MLS Laser Therapy for Foot and Ankle

What You Need To Know

Learn how MLS Laser Therapy works and the conditions it can help treat.

Understanding MLS Laser Therapy

When you think of pain relief, you think of something that will work without causing more pain. MLS Laser is one treatment that fits the bill. It is a pain laser that is in fact, painless! This laser uses light energy and converts it to biomechanical energy by stimulating your body’s healing mechanisms at the cellular level. In essence, it recruits your body’s own naturally occurring cellular turnover so your body can fight pain and inflammation.

MLS stands for Multiwave Lock System, a technology that delivers light in two distinct wavelengths, 808 nanometer and 905 nanometer. The lower wavelength concentrates on reduction in inflammation and edema, and the higher one concentrates on pain reduction, resulting in an analgesic effect. The combination produces greater pain relief as they affect different pathways causing the pain, while also minimizing thermal damage to the cells.

MLS Laser works on all types of pain. Whether you have an acute injury such as a sprain, strain, broken bone, or stress fracture, or chronic pain from an arthritic condition, neuropathy, or post-operative pain, MLS Laser therapy may be a fit. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, chronic heel pain, Achilles tendinitis, and sports injuries like ankle sprains respond well to this therapy. It can also be used on non-infected wounds and post-operative incision sites to help them heal faster with less scarring. If you are dealing with lingering pain, schedule a consultation to see if MLS Laser is right for you.

Benefits and What to Expect

This is actually our favorite part, as there are so many benefits to MLS Laser! MLS Laser therapy is non-invasive, meaning there is no break in the skin. When using the robotic arm, the laser stays approximately 8 inches away from the skin. Because there is no down-time, you can even schedule appointments during your lunch break.

The MLS Laser causes vasodilation of the blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the affected areas. It has been on the market since 2009, and still today, there are no known side effects, as long as you keep at least one day between sessions so the cells can regenerate. This therapy can also be used in conjunction with other therapies such as physical therapy, and the effect is additive. Some of our patients want to stay away from oral NSAIDs or decrease post-operative pain medication, and this laser allows them to do just that.

For your first treatment, you come into the treatment room, sign our consent, and watch a quick introductory video, with a chance to get all your questions answered. You will be required to wear protective eyeglasses during the treatment. Since there is no pain, our patients find this very relaxing and are able to calmly recline while their pain is being treated.

Most acute injuries respond well with 6 sessions, 2 to 3 times a week for 2 to 3 weeks. For chronic conditions, the recommended total is 12 sessions over 4 to 6 weeks, with an optional maintenance program tailored to your specific needs.