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How does it work?
Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), is a non-invasive treatment using light to penetrate tissues and stimulate cellular activity, which can lead to a range of beneficial outcomes including pain relief, enhanced blood flow, and muscle relaxation.¹-³ Its therapeutic effectiveness depends on parameters like wavelength, irradiance, fluence, and amount of light energy delivered to the tissue.¹ Unlike low-level laser devices, LightForce® Class 4 therapy lasers deliver higher power allowing more light energy to penetrate deep into muscles and other tissues, thereby delivering a therapeutic dose in shorter treatment times.
PBMT activates cytochrome c oxidase located in the mitochondria, boosting adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production for cellular energy.¹,² It also stimulates the release of nitric oxide, enhancing vasodilation and microcirculation, and generates reactive oxygen species that can regulate inflammation and collagen synthesis.³,⁴
Photobiomodulation therapy influences key pathways via activation of transcription factors such as NF-κB, supporting cell repair and survival.4 Emerging research suggests additional mechanisms of how laser therapy works, including light-sensitive membrane proteins and activation of extracellular molecules like TGF-β1, which may impact pain signals and tissue repair processes, respectively.⁵,⁶
Laser Therapy
Can address pain and tissue repair associated with
- Back pain 1,2,7
- Tendinopathy 5,6,8,9
- Arthritis 4
- Muscle and ligament injury
This treatment is a non-invasive and non-pharmacological alternative for pain relief.
Testimonials
The Chattanooga equipment has revolutionized our physical therapy practice. The results we're seeing with our patients are remarkable, and the technology is incredibly user-friendly.
The Chattanooga equipment has revolutionized our physical therapy practice. The results we're seeing with our patients are remarkable, and the technology is incredibly user-friendly.
The Chattanooga equipment has revolutionized our physical therapy practice. The results we're seeing with our patients are remarkable, and the technology is incredibly user-friendly.
The Chattanooga equipment has revolutionized our physical therapy practice. The results we're seeing with our patients are remarkable, and the technology is incredibly user-friendly.
The Chattanooga equipment has revolutionized our physical therapy practice. The results we're seeing with our patients are remarkable, and the technology is incredibly user-friendly.
Benefits
Analgesic Effect
Laser therapy has the ability to reduce neuronal excitability and pain signal transmission to provide temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain.¹⁵-¹⁷ It can also promote the release of endorphins, which helps to inhibit pain transmission.¹⁸
Effects on the Inflammatory Cascade
Laser therapy can help reduce pain by modulating the body’s inflammatory response at the cellular level.¹⁹,²⁰
Accelerated Tissue Repair
Laser therapy can trigger a biological cascade of events that lead to an increase in cellular metabolism and repair ultimately helping support a faster recovery of musculoskeletal tissues.⁴
Improved Vascular Activity
Laser therapy temporarily increase local blood circulation allowing oxygen and nutrients to be delivered more efficiently to the affected area and promoting relaxation of muscle tissue and relieving stiffness.
Trusted by Specialists Worldwide
From elite sports medicine to private practice, clinicians across the globe rely on LightForce® technology to improve patient outcomes. -Physical Therapists: Helps restore motion and reduce recovery time. -Chiropractors: Complements adjustments with enhanced pain relief. -Athletic Trainers: Gets athletes back in the game faster. -Podiatrists: Helps effectively treat pain associated with plantar fasciitis.¹⁰
Delivering the right dose is essential
Dosimetry in photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is highly complicated -- no single “dose” will work for all possible PBM therapies, and in some cases, different dosimetries can be equally effective. Safe and effective PBM dosimetry must consider multiple treatment parameters including: wavelength, irradiance (often called power density or brightness), and irradiation time.²¹
Furthermore, it is important to recognize that PBM is challenged by energy loss that occurs as light enters the skin and travels from superficial to deeper tissues. At the skin’s surface this is primarily due to reflection and below the surface by absorption from different tissues competing for different wavelengths of light. Proper configuration of the laser is a key factor in getting sufficient energy to target tissues.
Factors that impact dosing at depth:
- Wavelength
- Irradiance (power & beam area)
- Mechanism of delivery (contact vs. non-contact)
- Treatment time
- Size of treatment area
- Type of tissue
The Lightforce Solution
The Lightforce Solution
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Power is a key factor when delivering a therapeutic dose to deep target tissues. Not only do LightForce® lasers have higher output powers, but they also have larger beam areas, making them capable of delivering a therapeutic dose to larger treatment areas in a short amount of time. For example, treating the lower back area with a low-level class 3B laser can take over an hour depending on the dose required. However, treating the same area with a high power LightForce laser can be done in under 5 minutes!
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Our patented massage ball technology allows you to treat "on contact." This compresses the tissue, displaces excess fluid, and brings the target structure closer to the surface for maximum deep-tissue penetration.
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The Perfect Protocol® software customizes the dose based on the patient's size, skin tone, and condition acuity.
