Technology is constantly changing and improving all of our lives in countless ways. Of course, one of the biggest arenas for technological advancement is always the field of medicine. Our medical community is constantly finding new ways to diagnose, treat, and even prevent health-related issues.

A prime example of technological breakthrough—and one we are proud to offer here at Eagle-Summit Foot & Ankle—is Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser treatment. Dr. Maurer and Dr. Bernhard use our MLS laser to treat various soft tissue injuries. If you have pain from sprains, strains, or other sources of inflammation, this might be a recommended course of treatment.

What is MLS Laser Therapy?

When our doctors recommend this particular treatment, you will likely want to know what it is and, perhaps more importantly, if it’s safe and will fix the problem for you.

The MLS laser is a noninvasive (no surgery) approach for treating strains, sprains, and general inflammation. Our office has a top-of-the-line M6 robotic laser, which improves efficiency – the average treatment session only takes around 10 minutes. Our MLS laser has a robotic head (we affectionately call it “Charlie”), which enables us to treat two different foot and ankle conditions at the same time.

Laser treatment revolves around capitalizing upon the energy produced by concentrated levels of light (lasers) to promote both tissue healing and pain relief. In the past, some podiatrists might have used either pulsed light lasers to control swelling or continuous light lasers to control pain, but our MLS laser therapy is able to deliver both of these benefits to you in the same session.

During an MLS laser treatment session, light energy penetrates deeply into your affected soft tissue and reach cells that have been damaged. The energy stimulates your natural healing processes by accelerating cellular growth and reproduction. This advanced treatment option is especially effective for soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, and tendons, all of which are frequently affected by sports injuries and found in great abundance in your feet. The specific light wavelengths produced by the MLS laser initiate a strong anti-inflammatory response in the tissues, and this is essential for reducing your levels of swelling and pain.

When our doctors use this state-of-the-art therapy, they will start by outlining the area to be treated, and then the laser is applied in a rhythmic manner to the appropriate location. The laser will be calibrated precisely to deliver energy in predetermined durations, pulses, therapeutic dosages, and wavelengths.

The continuous laser emissions, dual action, and precise synchronization continue during your session in order to provide an effective therapeutic effect by triggering the aforementioned cellular responses. You might not be able to physically see the MLS laser working to quickly bring your damaged cells up to an optimal condition, but you will be able to feel the result.

There are additional benefits to this form of laser therapy, including improved circulation to a damaged or injured area. This serves to further assist your natural healing processes by supplying the area with the essential nutrients, water, and oxygen to fully nourish the cells and promote their recovery. At the same time, you will find that it also contributes to reduced frequency of muscle spasms and stiffness in the area.

What Does MLS Laser Therapy Treat?

This versatile treatment option can be used in several different manners. MLS treatment is certainly used in managing various sources of foot and ankle pain, including pain caused by arthritis, bursitis, and plantar fasciitis. Laser therapy is sometimes used as an integral part of treatment plans to address sports injuries and wounds.

Both chronic and acute conditions can benefit from the use of MLS. Typically, patients with chronic issues tend to experience continued improvement during the course of regular treatment sessions, particularly because the results are cumulative (they build up over time). Conversely, acute conditions are more likely to only require a singular phase of treatment. Of course, our doctors will determine what kind of program they think is the right one, and then discuss your options with you.

MLS Laser Benefits

As if faster healing, reduced pain, and improved blood flow aren’t enough, laser therapy is also proven to be completely safe (FDA-approved), quick, and painless. Most patients who undergo a session report having no pain or other sensation during it. The average time of treatment is less than ten minutes. Whereas some pharmacological solutions for certain medical conditions have undesired side effects, there are no such known issues with MLS laser therapy.

To recap, some of the top benefits of MLS treatment include:

• Accelerated cellular growth and tissue repair. Cells absorb the photon energy, which results in faster growth and repair for our patients.
• Improved immune function. Laser light stimulates immunoglobulins and lymphocytes, both of which are essential components of your immune system.
• Improved vascular activity. The formation of new capillaries is particularly beneficial because this speeds up your healing process, reduces scar tissue, and closes wounds more quickly, thereby reducing your risk of potential infection.
• Increased metabolic activity. Not only do damaged cells receive greater quantities of nutrients, oxygen, and water from the enhanced blood circulation, they are also able to take in and use the nourishment more efficiently.

If you have pain in your foot and ankle and are not finding appropriate relief from conservative treatment, our MLS laser may help improve your situation. Call us at (970) 668-4565 to reach our Frisco office or (970) 949-0500 to connect with our Avon office, or check our website for more information and to start your path to pain relief.