Laser Therapy in Kennewick for Pain Relief and Faster Recovery

At Washington Chiropractic, we integrate advanced Class IV laser therapy into personalized treatment plans for soft tissue recovery, pain reduction, and inflammation control. Laser therapy isn’t just a trend—it’s a clinically backed tool that stimulates cellular repair and accelerates healing by enhancing mitochondrial activity. Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or lingering inflammation, laser therapy can deliver targeted relief, all without invasive procedures. Our team uses precision-based protocols to tailor each laser session to your unique needs. If you’re looking for a natural, high-impact solution to relieve pain and restore function, contact us today and explore the benefits of laser therapy firsthand.

What is Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy is part of a medical field known as photobiomodulation, a process where specific wavelengths of light interact with tissue to accelerate the body’s healing mechanisms. Think of it like photosynthesis—but for human cells. The laser delivers concentrated light energy to damaged tissues, where it energizes cellular mitochondria and jumpstarts biological repair. At our clinic, we use a Class IV “hot” laser, which penetrates deeply and stimulates blood flow, oxygenation, and nutrient delivery in the affected area. The result? Faster healing, reduced swelling, and noticeable pain relief—especially effective for musculoskeletal conditions.

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Laser Therapy?

Class IV laser therapy is highly effective for a variety of conditions, particularly soft tissue injuries. It’s commonly used to treat:

  • Strains and sprains
  • Tendonitis and bursitis
  • Ligament injuries
  • Muscle tears
  • Joint inflammation
  • Post-fracture recovery
  • Neck and back pain
  • Sports-related injuries

By promoting circulation and reducing inflammation, laser therapy not only helps manage acute injuries but also supports long-term rehabilitation. It’s a popular choice for those recovering from repetitive stress injuries and chronic musculoskeletal discomfort.

What Does Chiropractic Laser Therapy Do?

When applied by a chiropractor, laser therapy enhances traditional treatment methods. It improves tissue healing at a cellular level by stimulating mitochondria—the powerhouse of the cell—leading to increased ATP (energy) production. This chain reaction draws more blood flow and nutrients to the site of injury, reducing inflammation and easing pain. Combined with chiropractic adjustments or soft tissue work, laser therapy helps patients recover faster and experience more lasting relief. It’s a go-to option for injuries that involve joint stiffness, nerve irritation, or tissue strain.

Benefits of Laser Therapy

Laser therapy offers a host of benefits, especially when delivered in a targeted, consistent manner:

  • Stimulates tissue regeneration
  • Reduces inflammation and swelling
  • Alleviates chronic and acute pain
  • Accelerates healing post-injury
  • Improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage
  • Increases mobility and flexibility in stiff joints
  • No medication or surgery required
  • Completely non-invasive and pain-free

It’s a favorite among active individuals and chronic pain sufferers alike for its ability to offer real results with minimal downtime.

How Laser Therapy Can Help Relieve Pain

Pain often stems from inflammation, nerve sensitivity, or restricted circulation—laser therapy tackles all three. As light penetrates the skin, it reaches deeper tissues and triggers vasodilation, increasing oxygen-rich blood supply to the affected area. The therapy reduces local swelling, calms nerve endings, and helps clear cellular waste—all while encouraging the regeneration of damaged tissues. The result? A natural, internal reset of your body’s pain response system. Whether you’re healing from a sprain or living with arthritis, laser therapy offers meaningful relief.

What Is Hot Laser Therapy in Chiropractic?

Hot laser therapy, or Class IV laser therapy, uses high-powered light to reach deeper structures like tendons, muscles, and joints. This form of therapy generates warmth, which is part of what stimulates blood flow and soft tissue repair. Unlike cold lasers, which have limited tissue penetration, hot lasers can treat acute and chronic injuries more efficiently. You may feel a gentle, warming sensation during treatment, but there’s no discomfort or downtime. It’s frequently used for spinal conditions, joint inflammation, and soft tissue damage.

How Does Hot Laser Therapy Treatment Work?

