Red Light Therapy vs. Class IV Laser Therapy: What’s the Difference?
At Advanced Care Specialists, we offer both red light therapy and Class IV laser therapy—two powerful tools that are often mistaken for the same thing, but work in very different ways.
If you’ve heard about light-based therapies for pain relief, healing, or wellness, you may be wondering: what’s the difference between red light therapy and laser therapy - or worse assumed they were the same thing? While both use light to stimulate your body’s natural healing processes, they vary in intensity, depth of penetration, and how they’re used in treatment.
How Red Light Therapy Works
Red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths of red or near-infrared light. These wavelengths penetrate just beneath the skin, energizing your cells and improving circulation at a more superficial level. This therapy is safe, non-invasive, and painless. It’s commonly used for:
- Reducing inflammation
- Supporting skin health and wound healing
- Easing mild pain and stiffness
- Promoting recovery after exercise
Think of red light therapy as a gentle boost for your body’s natural repair systems. It’s especially effective when used regularly as part of a broader care plan.
How Class IV Laser Therapy Works
Class IV laser therapy takes light therapy to a much higher level. These medical-grade lasers penetrate deeper into tissues, reaching muscles, ligaments, and even joint structures. Unlike red light, the laser’s intensity allows it to target pain and inflammation at their root.
Class IV laser therapy is commonly used for:
- Chronic or severe pain
- Sports injuries and sprains
- Joint and tendon conditions
- Post-surgical recovery
- Neuropathy
Because of its depth and power, this therapy requires professional supervision & delivers powerful, often immediate results.
Which Therapy Is Right for You?
Both therapies can play an important role in recovery and overall health. The best choice depends on your condition and your goals, but you don’t have to make that decision alone. The medical team at Advanced Care Specialists will help you determine which option is right for you.
Red light therapy is an excellent choice for skin-level healing, wellness support, and ongoing maintenance. Class IV laser therapy, on the other hand, is ideal when you need deeper tissue repair, faster pain relief, or recovery from a more serious condition.
In many cases, we combine these therapies with other treatments, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, or medical management, for the best possible outcomes. When light is used the right way, it’s more than just therapy, it’s healing at the cellular level. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, chronic pain, or simply want to feel and function better, our medical team will guide you toward the advanced modality that best fits your needs. Contact us today to learn more!