What are the common power settings for Class IV therapy?

The common power settings for Class IV laser therapy are typically in the range of 0.5 to 20 watts. This range allows practitioners to effectively target various conditions while ensuring patient safety and comfort. Class IV lasers provide sufficient power to penetrate deeper tissues, which is essential for treating more severe or chronic conditions that require a higher energy output.

Using this power range facilitates effective therapeutic outcomes, such as reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and promoting tissue healing. The ability to adjust within this spectrum helps clinicians tailor treatments to individual patient needs, ensuring appropriate dosages for different therapeutic goals. Such flexibility is crucial for maximizing the benefits of laser therapy in clinical settings.

Regarding the other options, they fall outside the commonly accepted range for Class IV lasers. For instance, 0.1 to 5 watts does not provide sufficient penetration for deeper tissues, while 20 to 50 watts exceeds typical Class IV laser settings, which can lead to risks of overheating and tissue damage. The range of 1 to 15 watts may be effective but does not encompass the full range that is often utilized, which is why the broader range of 0.5 to 20 watts is the most accepted.