Class IV lasers work by delivering specific wavelengths of light directly to injured tissues. That light excites the mitochondria in your cells—boosting ATP production and promoting faster cellular regeneration. This surge in cellular energy increases demand for oxygen and nutrients, which in turn boosts blood flow and healing response. At Washington Chiropractic, each session typically lasts 8–10 minutes. For optimal results, especially in acute cases, we recommend 3–4 sessions per week during the early stages of care.

Benefits of Hot Laser Therapy

Hot laser therapy offers powerful results:

  • Penetrates deep tissue layers
  • Accelerates healing in ligaments, muscles, and joints
  • Speeds up post-surgical recovery
  • Minimizes the need for medication
  • Reduces muscle stiffness and spasms
  • Decreases nerve-related pain
  • Shortens downtime from injury

It’s especially effective for patients recovering from car accidents, sports trauma, or repetitive motion injuries.

Equipment Used for Laser Therapy

At our clinic, we use a high-grade Class IV laser system designed for deep-tissue applications. The technology delivers therapeutic wavelengths with adjustable frequency, allowing us to fine-tune each session based on your injury and sensitivity. Our equipment is FDA-cleared and supported by clinical research—so you’re not just getting the latest tech, you’re getting a safe, effective treatment every time.

What is Cold Laser Therapy?

Cold laser therapy, or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), operates at lower wavelengths and does not generate heat. It’s used for surface-level conditions like minor muscle soreness, chronic inflammation, and even some dermatological conditions. While it has its place in pain management, cold laser therapy lacks the deeper tissue reach and intensity of Class IV therapy, making it less effective for more complex injuries.

Difference Between Hot and Cold Laser Therapy

The main differences between hot and cold laser therapy are:

  • Penetration depth: Hot lasers go deeper; cold lasers stay superficial.
  • Power output: Hot lasers are more intense and faster-acting.
  • Applications: Cold lasers are for mild conditions; hot lasers treat acute and chronic injuries.

At Washington Chiropractic, we use hot laser therapy for its broader effectiveness and superior results in treating musculoskeletal pain and injuries.

What Kind of Problems Are Treated with Cold Laser Therapy?

Cold laser therapy can help with:

  • Minor muscle strain
  • Mild joint inflammation
  • Chronic tendonitis
  • TMJ pain
  • Surface-level swelling
  • Some dermatological conditions

While less potent than hot laser therapy, it may be useful in specific scenarios where heat-sensitive tissue is involved.

Our Approach to Laser Therapy

At Washington Chiropractic, laser therapy is part of a comprehensive, multi-modal treatment plan. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. Whether you’re recovering from a car accident, dealing with a sports injury, or managing arthritis, we use Class IV laser therapy to complement chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and rehabilitation exercises. Our goal is to support your body’s natural healing with precision-based, non-invasive care. Book your consultation today and discover how laser therapy can fast-track your recovery.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Please use the booking tool below to book an appointment at our Kennewick location or call us at (509) 579-0008

Links for other locations: Lakewood Chiropractic clinic and Pasco Chiropractic clinic

FAQs

1. Is Laser Therapy safe for chronic pain?
Yes, laser therapy is safe and FDA-cleared for treating chronic pain. It uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing without causing damage. Most patients feel warmth during treatment, but there’s no downtime or major side effects—making it a trusted option for long-term pain relief.


2. How many sessions are needed for Laser Therapy?
The number of laser therapy sessions depends on the severity and type of injury. Most patients benefit from 6–12 sessions, typically spread over a few weeks. Acute cases may improve quickly, while chronic conditions often require consistent care for long-term improvement.


3. Does laser therapy really work?
Laser therapy is clinically proven to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and accelerate healing. Many patients report noticeable pain reduction and increased mobility within a few sessions. It’s widely used by chiropractors and physical therapists as a non-invasive complement to manual therapies.


4. How long does it take to get results with laser therapy?
Some patients feel relief after just one or two treatments, especially with acute injuries. Chronic or complex conditions may take several weeks to see improvement. Results also depend on consistency, severity, and whether laser therapy is combined with other treatments like adjustments or rehab.

 

Content Reviewed by

Dr. Gregory Lee DC
Dr. Eric Neumann, D.C.
Chiropractor
Author