Light-Based Healing Meets Modern Chiropractic
Summus Medical Laser has become a leading name in Class IV laser therapy, offering a non-invasive, drug-free approach to pain relief and healing. The therapy works by delivering specific red and near-infrared wavelengths of light that penetrate deep into tissues, stimulating cellular repair and reducing inflammation.
This article explores how Summus Laser fits into modern chiropractic care, examining the technology behind it, the conditions it treats, patient experiences, and local access options — including how Southeast Family Chiropractic in Gastonia, NC, integrates this advanced technology into its treatment plans.
Class IV Power: Deep-Penetrating Light for Faster Relief
Class IV lasers are the most powerful therapeutic lasers available, with an output exceeding 500 milliwatts — significantly more than lower-class devices. This higher power allows the light to penetrate deeper into tissues, delivering quicker and more effective treatments. Summus Medical Laser offers Class IV devices such as the P4, Horizon, and H1, designed specifically for clinical use.
The therapeutic effect relies on photobiomodulation (PBM). Red and near-infrared light, including wavelengths like 808 nm and 904 nm, is absorbed by mitochondria in cells, stimulating increased ATP production. This jumpstarts cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing. Summus lasers use multiple wavelengths to target different biological pathways simultaneously.
- Temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain and stiffness
- Relief of minor arthritis pain and muscle spasms
- Temporary increase in local blood circulation
- Temporary relaxation of muscle tissue
These indications are supported by FDA clearance 510(k) K082686. The therapy is non-invasive, drug-free, and carries minimal side effects when administered by a trained professional. Unlike at-home devices, medical-grade Class IV lasers deliver far greater energy in shorter sessions, ensuring deeper tissue penetration and more lasting results.
Conditions Treated: From Arthritis to Neuropathy
Summus Medical Laser is cleared by the FDA for temporary relief of common musculoskeletal conditions, including minor muscle and joint pain, arthritis, muscle spasms, and stiffness. Its Class IV power allows deep penetration, making it effective for a wide range of complaints.
Common Conditions Addressed
Clinicians use Summus laser therapy for back pain, knee pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, sprains and strains, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, and neuropathy. Both acute injuries and chronic conditions respond well, thanks to the therapy’s anti-inflammatory and tissue-repair effects.
For neuropathy, photobiomodulation delivers red and near-infrared light to damaged nerves, stimulating recovery. Patients often report reduced numbness, tingling, and pain after a series of sessions, with improved sensation in hands and feet.
At southeastchiro.com, patients can receive Summus laser therapy as part of a personalized chiropractic plan targeting their specific condition, whether it's arthritis, neuropathy, or a sports injury.
Real Patient Stories: Reviews and Testimonials
Patients using Summus Medical Laser have reported remarkable outcomes. One patient with a large post-surgical wound saw 50% healing within 24 hours after a single treatment. Another regained 100% mobility without pain after just two sessions. For those with chronic conditions, results often appear cumulatively — some find relief after the first session, while more severe cases may require 6–12 or more treatments.
Professional motocross racer Pauls Jonass, a 2017 MX2 World Champion, credits Summus laser therapy for helping him recover faster from injuries and return to competition. Chiropractor Ben Hendrix, D.C., endorses the device, stating, "the laser is the best option as an additional part of care" for his patients.
Treatment sessions are typically painless and last 5–15 minutes, making them easy to fit into a busy schedule. Whether for acute injuries or ongoing discomfort, patient reviews consistently highlight faster recovery, reduced pain, and improved mobility without drugs or surgery.
Which Model Fits Your Practice? Horizon, P4, H1
Summus Medical Laser offers three primary medical models, each designed for different practice needs. The Horizon is a complete laser system that simplifies integration into existing workflows, providing consistent and reproducible results. The P4 functions as both a Class IV therapy laser and a technology platform, offering usage metrics and tools to help practices track and improve outcomes. The H1 is a lightweight yet powerful device with preprogrammed protocols for quick, effective treatments.
For practices seeking unattended high-volume treatments, the Apogee Laser Bed was introduced in 2025 as the first fully automated Class IV therapy bed. It delivers hands-free, high-power treatments to acute and chronic conditions, freeing staff time and increasing patient throughput.
Pricing for Summus lasers is not publicly listed. Prospective buyers must contact the company or an Area Sales Manager to receive a customized quote based on model, accessories, and practice type. The manufacturer does not sell these devices directly to consumers for home use; they are professional-grade tools intended for licensed healthcare practitioners.
If you are a patient seeking Summus laser therapy, you can receive treatment at a certified provider such as Southeast Family Chiropractic in Gastonia, where these advanced lasers are used to support natural healing and pain relief.
Training and Certification for Safe Use
Summus Medical Laser devices are intended for use by licensed healthcare professionals, including chiropractors, physical therapists, and physicians. At southeastchiro.com, trained chiropractors administer laser therapy, ensuring that each treatment follows established safety protocols.
Summus offers two primary training courses: "Class 4 Laser Therapy in Clinical Practice," which provides 8 continuing education (CE) hours, and a 2-hour "Essentials" course. These live, instructor-led programs cover treatment protocols, safety, and clinical application. The online Gateway portal provides unlimited seats for all staff, allowing the entire team to access training materials and support.
While a specific national certification is not universally required, providers are strongly encouraged to complete Summus’s recommended training to integrate the laser effectively. Practitioners should also verify state and professional board requirements for laser therapy, as regulations may differ by jurisdiction.
A 2025 FDA MAUDE adverse event report documented a burn incident involving a broken fiber assembly on a Summus P4 laser, attributed to dust entering the module when the assembly was removed Summus P4 MAUDE report. This case underscores the importance of following the manufacturer’s manual and proper handling procedures to prevent equipment damage and patient harm.
Local Access: Finding Summus Laser Near Gastonia
Summus Medical Laser offers a convenient “Find a Provider” tool on their website, allowing patients to search by zip code for certified practitioners offering Class IV laser therapy.
For those in the Gastonia, North Carolina area, Southeast Family Chiropractic is proud to provide Summus laser treatments as part of our care. We encourage you to contact our clinic or use the online locator to schedule a consultation and explore how this non-invasive therapy can support your recovery.
Regulatory Backing and Safety Profile
Summus Medical Laser devices hold multiple regulatory approvals: they are FDA cleared, Health Canada approved, CE marked, MDSAP certified, and ISO certified. The FDA clearance, granted under 510(k) number K082686, is specifically for topical heating to temporarily relieve minor muscle and joint pain, stiffness, arthritis pain, and muscle spasms, as well as to increase local blood circulation and relax muscles.
Contraindications include use over the eyes, cancerous lesions, a pregnant uterus, active hemorrhage, and the thyroid or gonads. When administered by trained professionals, Class IV laser therapy has an excellent safety record, with very few side effects reported in over 20 years of worldwide use.
Illuminating the Future of Chiropractic Care
Summus Medical Laser offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach with sessions lasting just minutes, making it a versatile tool for conditions like arthritis, back pain, and neuropathy. When paired with chiropractic adjustments, it can enhance recovery and pain relief.
Experience this advanced therapy at Southeast Family Chiropractic in Gastonia. Schedule a consultation to learn how Summus Laser can support your journey to better health.