At Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas (FAANT) we are proud to be able to offer numerous cutting-edge technologies to our patients. To better treat and serve our patients who suffer from pain and neuropathy, we now offer MLS laser Therapy (Multi Wave Locked System).
What is MLS and how does it work?
MLS laser is a sophisticated class IV laser that uses two very specific wavelength of light applied directly to the skin of the affected area. The laser light penetrates 3-5 cm deep into tissues and has been shown to accelerate the body’s own natural healing process. The treatment achieves this by activating the energy producing portion of the cell (mitochondria), allowing increased energy production and therefore more rapid healing of cells. The cells are also stimulated to release toxins like histamine and cytokines out of the cells. This results in decreased pain and inflammation as well as increased healthy blood flow to the treatment area.
Will MLS laser work for me?
For patients who suffer from musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, or inflammation, an 85 -90% efficacy rate for significant reduction in these symptoms has been noted. There are currently over 3,000 articles that validate the effectiveness of laser therapy.
What does it treat?
MLS laser therapy can be used for conditions in the foot and ankle including, but not limited to:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Arthritis
- Fractures (if treated in first 10 days after injury)
- Neuromas
- Capsulitis
- Tendinitis
- Sprains
- Bursitis
- Neuropathy
- Generalized inflammation
- Post-surgical swelling and pain
- Any other injuries of the musculoskeletal system of the feet and ankle
For patients suffering from neuropathy, a sometimes-painful condition where the sensory nerves of the feet and ankles loose their ability to feel and often induce pain, MLS can stimulate those damaged nerves and therefore reduce painful symptoms of neuropathy.
This therapy is useful for both acute and chronic conditions. In fact, patients who suffer from the pain of conditions like plantar fasciitis and tendinitis have been able to cancel their scheduled surgeries due to improvement with this therapy.
Patients who are planning to undergo surgery can benefit from laser therapy by receiving a treatment prior to surgery. This can increase blood flow and decrease inflammation to surgical site prior to surgery. After your surgical procedure, additional treatments are recommended to reduce post-operative swelling and pain therefore, accelerating healing time, recovery time, and pain.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does therapy with MLS hurt?
No, patients do not feel pain like sometimes can occur with “hot” lasers, only in rare cases may one feel a slight warmth.
What are the side effects?
There are no known side effects of MLS laser therapy. Laser therapy was FDA cleared in 2002 and is currently used by numerous professional sports teams and organizations including the Dallas Cowboys.
Are there any contraindications to MLS laser therapy?
There are a few but they are not commonly encountered. They are as follows:
- Children with open growth plates
- Patient who are HIV positive
- Patients taking anticoagulants (general contraindication)
- Patients currently taking medications that makes the skin sensitive to light
- Patients with previous or current cancerous lesion(s) in the treated area
What are the advantages of MLS therapy?
- This treatment offers a nonsurgical approach
- No known side effects
- No need for prescription or over the counter medication
- Rapid relief of symptoms
- Provides a nonsurgical option for chronic or nonhealing conditions
How long does MLS last?
For patients with conditions like arthritis, which is degenerative in nature, repeat treatments may be quired every 4-6 weeks to keep the inflammation and pain at bay. With that being said, the increased activity arthritic patients experience with this treatment can be a game changer for those that have been sidelined by arthritis.
Patients who suffer from neuropathy secondary to Diabetes have also found relief with this treatment. Because neuropathy is a chronic condition, after initial treatment regimen, maintenance treatment will be needed to maintain improvement each month. Strict control of aggravating factors like glucose control can also help maintain improvement and prevent worsening progression of neuropathy symptoms.
How many treatments will I need?
Patients in acute pain or needing surgery will have 6 treatments. Those with more chronic pain will require 10 treatments. Treatments are given three times a week until completed. Surgery patients should expect to get one treatment several days before surgery to help reduce inflammation and increase blood flow, and then receive the remaining five treatments following surgery.
How do I schedule MLS therapy?
Give FAANT a call at 817-416-6155 and schedule an appointment with one of our physicians. During that visit your condition will be evaluated, appropriate clinical treatment and a determination if MLS is right for you will be made together.
We look forward to seeing you and helping you on the road to recovery with this revolutionary treatment.