Is Class 4 laser a cold laser?

The term “Cold Laser” is a dated term.  It was created to help describe lower power Class 2 and 3 lasers that don’t have power densities (irradiance) sufficiently high enough to create surface heat when applied.  Therefore, Class 4 lasers, or Class IV lasers, are not technically “Cold Lasers” since they do create a warming sensation on the skin when applied in most cases.

Since 2015 , the correct term that encompasses all therapy lasers and LEDs is photobiomodulation (PBM).  This term describes all light sources that are designed to promote circulation, improve tissue repair, and reduce pain.