What if healing after surgery didn’t have to take months of pain and slow progress?

In this episode, we take you inside a real post-surgery recovery experience using Class IV laser therapy. One of the most advanced, non-invasive treatments available today. You'll learn firsthand what it feels like to undergo laser therapy for pain, how it works beneath the surface, and why doctors are turning to this technology to prepare patients for physical therapy and long-term healing.

Curious about what’s really possible with laser therapy? Dive in now to get a behind-the-scenes look at this powerful treatment in action.

Episode Video

Class IV Laser Treatment Speeds Recovery After Surgery

Recovering from shoulder surgery can be a long and painful process, especially after a procedure like a rotator cuff or labral repair. But for one Dr. Penhollow, the journey to recovery is being fast-tracked with the help of advanced Class IV Laser Treatment and laser therapy for pain, two innovative approaches that are changing how post-op healing is done.

After undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair the rotator cuff and labrum, the Dr. Penhollow also received a regenerative procedure using bone marrow cells. These healing cells were injected into the tendon, the humerus, and the subacromial space to jump-start recovery. Following this, the shoulder was immobilized for five weeks to allow the repairs to settle. Now, with physical therapy about to begin, laser therapy is stepping in to boost the healing process even further.

How Laser Therapy Works in Shoulder Rehab

During a follow-up visit, Dr. Penhollow was treated with two types of Class IV laser therapy. One was a robotic laser device targeting the shoulder, while a handheld unit was applied to the back of the shoulder and under the arm. This 3D laser approach is designed to reach multiple angles and muscle groups surrounding the joint.

The goal of laser therapy for pain in this context is to reduce inflammation, enhance blood flow, and lower levels of inflammatory chemicals in the body. By doing this, the therapy helps make the shoulder more receptive to physical therapy. Essentially, it prepares the joint to handle movement, exercise, and strengthening without setting back the healing process.

What Does Class IV Laser Treatment Feel Like?

Even though laser therapy might sound intense, it’s actually very gentle. When the handheld laser probe was applied to the back of the shoulder, Dr. Penhollow only felt slight pressure, no pain at all. Under the arm, where the laser was placed near sensitive nerve areas, there was a mild vibration, but still no discomfort.

The robotic laser aimed at the front of the shoulder produced no noticeable sensation at all. This makes Class IV Laser Treatment an ideal option for people who want pain relief without medications or invasive procedures.

Why Class IV Laser Treatment Is a Game-Changer

Class IV lasers use higher wavelengths and power levels compared to older lasers, allowing the energy to penetrate deeper into tissue. This makes them more effective at reducing swelling, improving blood circulation, and speeding tissue repair.

Unlike pills or injections, laser therapy for pain stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. It’s non-invasive, requires no downtime, and doesn’t carry the risks associated with many pain medications. For post-surgery patients, especially those recovering from complex shoulder repairs, it’s a valuable tool to get back to normal faster.

Final Thoughts

Class IV Laser Treatment isn’t just for elite athletes or high-tech clinics anymore. It’s becoming a mainstream solution for managing pain and speeding recovery after surgeries like rotator cuff repairs. With multiple angles of laser therapy, from robotic to handheld devices, patients can experience faster healing with less inflammation and discomfort.

As more doctors begin to integrate these tools into their post-op recovery protocols, patients can look forward to shorter downtimes and better results.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Class IV Laser Treatment used for?
Class IV Laser Treatment is used to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote faster tissue healing. It’s commonly used after surgeries like rotator cuff or labral repairs.

2. Is laser therapy for pain safe?
Yes, laser therapy is safe when performed by a trained doctor. It’s non-invasive, painless, and doesn’t involve any drugs or recovery downtime.

3. How long does a Class IV laser therapy session take?
Most sessions last between 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area and the condition being treated.

4. Can laser therapy replace physical therapy?
No, but it complements physical therapy by reducing pain and inflammation, making it easier and safer to perform exercises.

5. How many laser therapy sessions are needed after shoulder surgery?
The number of sessions varies, but many patients see results after just a few treatments. A full recovery plan may include several sessions over a few weeks.

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