MLS Laser Therapy: Everything You Need to Know

Even the smallest foot and ankle ailments can make simple movements painful. They make daily activities like walking, standing up, or running go from spontaneous to stressful in a matter of seconds. 

Foot and ankle pains have several causes, ranging from irritated nerves to soft tissue injuries in the foot. Several patients may have started the habitual use of painkillers and anti-inflammatories for relief, unfortunately finding that they only solve the issue temporarily. 

When dealing with more disruptive foot injuries, some people may consider even stronger drugs. In other cases, they may consider painful injections or even risky surgeries. 

The good news is that patients no longer need to associate foot ailments with inconvenient methods. If traditional treatments such as drugs and injections haven’t worked as expected, it’s time to consider an advanced, non-invasive alternative. This alternative is MLS (Multiwave Locked System) Laser therapy.

Let’s take a look at what MLS Laser therapy is, how it works, and how it has advanced podiatric treatment.  

What is MLS Laser Therapy?

The MLS Laser Therapy is an advanced, FDA-cleared regenerative treatment that uses therapeutic lasers to speed up injury healing. According to data from Cutting-Edge Laser Technologies, the treatment has an 85% to 90% efficacy rate in relieving pain and inflammation.

This type of laser therapy counts on a device with two different wavelengths for treatment: one of 808 nanometers (nm) and another one of 905 nanometers (nm). The former is an anti-inflammatory and anti-edemic wavelength, while the latter is an analgesic wavelength. Together, they work in a non-invasive, safe, and effective way to stimulate regeneration at a cellular level. 

As a result, MLS is the ideal treatment for patients who are looking for a faster, yet reliable recovery from their foot injuries.

Laser Therapy

What Does MLS Laser Therapy Help Heal?

MLS therapy works especially well for injuries involving soft tissues –  like muscles, nerves, and tendons.

Some of the conditions that MLS laser might be considered for are, but aren’t limited to:

Plantar fasciitis: One of the most common causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis can make a nightmare out of standing and moving your foot after a long time at rest. It “stabs” the bottom of your foot thanks to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, known as the tissue that supports the arch of the foot. 

Achilles tendinitis: This is defined as an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, caused by stretched or broken muscle fibers. Common in athletes, Achilles tendinitis causes pain, tenderness, or stiffness above the heel and may spread up to the back of the leg. 

Arthritis: Known as the inflammation or degeneration of joints, arthritis is responsible for stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion around inflamed joints. 

Neuropathy and neuromas: Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that causes numbness, pain, and a shock-like sensation in the toes or feet. That happens because of damage to the peripheral nerves, or the nerves outside of the brain and the spinal cord. 

A neuroma, in its turn, is a benign yet abnormal growth of nerve cells where a nerve injury is located. Neuromas are often associated with foot pain. 

If you or someone you know suffers from any of the above conditions – as well as any general muscle strain or inflammation – MLS laser therapy can help. All thanks to the following effects: 

Reducing tissue edema and swelling: Laser therapy works by reducing inflammatory cells on the injured tissue, decreasing inflammation and its associated symptoms. Because of its vasodilating effects, it improves the edema in the inflamed area. MLS also triggers the lymphatic system, which drains the tissue and diminishes the swollen aspect of an injury. 

Improving blood circulation: MLS increases blood flow to the damaged tissue. This helps the blood bring necessary oxygen and nutrients to the area, which speeds up tissue repair and optimizes soft tissue healing. This way, common symptoms like poor circulation followed by numbness and pain are diminished. 

Providing an ideal healing environment: As the two lasers prompt therapeutic reactions in the area, they essentially create the conditions to “nudge” the body into accelerating the body’s natural healing process. 

How Does it Work? 

MLS Laser therapy is led by cutting-edge laser technology. It immediately treats small or large areas, prompting instant tissue response. 

The two wavelengths of the laser work in synchronicity, emanating particles of light (known as photons) deep into the damaged tissue to optimize cellular function. This results in increased energy within cells in the tissue, followed by increased nutrient intake and accelerated waste drainage.

Although the wavelengths penetrate through the skin when applied, they don’t cause any pain or injury and are completely skin-safe. The laser doesn’t result in any ocular damage, as long as both patients and practitioners wear laser safety eyewear during the procedure. 

Each MLS session typically lasts for 10 to 15 minutes, and the therapy often yields results after the first session.

Yet, depending on a patient’s specific needs and due to protocol, the entire course of therapy can last for 6 to 12 sessions and/or periodic sessions as needed. Factors include whether it’s an acute or chronic condition, as well as the severity of the injury. 

Besides, we can adjust the lasers as needed, depending on your specific type of injury.

Woman is happy after receiving foot pain relief with MLS Laser therapy

Is MLS Laser Therapy Invasive?

Not at all! Besides its proven efficacy and safety, MLS laser is non-invasive, painless, and has no known side effects. 

From our experience, some patients have reported a warming sensation in the area during a session. But to this day, we have had no reporting of pain or discomfort.

What is the Recovery Time of the MLS Laser Therapy? 

There’s no recovery time necessary after a MLS laser therapy session is complete. You’re free to go after a session and carry on with your day. There’s also no need for aftercare. It’s that simple. 

Note that the effects of the treatment are cumulative. Although many patients report relief after the first session, it’s important that you follow the treatment plan suggested by our doctors for better results.

Contact Us Today

Our goal is to help you get back on your feet as soon as possible. Here at Waco Foot & Ankle, we’ll get to the root of your issue and recommend the most effective treatment for your needs.

If you’d like, you can schedule an appointment today with our physicians to learn more about our foot care options. Contact us online, or give us a call at (254) 776-6995. We’ll be more than happy to help you!