Class IV laser therapy treatment on a patient's foot at McAlpine Chiropractic in Holland, MI
Class IV laser therapy session at McAlpine Chiropractic, Holland MI

Laser Therapy: What to Expect for Chronic Pain Relief

Class IV laser therapy is FDA-cleared for chronic pain. McAlpine Chiropractic in Holland, MI explains how laser therapy works, what to expect, and how it complements chiropractic care.

What does laser therapy do for chronic pain?

Class IV laser therapy delivers concentrated light energy to deep tissue, stimulating cellular ATP production and reducing inflammation. It is FDA-cleared for chronic pain, post-surgical healing, and soft-tissue injuries. At McAlpine Chiropractic Group in Holland, MI, most patients see meaningful relief from chronic pain within 4 to 8 sessions.


Class IV therapy laser device display showing 14.5 watt output during a treatment session at McAlpine Chiropractic in Holland, MI
Class IV laser therapy in progress at McAlpine Chiropractic. The device’s display shows the active power output (14.5 W) being delivered to the treatment area.

If you have ever struggled with persistent discomfort, you know how it affects daily life. Constant pain can make it difficult to complete regular tasks, enjoy favorite activities, or spend quality time with loved ones. Many people search for solutions that do not require surgery or heavy medication. In these situations, therapy can be an appealing option. This non-invasive approach supports the body’s natural healing abilities and helps promote chronic pain relief. At McAlpine Chiropractic Group, we offer laser therapy in Holland, MI, to help those dealing with long-term pain. Below, we will discuss how laser treatments work, your expected benefits, and what happens during a typical session.

How Laser Therapy Works

Laser therapy including the MedRay Quad system, involves directing specific light wavelengths into targeted tissues. When these light waves reach cells in the area of concern, they boost certain processes that encourage healing. The main focus is inflammation reduction, which is often linked to ongoing discomfort. By gently stimulating injured tissues, laser therapy for chronic pain helps improve circulation and support the body’s normal repair actions.

Many wonder, “Is it safe?” or “Does it hurt?” The short answer is that laser therapy is considered a non-invasive technique and causes little to no pain. The light energy is applied to the skin’s surface, so no cutting or incisions are involved. Instead, the energy passes through the skin’s outer layers and goes directly into the tissues that need support. It is commonly used for joint pain relief, muscle strains, back pain, neck pain, and more.

Conditions That May Benefit from Laser Therapy

Individuals seek laser therapy for chronic pain for a range of conditions. Common examples include back and neck pain from poor posture or strain, knee discomfort from sports injuries, or arthritis-related inflammation. By focusing on inflammation reduction, laser therapy also assists those who experience swelling after workouts, long periods of sitting, or injuries caused by everyday tasks.

Here are a few conditions that often respond well to laser therapy:

  1. Back Pain and Neck Pain: Tight muscles and inflamed tissues in these areas can benefit from laser-based care.
  2. Arthritis: Laser therapy benefits many people with arthritis by promoting tissue repair and reducing swelling around joints.
  3. Sports Injuries: Strains, sprains, and muscle bruises often heal more efficiently when laser therapy is applied regularly.
  4. Tendon and Ligament Issues: Overuse injuries in these structures can improve due to the therapy’s focus on inflammation reduction.
  5. Joint Discomfort: Laser Therapy assists in easing stiffness and helps restore function to areas like shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles.

Typical Laser Therapy Experience

When you come in for treatment at McAlpine Chiropractic Group, the first step involves discussing your health history and the nature of your pain. A thorough evaluation ensures you receive the best treatment plan for your needs. Once it is determined you are a good candidate, you can expect the therapy itself to be quick and comfortable.

A trained professional applies the MedRay Quad system to the affected region, whether your lower back, shoulder, knee or another targeted area. Some people feel a mild warming or tingling sensation, but it is typically not uncomfortable. Each session can last anywhere from a few minutes to around 15 minutes, depending on the area’s size and the issue’s severity. Because the process is easy on the body, you can return to normal activities right after your visit.

Frequency of Treatments

The number of laser therapy sessions you need will depend on your unique condition, how long you have had it, and how your body reacts to the therapy. Some people notice significant improvement after just a few treatments, while others need more sessions for noticeable relief. For many forms of chronic pain, a series of treatments is planned, often scheduled once or twice a week.

In most cases, progress continues to build over time. After several sessions, many individuals report that discomfort levels have dropped and joint movement or muscle function has increased. If long-term relief is your goal, maintenance sessions may be suggested occasionally to help keep discomfort from returning.

Laser Therapy Benefits and Expected Outcomes

  1. Inflammation Reduction: Laser treatments help reduce redness and swelling by targeting the cells where swelling originates, making daily movement more comfortable.
  2. Chronic Pain Relief: Frequent sessions can ease persistent discomfort from an old injury or an ongoing musculoskeletal condition.
  3. Joint Pain Relief: Individuals with shoulder, knee, or ankle pain often see improved range of motion, making walking, lifting, or bending less challenging.
  4. Faster Healing: The therapy can speed up natural repair, which may shorten recovery time for minor injuries or flare-ups.
  5. Improved Circulation: Blood flow in treated areas often increases, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues needing care.
  6. Medication-Free Solution: Laser Therapy allows many to reduce their reliance on pain medicine or avoid more invasive procedures.
  7. Non-Invasive Approach: Because this method does not involve incisions, there is minimal side effects or complications risk.
  8. No Downtime: Treatments are typically quick, allowing you to resume your day with little disruption.