FAQs
When purchasing a Class 4 laser device, look for power output (15W–40W), adjustable protocols, and ergonomic delivery systems like Empower IQ™. Key factors include durable construction, portability, and workflow-oriented features. LightForce’s 40W XLi, powered by Influence® Technology, provides real-time feedback and high-throughput capability for busy clinics.
Low-level laser therapy (Class 3B) uses low wattage and therefore requires longer treatment sessions. Class 4 therapy lasers deliver significantly higher power for deeper penetration in shorter treatment times. LightForce® units, such as the 40W XLi, 25W XPi, and 15W FXi, are designed for orthopedic and rehabilitation clinics wanting to maximize their patient throughput and optimize their patient outcomes.
For high-volume rehabilitation clinics, the LightForce® 40W XLi provides the deepest coverage and fastest dosing for Deep Tissue Laser Therapy. For moderate caseloads, the 25W XPi also offers strong performance. Both devices integrate seamlessly into manual therapy, exercise, and spine care workflows.
No. Laser therapy is an adjunct treatment, not a replacement for manual therapy or exercise. It can help relieve pain so that patients are better able to tolerate movement and activity, supporting participation in comprehensive rehab plans.
High-power lasers typically deliver treatments in 4–7 minutes, but timing ultimately depends on the dose, the size of the area being treated, and the condition. With the 40W XLi, increased power enables efficient treatment of large surface areas, supporting high-throughput schedules.
Accurate dosing requires real-time feedback, protocol guidance, and proper treatment head selection. LightForce® Empower IQ™ technology provides visual cues for hand speed and motion consistency, helping clinicians maintain dosing accuracy.
Therapeutic lasers like LightForce® therapy lasers use near-infrared light to target deep tissues and stimulate cellular repair. In contrast, cosmetic procedures (such as laser skin resurfacing or IPL) use different wavelengths to remove or remodel skin layers for aesthetic purposes. Our lasers are engineered explicitly for rehabilitation and musculoskeletal recovery, not dermatology.
Depth of penetration depends on wavelength. Other factors such as irradiance, treatment head choice (contact vs non-contact), treatment time, size of treatment area, and type of tissue can influence how much light gets to depth. On-contact delivery with the LightForce® patented Rolling Pin or Massage Ball treatment heads reduces energy loss, allowing more light to reach deeper into muscles and joints for maximum efficacy.
Clinics should look for a range of treatment heads that support both targeted and broad-area treatments. Options such as the LightForce®-patented Small Cone, Large Cone, XL Cone, and Small and Large Massage Ball heads help clinicians effectively address precise anatomical targets and larger regions.
While all LightForce® laser therapy devices are portable and do not come fixed to a cart, the more compact and battery-powered FXi 15W may be best for multi-room clinics or mobile treatments. The higher power LightForce laser therapy devices, including the 25W XPi and the 40W XLi, are ideal for clinics needing faster dosing and deep penetration. Many clinics use both for flexibility.
Clinicians should expect device operation instruction and integration support. Chattanooga® provides structured education on dosing and technique, as well as guidance for clinical practice implementation for LightForce® laser therapy devices to ensure our customers’ success upon purchasing their device.
Yes. Facilities using these devices should follow all federal, state, and local laser safety regulations and use the device only in a controlled area. In addition, eye protection must be used at all times while the laser is in use, and laser operators must be trained. LightForce® devices include built-in safety features and guided feedback to support safe, effective use.
Most therapeutic lasers deliver long-term use with routine maintenance and treatment head care. LightForce® lasers are built for durability, backed by ongoing support and easy access to replacement accessories, keeping your clinic running smoothly. For more details on product warranty and maintenance, please see the product manual of your LightForce therapy laser device of choice.
Class IV laser therapy can enhance patient satisfaction by providing quick pain relief via a modern, non-invasive modality. Clinics often highlight LightForce® technology to differentiate their services, support retention, and encourage referrals.
-15W (FXi): provides portable power for clinicians on the go, featuring a compact, lightweight, battery-powered design. -25W (XPi): the mid-range LightForce® laser capable of reaching up to 25W of power and enhanced with updated protocols and the Smart Handpiece. -40W (XLi): the highest power LightForce laser enabling clinicians to treat larger areas in less time. This device features the Smart Handpiece and two specially designed treatment heads to accommodate the higher power output.
Yes. Many clinics pair Class 4 laser therapy with shockwave, manual therapy, mobilization, and exercise. Integrating this modality into multi-modal conservative care protocols can potentially yield better clinical outcomes.
Key factors include treatment throughput, session duration, clinical demand, utilization frequency, long-term maintenance costs, and patient outcomes. High-power laser devices often support better ROI due to efficient treatment times, allowing clinicians to treat more patients per day.
To prepare for laser therapy, patients should ensure the skin area is clean and free of heavy lotions or creams. Comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area is recommended. Unlike invasive procedures, there are no dietary restrictions or complex preparation steps required.
-Temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain. -Temporary relief of muscle spasm. -Temporary relief of stiffness. -Promoting relaxation of muscle tissue. -Temporarily increase local blood circulation.
