Class IV Laser Therapy FAQ
Get answers to your most common questions about high-power lasers, compliance, training, safety, and what makes Aspen Laser different.
What makes Aspen Laser the best therapy laser choice for my practice?
Aspen Laser combines advanced technology, clinical results, and professional support into one complete system. Each Aspen Laser is engineered and manufactured in the U.S.A. using high-performance components and a proven optical design that delivers consistent, homogeneous energy across multiple wavelengths and operating modes. The result is faster treatments, deeper tissue penetration, and superior therapeutic outcomes.
Aspen Laser systems are also backed by more than 38 years of industry experience and 12 years of company operations, two FDA 510(k) clearances, and full compliance with international medical-device standards. Every system includes a five-year warranty, mobile laser cart, and comprehensive training program to ensure safety, reliability, and long-term clinical success.
Clinicians choose Aspen Laser because it delivers:
• Multi-wavelength versatility for both superficial and deep-tissue conditions
• Fast treatment times and measurable patient improvement
• Drug-free, non-invasive therapy that addresses the root cause of pain and inflammation
• Unmatched service, warranty, and education support for practice growth
Is Aspen Laser FDA-registered and cleared?
Yes. Aspen Laser is FDA-registered, and its Class IV therapy systems hold two FDA 510(k) clearances. These clearances include the temporary relief of pain, reduction of inflammation, and improved local circulation, in addition to other clearances indicated on each official FDA 510(k) letter.
Who can own and operate a Class IV therapy laser?
Class IV therapy lasers have been FDA-cleared since 2003, and most U.S. states permit licensed healthcare professionals to own and operate these devices within their legal scope of practice.
What are the purchasing options?
Aspen Laser provides flexible purchase, financing, and leasing programs through approved financial partners to accommodate every practice size and budget. Aspen Laser accepts multiple payment methods, including checks, credit cards, and bank wire transfers. Financing and leasing partners offer options for practices across credit tiers, with special offers available periodically.
What are the tax benefits of purchasing?
Most Aspen Laser systems qualify for IRS Section 179 deductions when purchased and placed into service before December 31 of the same calendar year. Section 179 allows practices to deduct part or all of the equipment cost in the first year. Contact Aspen Laser or your tax professional for current details and eligibility.
How long does it take to get started?
Aspen Laser Therapy can be started immediately after delivery and installation. Following set-up and initial onsite training (typically one to four hours), patients can begin treatment the same day.
What is the warranty period?
Every Aspen Laser model includes a five-year warranty, ensuring confidence in long-term clinical performance and dependable operation.
What service and support are available after purchase?
Aspen Laser provides ongoing technical assistance, warranty service, and replacement components directly from its U.S. service center. Software and safety updates are supplied as needed to maintain reliability and compliance.
How does Class IV laser therapy work?
Laser therapy creates a photochemical reaction within cells, where photons of red and near-infrared light stimulate mitochondrial enzymes, increase ATP production, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair. Aspen Laser Therapy is a drug-free treatment that works by addressing the underlying cause of pain and inflammation rather than only treating the symptom — a key consideration for patients seeking natural and long-term relief today.
What is the recommended treatment schedule?
Most clinicians treat daily for the first three days, then every other day as recovery progresses. Treatment frequency, dose, and duration are customized to the patient’s condition and response. For detailed protocols, refer to the Aspen Laser Treatment Protocol Manual.
How long is each treatment session?
Treatment times are typically 2 – 10 minutes per treatment area, depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s individual response. Larger or more complex conditions may require additional time to deliver an effective therapeutic dose.
What Is the Warranty?
The High Intensity Therapy Laser is protected by a 2 year warranty. Additional years of warranty coverage are available. Each laser model has been designed to offer multiple years of successful use and operations for your practice.
When do patients notice improvement?
Many patients report improvement within the first few sessions, with reduced pain, decreased inflammation, and better range of motion and function.
Can Aspen Laser Therapy be combined with other modalities?
Yes. It is synergistic with Chiropractic Adjustments, Massage Therapy, Shockwave Therapy, Decompression Therapy, Stem Cell and Regenerative Therapies, and other rehabilitative modalities, enhancing overall outcomes when properly integrated.
What skin protocols should be followed?
Both on-skin and off-skin methods are used depending on tissue depth and patient comfort. For specific guidance, consult the Aspen Laser Treatment Protocol Manual.
Is Class IV laser therapy safe?
Yes. When administered by trained personnel following manufacturer protocols, Aspen Laser Therapy is very safe, with few contraindications and little to no side effects.
What are the main contraindications?
- • Never direct the beam at or near the eyes.
• Avoid the thyroid gland and active malignancies.
• Use caution over areas of bleeding, during pregnancy (abdomen), or with photosensitizing medications.
Is protective eyewear required?
Yes. Protective eyewear is mandatory under FDA and ANSI Z136 requirements for all Class IV medical lasers. All persons within the treatment area, operators and patients, must wear certified, wavelength-appropriate eyewear.
What are the treatment area requirements?
The FDA requires that Class IV laser treatments be performed in a supervised area that complies with all laser safety standards. Each Aspen Laser system includes a mobile laser cart, allowing safe, flexible, and compliant use across multiple rooms or departments within the practice while maintaining controlled treatment conditions.
How can a practice promote Aspen Laser Therapy?
Patient marketing is essential to introduce new therapy services. Aspen Laser provides customized marketing support to help launch and grow a successful program. Marketing materials include custom brochures, posters, banners, and website content featuring your practice’s logo, colors, and imagery. Additional resources, templates, and guidance for patient engagement are available upon request.
