all costs before treatment begins.
Laser therapy in St. Peters, MO
Crosby Chiropractic & Acupuncture Centre has served St. Peters and St. Charles County since 1995. Laser therapy is one of several drug-free tools we use, alongside chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, therapeutic massage, and acupuncture. This allows us to match the treatment plan to your condition rather than relying on one tool.
We are located at 331 Jungermann Road in St. Peters and serve patients from O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, St. Charles, Cottleville, and Weldon Spring. Call (636) 928-5588 or request an appointment online.
Frequently asked questions about laser therapy
Does laser therapy hurt?
No. Most patients feel only a gentle warmth as the device moves over the skin. There are no needles or medications. You will wear protective eyewear because the laser is powerful, but the treatment itself is comfortable.
What is the difference between a Class IV laser and a cold laser?
Both use photobiomodulation, but their power and depth differ considerably. A cold or low-level laser uses less power. A Class IV laser delivers more energy and can reach deeper tissue during a shorter session. Medical-grade Class IV laser treatment should not be compared with portable red-light panels or at-home devices.
How soon will I notice results?
Results vary. Some patients notice reduced pain within the first few sessions, while others require several weeks. Because the effects build throughout a series of treatments, we assess progress over several weeks rather than after one visit. We will also tell you if the treatment does not appear to be helping.
Is laser therapy covered by insurance?
Usually not. Laser therapy is typically a non-covered service, and Medicare does not cover it when provided under a doctor of chiropractic. Please call for current pricing. We accept CareCredit and offer in-house payment plans.
Can laser therapy be combined with chiropractic care?
Yes, and it usually is. Laser therapy addresses pain and inflammation in the tissue, adjustments address joint motion, and exercise addresses the strength and movement patterns that can contribute to recurring problems. The treatment plan may also include acupuncture, nutrition, or soft-tissue work when appropriate.
Do you use laser therapy for cancer patients?
We do not use laser therapy during active cancer treatment. Tell us about any history of cancer before your first session so we can determine whether laser therapy is appropriate.
Reviewed by Dr. Jenny Crosby Wiemann, DC, President, Crosby Chiropractic & Acupuncture Centre. Read Dr. Crosby’s full bio.
Last reviewed: September 2026
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Laser therapy is not appropriate for every condition; a clinical evaluation is needed to determine whether it is suitable for you. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
