Stiff, painful joints
Arthritis, repetitive use and old injuries can make gripping, walking or lifting uncomfortable. Sessions focus on the joint as part of laser care for stiff, sore joints built around the movements that hurt.
Class IV Laser Therapy in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
A sore knee, a strained back or a joint that aches after training can stall your week. Class IV laser therapy delivers focused light to that spot in a short, drug-free session.
- 5.0 Google reviews
- Sessions of about 10 to 15 minutes
Overview
Maybe your knee complains on the stairs, or your shoulder aches after every round of golf.
Class IV laser therapy aims focused light at the tissue that hurts, so you can keep working on how you move. It is one of the tools our physical rehabilitation center in Rancho Santa Fe uses after a full exam.
What it is
What is Class IV laser?
Class IV laser therapy is a non-invasive therapy that sends concentrated light into a painful joint, muscle or soft-tissue area. The light is absorbed by the tissue and produces a response called photobiomodulation. Class IV lasers have a higher power output than cold lasers, so a session takes only minutes.
- Class IV laser
How it works
Your exam finds the joint, muscle or area involved.
A handheld laser head is moved over the skin while you wear eye protection.
We track your pain and movement, then adjust the plan.
What it helps with
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Muscle strains, soreness and spasm
- Sprains and other recent injuries
- Back pain linked to sore muscles or joints
When it is not the right tool
- A new injury no physician has checked yet
- Direct use over the eyes, which stay covered
- Anyone expecting lasting results from one visit
The re-check
If your pain and movement stop improving, we change the plan or tell you the laser is not the right tool.
Is a Class IV laser the same as a cold laser?
Not quite. "Cold laser" usually means a lower-power device you barely feel. A Class IV laser runs at a higher power, so you may notice gentle warmth, and each session is brief.
Conditions
Goals Class IV laser can support
Before using the laser, we check where your pain sits, how it started and what it limits.
Explore Joint Pain Relief
Muscle pain after training
Hard training, overuse or a strain can leave muscles tight and weak. The laser targets the sore muscle while mobility work handles strength and range, part of relief for strained or overworked muscles.
A recent sprain or strain
After a fresh sprain or strain, sessions are planned around the injured tissue and what you can move today.
Back pain
When sore muscles or joints drive back pain that limits bending and lifting, the laser can sit beside adjustments and exercise.
Sciatica
For sciatica that runs down the leg, we may work on sore tissue around the low back and hip.
After a spinal injury
Only after medical clearance, and in coordination with your medical team, as soft-tissue care after a spinal injury.
Why here
Why Class IV laser at True Performance
Short, drug-free sessions
A session takes about 10 to 15 minutes, with no needles, incisions or medication. Most people go straight back to work or training afterward.
Part of a movement plan
We pair the laser with adjustments, mobility work or rehabilitation, so the painful area and the way you move improve together.
Your response sets the schedule
We suggest a starting schedule, then review your progress before adding visits.
Other options
Compare your options
Laser therapy is one of several options for joint and muscle pain. Heat, exercise and time settle many strains, and some problems need an orthopedic opinion or imaging first. We use the laser when your exam shows it has a clear job to do.
Is it for you
Is Class IV laser right for you?
A good fit if
- A physician has checked any recent or serious injury
- Pain in a joint or muscle limits your work, training or sleep
- You are ready to work on movement alongside the sessions
We check first if
- You are pregnant or receiving cancer care
- The area has a tattoo, a rash or broken skin
- You take medicine that makes your skin sensitive to light
If the second list applies, we talk it through with you, and with your physician when needed, before any session.
Your visits
What to expect
A 15-minute intro call
A complimentary call about your pain and what you want to get back to.
Your comprehensive exam
About 90 minutes, plus data and history gathering. We check the painful area, range of motion, strength and how you move.
Your first laser session
About 10 to 15 minutes. You wear protective eyewear while the laser head moves over the area, and you may feel gentle warmth.
Re-check and adjust
We review your pain and movement, then decide whether more sessions are useful.
Cost
Cost and insurance
Cost depends on your exam findings and how many sessions your plan needs. We explain it before you commit.
What your cost depends on
- How detailed your first exam needs to be
- The number of laser sessions in your plan
- Whether the laser is paired with other services
- How many areas need care
Booking policies
- Complimentary 15-minute intro call
- A card on file reserves your appointment
The clinic
Why choose True Performance
We plan every laser session around how pain changes the way you move, train and work. That lens comes from our work in chiropractic care, rehabilitation and performance with athletes and active adults.
Class IV laser therapy is one part of our hands-on physical rehabilitation care. Book an exam to see whether it fits your recovery.
Athletes and performance professionals we have worked with
Meet all 12 athletesDeMarcus Walker
NFL Defensive End, Broncos, Texans, Titans, Bears, and Commanders
Christian McCaffrey
NFL running back, San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey / DJ Moore
NFL Athletes
Raquel Pennington
UFC World Champion
DeMarcus Walker
NFL Defensive End, Broncos, Texans, Titans, Bears, and Commanders
Juan Archuleta
Bellator Bantamweight World Champion and Rizin Bantamweight Champion
Curtis “Razor” Blaydes / TJ Dillashaw
#4 in the UFC Heavyweight Rankings / Ultimate Fighting Championship and UFC Bantamweight Champion
Corey Zalewski
Colombian National Team Snowboarder
Visit
Where to find Class IV laser
Laser sessions take place at our Rancho Santa Fe office: 18029 Calle Ambiente, Suite 507, in Cielo Village. We sit close to Lake Hodges and the San Dieguito River Park, an easy drive from across North County San Diego.
The first step
Schedule Your Class IV Laser Therapy
- 01Start with a complimentary 15-minute intro call
- 02Sessions take about 10 to 15 minutes
Does insurance cover Class IV laser therapy?
We explain cost and payment options on your intro call, before you book an exam. The total depends on how many sessions your plan needs.
What does a laser session feel like?
Most people feel gentle warmth as the laser head moves over the area. You wear protective eyewear and can usually carry on with your day.
How many laser sessions will I need?
It depends on the area involved, how long you have had symptoms and how you respond. We suggest a starting schedule and review your progress before adding visits.
Is Class IV laser therapy safe?
The main safety rule is eye protection, which you wear for every session. We also ask about pregnancy, cancer care, light-sensitizing medicines and the skin over the area before we begin.
Can laser therapy be combined with chiropractic care?
Yes. Short sessions fit easily beside adjustments, mobility work or rehabilitation when your exam shows each one has a clear role.
Find out whether laser therapy fits your recovery
Start with a complimentary 15-minute call with our team.