Class 3b vs Class 4 laser? Which is best? An HONEST answer.

Most clinics using laser for therapeutic purposes (treating tendinopathies, wounds etc) are using either Class 3B or Class 4 laser. If you are wondering which is better and why, read on!

Photobiomodulation involves the use of low-power laser or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate cellular processes and promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.

 There are many myths floating around on the internet regarding class 3B vs Class 4 laser and which is best and why. I’d like to address those myths with an honest and up to date answer, focusing on the TRUTH, and not the marketing spiel!

Firstly, both Class 3B and Class 4 lasers can achieve clinically beneficial effects. Not many laser companies will say this because they want to sell you a specific class 3B or a specific class 4 laser device. I won’t lie, I also have a favoured device but I want to explain why in a rational and non-bias manner. Read on…

The categorisation of lasers does not relate to therapeutic outcome but does relate to their power, and therefore their safe use. Class 3B and Class 4 lasers are categorised by their potential hazards to human eyes and skin. Class 3B lasers deliver up to 500mW peak power and Class 4 delivers over 500mW peak power.

Class 4 lasers, due to their higher power output, offer the potential for shorter treatment times. Higher power outputs mean that treatments with Class 4 lasers can be completed more quickly. This can be beneficial for both the patient and the practitioner, allowing for shorter treatment sessions and potentially treating more patients in a given time frame. Really important where time is short and it’s beneficial to treat patients quickly yet effectively.

However, it's important to note that while Class 4 lasers offer these advantages, some also come with increased safety considerations. The higher power levels in many Class 4 laser models mean that there is a greater risk of adverse effects such as burns or tissue damage if not used properly. Therefore, when using Class 4 lasers for photobiomodulation, or any other application, it's crucial to adhere to strict safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety of both the patient and the practitioner. Additionally, the specific treatment parameters, including wavelength, power density, and treatment duration, should be carefully selected based on the condition being treated and individual patient factors. Essentially, it’s not just the laser which could be harmful, but the person using it, if it is not used appropriately. Does this concern you? Again, keep reading!

Enter, MLS® Laser Therapy (yes, this is my system of choice). MLS® has the advantage of offering Class 4 laser power but via a patented non-thermal system. MLS® Laser Therapy will NEVER burn your patient as it does not generate enough heat in the tissues to cause thermal damage yet is still capable of delivering a peak power of 25W-1kW with a mean power of 1.1W - 6W (depending on the device).

Many Class 4 lasers require the laser to be constantly moved across the treatment area to avoid burning the tissue (think similar to hairdryer on a scalp). The MLS® laser can safely be used in point mode (when you hold the laser in one spot to target a focal area of pain or a trigger point) and also has hands free treatment options in some models. Having used MLS® laser for more than 4.5 years, I can definitively say I have NEVER caused any form of thermal damage to a patient, or myself (and I laser myself on a regular basis!).

Find out more about the MLS® patented system (in place across all models) and why it’s completely safe to use HERE.

https://www.celticsmr.co.uk/news/healthcare-news-items/the-mls-difference-the-pulses/

In addition to safe to use equipment, Celtic SMR provide you with full theory, science, practical, technical and health and safety training including help with any H&S paperwork (Celtic SMR even provide you with templates for EVERYTHING such as Local Rules, Risk Assessments etc and can help you complete these and get your staff properly trained up).

You can find out more about the MLS® laser equipment HERE or you can CONTACT US to chat with our friendly team.

- Written by Kirsten Sinclair, BSc (Podiatry), HCPC reg.