Which type of tissue response is stimulated by Class IV laser therapy?

Class IV laser therapy primarily stimulates photobiomodulation, which is a biological process that involves the absorption of light photons by cells, leading to various cellular responses. This process promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and alleviates pain by enhancing cellular metabolism and promoting the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Photobiomodulation also facilitates improved blood flow and has been shown to stimulate the immune response, which are crucial elements of the body's natural healing processes.

Understanding photobiomodulation is key for practitioners using Class IV laser therapy, as it provides the foundational mechanism by which the laser's therapeutic effects occur. This mechanism is distinct from thermal conduction, mechanical induction, and electromagnetic interference, which do not encapsulate the vital biochemical interactions fostered by the specific wavelengths and characteristics of Class IV lasers.