MLS LASER THERAPY

When we treat patients for foot and ankle pain, having a wide variety of treatment options means we can optimally suit the needs of more and more of our patients. That is why we are so happy to have Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy as one of our advanced treatment methods.

More traditional methods of care such as rest, physical therapy, and orthotics are still very useful, but MLS laser therapy provides us an additional option in our arsenal should traditional methods not be effective, or circumstances call for a different approach.

What is MLS Laser Therapy?

The “multiwave” part of “multiwave locked system” refers to different, very specifically attuned wavelengths of light energy that are emitted by a medical laser we have in our office.

Let’s make this clear right now: When we say “laser,” we are not referring to the “melt through steel” or “secret agent death trap” kind. The lasers here do not burn the skin, and do not cause any sensations in patients aside from mild warmth.

When directed at the site of pain or soft tissue injury, the light energy permeates deep under the skin and can cause a number of beneficial effects:

  • The cells at the site of the damage can be stimulated to conduct their repair processes faster (by increasing metabolism) or restart repair processes if they have slowed to a stop.
  • Blood flow is increased to the area as a response to the stimulus, carrying with it the growth factors and nutrients cells need to do their jobs more effectively. New capillary routes can be constructed (did you know our bodies can do that?) so cells have more efficient access to blood than before.
  • As more blood flows through the area, the ability to drain away excess liquid also increases, reducing swelling.
  • Pain naturally decreases as the transmission of pain signals by local nerves are blocked. Nerves that have been damaged can also see a potential improvement due to increased blood flow as well.

The truly impressive part is that this all occurs as part of the body’s natural responses and recovery systems. There are no drugs you have to take or additional procedures that need to be performed.

What Might MLS Laser Therapy Be Recommended For?

MLS laser therapy can be effective for a variety of conditions, particularly those that have a basis in soft tissue injuries.

Conditions we may consider for MLS laser therapy include:

  • Certain causes of heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis
  • Other soft tissue sports injuries
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Neuromas
  • Arthritis
  • Wounds (diabetic or not), to accelerate healing

 

It is also not unheard of to recommend laser therapy as part of a post-operative recovery process, to help the surgical site heal faster with less pain, swelling, and scarring.

The source of trouble also does not necessarily need to be fresh. In many cases, chronic pain that has lasted for months or even years can be improved or resolved via laser therapy.

Please keep in mind, however, that laser therapy will not always be our first recommendation for every case of the above conditions. More conservative methods may be entirely effective and a better option for a particular set of circumstances.

What is MLS Laser Therapy Like?

Laser therapy is conducted over a series of sessions, each one usually lasting 15-30 minutes. The laser is properly adjusted and directed at the site of your injury, where you may feel the warmth we mentioned earlier.

Following a session, you are free to go on with your day as normal. There is nothing you have to do before a session, and you won’t need anyone to drive you home (unless you weren’t able to drive beforehand, of course!).

Sessions are scheduled out over a series of weeks or months, depending on the size, severity, and location of the treatment area. In many cases, however, patients report feeling positive effects after the first treatment, and the magnitude of those effects stack with successive treatments. In other words, you feel better and better as the course of treatments go on!

    Find the Right Course of Treatment for Your Needs

    Whether MLS laser therapy is the best way to find relief from your foot and ankle problems, or another method is more suitable, taking the first step to get the care you need is essential!

    Our Dearborn podiatry office is ready to hear from you. Call us at (313) 582-6222 to schedule an appointment. Or, if you prefer to contact us electronically, that is fine! Simply fill out our online contact form and a member of our staff will respond to you during our standard office hours.

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    ADDRESS

    7243 Chase Rd.

    Dearborn, MI 48126

    PHONE

    (313) 582-6222

    HOURS

    Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm

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