Can laser therapy be billed to insurance?
Laser therapy may be billed using recognized codes, subject to payer requirements and documentation. Many practices have found success offering it as a cash-pay service, simplifying administration and improving profitability.
What is the expected return on investment (ROI)?
Aspen Laser Therapy delivers a strong ROI through short treatment times, high patient satisfaction, and low operating costs. Section 179 tax deductions further enhance the overall financial return for the practice.
What does initial training include?
Training begins onsite during the delivery, setup, and installation of the new Aspen Laser. Key staff receive hands-on instruction covering device operation, clinical application, and safety procedures. Aspen Laser also provides printed guides, digital learning modules, and optional attendance at company-sponsored seminars and workshops held throughout the year. Follow-up training and advanced sessions are available upon request as your program expands.
What is Laser Safety Training?
Laser Safety Training ensures compliance with federal and industry standards. Aspen Laser offers structured courses for both Laser Safety Officers (LSO) and Laser Safety Technicians, with certificates issued upon successful completion.
Are there continuing-education opportunities?
Yes. Aspen Laser and its educational partners offer ongoing professional development through online and in-person CE courses that expand clinical knowledge and reinforce best practices.
Are CE credits available?
Yes. Continuing-education credits for Chiropractors, Chiropractic Assistants, and Athletic Trainers are currently available through approved online courses and professional education partners. Contact Aspen Laser for current details and eligibility information.
Disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Healthcare professionals should consult medical literature and device-specific instructions before implementing photobiomodulation therapy. Final treatment decisions should always be based on a patient’s individual health needs and a thorough risk-benefit analysis.
How Does Laser Therapy Work?
When the photons of laser light penetrate the skin and underlying tissue, they are absorbed by the cells and converted into energy. This energy is key to helping the cells to become normal and healthy. As the cell membrane permeability is altered, a cascade of cellular events is triggered including:
- Stimulation of ATP
- Stimulation of respiratory chain
- Increased DNA and RNA synthesis
- Enhanced collagen synthesis
- Increased levels of beta-endorphins and serotonin
What Advantage Does Laser Therapy Have Over Other Forms of Treatment?
A laser therapy treatment does not require the use of drugs or surgery, and there are no dangerous side effects or risks. Unlike many therapy products that only treat the symptoms and mask the pain temporarily, the therapy laser is able to treat the cause of the pain and injury, helping the body to heal itself.In addition, Laser therapy provides enhanced treatment outcomes faster than any other treatment modality.
Each laser therapy treatment will:
- Decrease inflammation
- Decreased muscle tightness and soreness
- Decrease pain
- Increase range of motion and movement
- Increase faster recovery and healing
How is High Intensity Class IV Laser Therapy Better Than Cold Laser Therapy Treatments?
Cold Laser Therapy (Low Level Light Therapy LLLT) was cleared by the FDA in 2001 with low power levels and low dosage treatments. Since that time new scientific and clinical discoveries have led to the development of higher power lasers, including the new High Intensity Class IV therapy laser which can provide significantly higher dosage levels, a key for positive clinical outcomes.
How Are Laser Therapy Treatments Administered?
Treatments are performed by positioning the laser handpiece either directly on the skin or approximately ½” above the skin and surrounding the area of injury and pain with the laser treatment beam. Various areas may be treated including:
- Directly over the site of injury or lesion
- Acupuncture points
- Trigger points or tender points
- Nerve roots or superficial nerve trucks
How Long Will the Laser Therapy Treatment Take?
Depending on the condition, treatment times for this drug-free, non-invasive procedure will last on average 5 – 10 minutes but is based on the size of area, depth of penetration needed and condition being treated.
How Many Treatments are Needed?
Laser therapy produces results quickly, with improvement often within the first treatment. For many acute conditions 5 – 6 treatments are needed. Chronic conditions take longer and might require 6 – 12 treatments. While these are the averages, each person is unique and healing time varies by person and condition. For those with lifelong conditions your doctor may recommend periodic follow-up treatments.
Is Laser Therapy Safe Without Side Effects?
Laser therapy has been in use for over thirty years around the world. There have been almost no side effects reported. Occasionally some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response becomes more active after a treatment.
Are There Any Safety Precautions Required?
Because the human eyes absorb light, specially designed protective safety eye-wear is required and is provided for both the person administering the laser treatment and the patient to wear during the laser therapy treatment.
Will the Treatment Hurt?
There is no pain associated with a treatment and most patients notice a warm, often soothing feeling.
When Can Normal Activity Begin Again?
The moment a person leaves the clinic, they may resume normal daily activity. It is important to remember to not overexert for a few days, as the body is still healing.
Will Insurance Cover Treatments?
Laser therapy may not be covered by insurance plans. If insurance does not cover the cost of treatments, there are affordable payment plans available.
Can Laser Therapy Be Used With Other Treatments?
Laser therapy can be used as a single therapy treatment, or as an adjunctive therapy in combination with other manual therapies such as chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, or with devices including decompression therapy, electrical stim, and ultrasound therapy.
Can High Intensity Laser Therapy Be Used Over Medical Implants Or Over Metal?
Yes, treatments can be safely administered over surgical – medical implants or metal. Since the mechanism of action is photochemical, there is no deep heating involved with the laser treatments. Treatments can be administered post-surgery for faster healing and recovery.