¹ Maghfour J, Ozog DM, Mineroff J, Jagdeo J, Kohli I, Lim HW. Photobiomodulation CME part I: Overview and mechanism of action. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024;91(5):793-802. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2023.10.073 ² Hamblin MR, Demidova TN. Mechanisms of low level light therapy. Proc. of SPIE Photonics. 2006; 6140: 614001-01-12. doi: 10.1117/12.646294 ³ Ramanlal R, Gupta V. Physiology, Vasodilation. [Updated 2023 Jan 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK557562/ ⁴ de Freitas LF, Hamblin MR. Proposed Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Light Therapy. IEEE J Sel Top Quantum Electron. 2016;22(3):7000417. doi:10.1109/JSTQE.2016.2561201 ⁵ Sharma SK, Sardana S, Hamblin MR. Role of opsins and light or heat activated transient receptor potential ion channels in the mechanisms of photobiomodulation and infrared therapy. J Photochem Photobiol. 2023;13:100160. doi:10.1016/j.jpap.2023.100160. ⁶ Frankowski DW, Ferrucci L, Arany PR, Bowers D, Eells JT, Gonzalez-Lima F, Lohr NL, Quirk BJ, Whelan HT, Lakatta EG. Light buckets and laser beams: mechanisms and applications of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy. Geroscience. 2025 Jun;47(3):2777-2789. doi: 10.1007/s11357-025-01505-z. Epub 2025 Jan 18. PMID: 39826026; PMCID: PMC12181550. ⁷ Song HJ, Seo HJ, Kim D. Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy in the management of patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2020;33(6):875-884. doi: 10.3233/BMR-191738. PMID: 32831189. ⁸ Alayat MS, Atya AM, Ali MM, Shosha TM. Long-term effect of high-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized blinded placebo-controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2014 May;29(3):1065-73. doi: 10.1007/s10103-013-1472-5. Epub 2013 Nov 2. ⁹ Tumilty S, Mani R, Baxter GD. Photobiomodulation and eccentric exercise for Achilles tendinopathy: a randomized controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2016;31(1):127-135. doi:10.1007/s10103-015-1840-4 ¹⁰ Ordahan B, Karahan AY, Kaydok E. The effect of high-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: a randomized clinical trial. Lasers in Medical Science. 2018;33(6):1363-1369. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-018-2497-6 ¹¹ Takenori A, Ikuhiro M, Shogo U, et al. Immediate pain relief effect of low level laser therapy for sports injuries: Randomized, double-blind placebo clinical trial. J Sci Med Sport. 2016;19(12):980-983. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2016.03.006 ¹² Kaydok E, Ordahan B, Solum S, Karahan AY. Short-term Efficacy Comparison of High-intensity and Low-intensity Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Study. Arch Rheumatol. 2019;35(1):60-67. Published 2019 Apr 24. doi:10.5606/ArchRheumatol.2020.7347 ¹³ Ordahan B, Yigit F, Mülkoglu C. Efficacy of Low-level Laser Versus High-intensity Laser Therapy in the Management of Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2023;11(3):201-207. doi:10.4103/sjmms.sjmms_626_22 ¹⁴ Ahmad MA, A Hamid MS, Yusof A. Effects of low-level and high-intensity laser therapy as adjunctive to rehabilitation exercise on pain, stiffness and function in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy. 2022;114:85-95. doi:10.1016/j.physio.2021.03.011 ¹⁵ Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Liu P, et al. The Role of Photobiomodulation to Modulate Ion Channels in the Nervous System: A Systematic Review. Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2024;44(1):79. Published 2024 Nov 23. doi:10.1007/s10571-024-01513-1 ¹⁶ Zachar JJ, Reher P, Zafar S, Walsh LJ. Challenges in evaluating the analgesic effects of photobiomodulation in dentistry: A narrative review. J Dent. Published online September 5, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2025.106077 ¹⁷ Buzza AS, Cousins H, Tapas KE, et al. Direct Photobiomodulation Therapy on the Sciatic Nerve Significantly Attenuates Acute Nociceptive Sensitivity Without Affecting Motor Output. Neuromodulation. 2024;27(8):1338-1346. doi:10.1016/j.neurom.2024.04.011 ¹⁸ Hagiwara S, Iwasaka H, Okuda K, Noguchi T. GaAlAs (830 nm) low-level laser enhances peripheral endogenous opioid analgesia in rats. Lasers Surg Med. 2007;39(10):797-802. doi:10.1002/lsm.20583 ¹⁹ Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 2017;4(3):337-361. doi:10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337 ²⁰ Shamloo S, Defensor E, Ciari P, et al. The anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation are mediated by cytokines: Evidence from a mouse model of inflammation. Front Neurosci. 2023;17:1150156. Published 2023 Apr 6. doi:10.3389/fnins.2023.1150156 ²¹ Chung H, Dai T, Sharma SK, Huang Y-Y, Carroll JD, Hamblin MR. The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy. Ann Biomed Eng. 2012; 40(2): 516-533. doi:10.1007/s10439-011-0454-7.