Overview

Class III “cold” laser uses specific light to support your body’s recovery. We use it selectively—mainly for irritable tendon or fascia problems—and almost always alongside an active plan (adjustments, simple drills, and loading) so improvements carry over into daily life. It’s called “cold” because treatment is non‑thermal and usually feels comfortable.

How it works

Cold laser (photobiomodulation—the use of specific light to support cellular processes) is absorbed by tissue and can influence mitochondrial energy (ATP), local circulation, and pain‑modulating signals. Results hinge on the delivered dose (wavelength, energy, time, and target depth), not device hype. Treatments are non‑invasive.

When we use it

  • Plantar fascia irritation or heel pain
  • Tendinopathy (e.g., Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff, lateral elbow) when tissues are sore and loading alone isn’t enough
  • For post‑overuse soft‑tissue irritability to help you resume activity
  • As a comfort‑focused adjunct to an active care plan to decrease pain and support recovery

When we don’t

Cold laser isn’t a cure‑all. For example, it hasn’t shown meaningful benefit for non‑specific low‑back pain in higher‑quality reviews. If exercise, manual care, or another modality is more appropriate, we’ll recommend that instead.

What to expect

  1. Evaluate — confirm cold laser fits your goals and findings
  2. Treatment — typically 5–15 minutes; most feel little to no sensation (sometimes mild warmth)
  3. Series — many people benefit from a short series (3–10 sessions)
  4. No downtime — you can resume your day; we’ll pair it with simple drills
  5. Track — quick rechecks guide any adjustments to the plan

How we measure progress

  • Comfort during activities and daily tasks
  • Range‑of‑motion and functional milestones
  • Your own report of “how it feels” over time

We’ll tell you if cold laser isn’t the right match or if another service is a better first step. Your result comes first.

FAQs

Is it safe?
Yes, Class III lasers are generally safe when used appropriately. They’re non‑thermal and most people feel little to no sensation during treatment. We avoid use over the eyes and follow standard safety guidelines.
Is there research to support it?
Yes—especially for some tendon and plantar-fascia problems when dosing is appropriate and care is paired with exercise. Evidence is mixed elsewhere, which is why we match the tool to the case. Representative sources:
  • Naterstad IF, Joensen J, Bjordal JM, Couppé C, Lopes-Martins RAB, Stausholm MB. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in patients with lower extremity tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open. 2022 Sep. PubMed 36171024
  • Tomazoni SS, Almeida MO, Bjordal JM, Stausholm MB, Machado CDSM, Leal-Junior ECP, Costa LOP. Photobiomodulation therapy does not decrease pain and disability in people with non-specific low back pain: a systematic review. J Physiother. 2020 Jul. PubMed 32680739
That's why we use cold laser selectively, as an adjunct to an active plan.
Why Class III ("cold") and not Class IV?
Device class refers mainly to power/eye‑safety categories. Outcomes depend on the delivered dose at the tissue (wavelength, energy, time, target depth), not class alone. Class IV units can deliver dose faster and feel warmer; Class III is comfortable and gives us fine control. We focus on safe, effective dosing matched to your case.
Will I feel anything?
Most people feel little to no sensation. Some notice mild warmth.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies by condition, but many benefit from a short series (often 3–10 sessions). We reassess and adjust as needed.
Can I combine it with other care?
Yes. We typically pair cold laser with adjustments, targeted drills, and a simple loading plan so changes last.
What if I need another provider?
We’ll coordinate with the right specialist if needed (PT, orthopedics, etc.). The goal is the best result for you.
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