Muscle stiffness, also known as muscle rigidity, tension, or stiffness, refers to stiffness or tension in your muscles. It can cause muscle pain, soreness, cramping, and discomfort. Muscle stiffness can occur when muscles contract for a long period of time, often due to stress, but certain medications and underlying conditions can cause it as well. Muscle stiffness may occur after overuse of a particular muscle, or it may indicate an underlying condition.
How Does Class IV Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation) Work?
Laser therapies stimulate metabolic processes at the cellular level. There are many types of therapy available, depending on the power level, wavelengths and how they interact with the body.
Photobiomodulation is different than laser therapies that have applications in dermatology treatments (like skin and acne) and ophthalmology (eye) procedures.
Photobiomodulation relies on four key parameters of laser technology:
- The type of light
- The role of wavelengths
- The operating modes
- The power or energy density
Class IV laser devices use laser diodes that are the “engine” of the products. These diodes determine the power level and the wavelength of the light that’s emitted. Recently, new technological developments have resulted in advanced lasers that are high-power, multi-wavelength devices that include red (635nm) and infrared (810nm, 980nm and 1064nm) wavelengths.
A key difference that makes this treatment better than other therapeutic modalities is Photobiomodulation provides energy to cells that causes a series of chemical changes, resulting in the body essentially healing itself.
Can Reduce Muscle Aches, Stiffness and Pain
Intended uses of Class IV laser devices include:
– Promotes relaxation of muscles and provide relief from muscle spasms
– Reducing muscle aches, pain and stiffness
– Increases the blood circulation
Class IV laser treatments are unique because they don’t rely on heat to dull pain and boost blood flow. Their mechanism of action is photochemical, meaning that light energy causes chemical reactions inside cells that help to reduce inflammation and pain. This is a key, distinguishing factor that sets these treatments apart from other approaches.
Class IV lasers are also now being recognised as optimal devices for reaching deep muscle tissues that are tied to pain. Higher doses of light and higher output are needed to deliver appropriate doses of energy, due to the large portion of light that is absorbed, reflected or scattered at the skin’s surface. Less powerful lasers may not work if they cannot penetrate deep enough to provide any stimulating effect.