Who Can Benefit from Laser Therapy in Holland, MI?

Laser therapy in Holland, MI, is an option for individuals dealing with acute or chronic musculoskeletal issues. Many athletes use it as a supportive measure for sports injuries, while older adults look to it for arthritis management and overall quality of life. Office workers who spend hours at a desk can also find relief from neck strain and shoulder tension. Since there is no need for sedation or anesthesia, it is accessible to a wide range of people.

While laser therapy benefits many, not everyone will have the same experience. It is important to discuss your health background with a qualified provider at McAlpine Chiropractic Group to see if you are an ideal candidate. If underlying conditions require more comprehensive approaches, your chiropractor might combine laser treatments with other supportive therapies for the best possible outcome.

Preparing for Your Laser Therapy Appointment

If you decide to pursue laser therapy for chronic pain, here are a few tips that can help you make the most of each session:

  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water supports overall circulation, which helps your body manage inflammation effectively.
  • Wear Comfortable Clothing: Loose attire makes it easier for the practitioner to access the area needing treatment.
  • Ask Questions: If you have concerns about how laser therapy works, your chiropractor will guide you.
  • Combine with Gentle Exercises: Depending on your doctor’s instructions, light stretching or movement may help keep your muscles and joints flexible.

Monitoring Your Progress

Tracking improvements help determine whether you are getting the desired results. Keep note of any changes in pain intensity and how your range of motion feels after each session. This information provides insight into how your body responds and if adjustments to the treatment plan might be necessary.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Laser therapy offers a safe way to promote chronic pain relief by encouraging the body’s natural healing abilities. Those struggling with joint pain relief, muscle strain, or frequent aches may find that laser therapy benefits them by reducing inflammation and speeding up recovery. At McAlpine Chiropractic Group, we use the MedRay Quad system to help individuals seeking a non-invasive treatment plan in Holland, MI. If you are curious about this approach and want to find out if it suits your needs, our team is ready to assist.

Heal faster, feel better – book an appointment now! Contact us today at McAlpine Chiropractic Group to schedule a consultation and learn more about how laser therapy can support your health. We are here to help you feel more at ease and return to your favorite activities.

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Laser Therapy for Chronic Pain: What to Expect from Your Treatment

As Dr. Maletta Explains It: The “Local Fever” Effect

Below, Dr. Phillip Maletta walks through what is actually happening in your body during a laser therapy session — in plain language.

What is a Class IV therapy laser?

Class IV is the highest power tier on the laser classification scale — Class 4 out of 4. The designation refers to output power: Class IV lasers produce enough energy (greater than 0.5 watts) to create real thermal effects in tissue, which separates them from older “cold lasers” (Class IIIB and below) that do not generate appreciable heat.

How it works on the body

The therapeutic target is around 104 to 110°F at the surface of the skin, with the laser energy penetrating up to 4 inches deep at the strongest settings. As photons from the laser pass through tissue, they are absorbed by molecules in the body — primarily water, hemoglobin, and a mitochondrial enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase. That absorption does two things: it produces heat, and it triggers a separate photochemical reaction at the cellular level.

The heating effect diminishes the deeper we go, following the natural physics of light through tissue (Beer-Lambert Law). The goal at depth — right at the level of the injury — is to raise local tissue temperature to around 102°F.

The “local fever” effect

That localized warming acts like a fever in one specific area. It is not a true fever (fever is a systemic/global response), but the body reacts similarly: it activates the same healing pathways of the immune system that respond to inflammation and tissue damage anywhere in the body.

What that triggers at the cellular level

Three things happen:

  1. More cellular energy — the laser stimulates mitochondria to produce more ATP through its photochemical effect. Damaged cells have more fuel and energy to repair themselves, and healing is energy-demanding.
  2. Cytokine and growth factor signaling — your cells release more signaling proteins (cytokines and growth factors) that recruit healing cells like macrophages and fibroblasts to the area while also driving repair functions directly. These recruited cells clean up damaged tissue and orchestrate the repair.
  3. Increased blood flow — the warming dilates local blood vessels, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the injury site.

The net effect is that your body does what it was always going to do — heal — but faster, and often more completely.

Phillip Maletta, DC
Phillip Maletta, DC

Phillip Maletta, DC is a chiropractic physician at McAlpine Chiropractic Group in Holland, Michigan, with over eleven years of practice and more than 20,000 chiropractic treatments performed. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, and holds bachelor's degrees in Occupational Health Science and Environmental Science from Purdue University. His clinical focus is manual adjustment, soft tissue mobilization, non-surgical spinal decompression, and Class IV laser therapy, with specialty interests in lumbar spine manipulation and athlete care. He holds certifications in the Torque Release Technique and Functional Movement Screen Level 1, and regularly coordinates care with physical therapists, family physicians, specialists, and trainers across West Michigan.

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