Class IV laser therapy in Raleigh, NC
A non-invasive treatment that uses therapeutic laser light. Brett Hightower guides your care, and Mary Hightower operates the laser. Your plan is set around your symptoms, health history and goals.
Want to try it? Call (919) 931-3744 and ask how a first laser session works.
What is Class IV laser therapy?
Class IV laser therapy, also called high-intensity laser therapy, uses concentrated therapeutic light energy. It is meant to support cellular activity, local circulation and the body's own tissue repair.
Unlike surgical lasers, a therapeutic Class IV laser is used without cutting or puncturing the skin. There are no needles, incisions or injections, and the session doesn't require medication.
It may produce a gentle warming sensation and is generally comfortable when used properly. It can be a stand-alone treatment or part of a wider pain management plan.
How it works
Each treatment starts with an evaluation of your symptoms, medical history and goals. Brett Hightower finds the areas that need attention and uses a Class IV laser to deliver controlled light energy to them.
The light interacts with cells in a process called photobiomodulation. It may help support cellular energy production, regulate inflammatory responses and encourage tissue recovery.
How long and how often depends on your condition, the area being treated and how you respond. Your progress is checked through your care plan, and the settings and recommendations are adjusted for you.
Laser therapy may be part of a care plan for
It may help reduce discomfort from certain muscle, joint and soft tissue conditions.
- Muscle and joint discomfort
- Neck, back and shoulder pain
- Inflammation and soft tissue discomfort
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Tendon and ligament discomfort
- Arthritis-related joint discomfort
- Certain nerve-related pain conditions
- Sports injuries and physical recovery
- Chronic musculoskeletal discomfort
Class IV laser therapy is meant to complement your healthcare plan and is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Treatment suitability and individual results vary.
What to expect at your appointment
Your first visit includes a consultation about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and goals. If Class IV laser therapy is appropriate, Brett Hightower makes a treatment plan based on your needs. Session length varies with the size of the area and your care plan.
During a session
- You're positioned comfortably.
- The treatment area is identified and prepared.
- You're given protective eyewear.
- The laser delivers controlled light energy to the area. You may feel a gentle warming sensation.
- Your progress is checked, and your next treatments are adjusted as needed.
Questions people ask
Does it hurt?
Most patients find treatment comfortable. You may notice a gentle warming sensation where the laser is applied. Tell your provider right away if you feel too much heat or discomfort.
Is it safe?
Class IV laser therapy can be given safely by a trained provider who takes the right precautions, including protective eyewear. Because a Class IV laser is powerful, good technique matters. Brett Hightower reviews your health history to decide whether treatment is right for you.
How many treatments will I need?
It depends on your condition, how severe your symptoms are, how long the problem has been there and how you respond. Some patients may do well with a short series of sessions. Others may need a longer plan.
What conditions can it help with?
It may be used as part of a plan for muscle and joint pain, soft tissue injuries, inflammation, arthritis-related discomfort and certain nerve-related conditions. Brett Hightower looks at your symptoms to decide whether laser therapy may help.
Can it be combined with acupuncture?
Yes. Depending on your condition and goals, laser therapy may be part of a wider care plan that includes traditional acupuncture or other complementary treatments.
Will I need downtime afterward?
Most patients can go back to their usual activities right after a session. Brett Hightower gives any aftercare advice that fits your condition.
Talk with us first
Call and talk through what's going on, and whether Neuropuncture, acupuncture or laser therapy fits.
Find the office
Hightower Acupuncture and Laser
1705 Pacific Drive, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27609
Call for opening times and to set up a visit.
Insurance and cost
We haven't listed insurance plans on this site yet. Call and ask about your plan, and what a visit will cost, before you come in.