When most people think of the lasers that are in use today, they probably imagine industrial lasers used for cutting or welding steel, or maybe lasers that read data off your smartphone app—or those pointer lasers that drive your cat crazy. But lasers that could actually make your heel pain go away, or help your ankle sprain heal faster? That’s still way off in the “Star Trek” future, right?
No! Although the skilled foot doctors at Sunshein Podiatry in Centerville can’t wave a magic wand and make your pain go away in an instant, today’s laser therapies are already quite advanced, and we use them to accelerate the healing process so you feel better in days to weeks, instead of weeks to months (or never). And it all happens without incisions, drugs, or pain and side effects. Here's what you need to know about our state-of-the-art Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy solution.
How Does Laser Light Energy Provide Healing Cellular Benefits?
While you might be used to thinking of lasers as beams that can cut steel or fend off enemy stormtroopers, not all lasers are destructive in nature. Light is a form of energy. And while excessive energy can be used destructively, it can also be harnessed for many beneficial purposes—such as powering the anti-inflammatory, tissue-regenerating, growth, and healing processes within your cells.
With our MLS laser therapy system, there are actually two coordinated lasers in use:
- A longer-wavelength (905nm) pulsed laser, primarily designed for pain relief.
- A shorter-wavelength (808nm) continuous laser that rapidly reduces inflammation, as well as stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation—which triggers a whole host of other secondary healing effects.
By working together, the combined effect of this system is greater than what either laser could achieve independently.
Laser therapy is particularly effective in treating soft tissues—like tendons and ligaments—found in great abundance in the lower body. These soft tissues are commonly affected by injury and often become chronically inflamed. The specific wavelengths of laser light used in the process can trigger anti-inflammatory responses in the cells, which is how the therapy is able to relieve pain and reduce swelling in the area.
But Does MLS Laser Therapy Really Work?
It’s essential to recognize that no treatment, regardless of its advanced nature, is 100% effective for every patient. However, with that caveat out of the way, our Centerville podiatrists report that the results have been overwhelmingly positive overall. It’s not an exaggeration to say that over 90% of patients who undergo MLS laser therapy achieve symptom relief of 90% or better.
At Sunshein Podiatry, we find it's a vital, non-invasive solution for treating:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Ankle sprains
- Muscle strains
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Neuromas
- Ulcers and wounds
For many people, this treatment is a game-changer, finally allowing them to alleviate the chronic pain that has been with them for months or years. It's also a viable healing option that potentially helps them avoid surgery. For some of our patient-athletes, they're also pleased to experience a shorter recovery time—by up to 40% or more in some cases—when laser therapy is part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Laser therapy is just one of the many advanced procedures we offer and may not be the best choice for every case. We’ll always discuss all options with you in detail to determine the best course of action.
What Can I Expect Before, During, and After Laser Therapy?
The average session lasts less than 15 minutes, with minimal preparation and recovery time required. We’ll use the laser over the area of tissue that’s currently experiencing pain, and the light energy penetrates deep into the site. As we stated earlier, laser treatment is painless, has no known side effects, and doesn't require any drugs or anesthesia. At most, you might feel a very slight warming sensation during the procedure. After a session, you can go straight home or to whatever else you had planned for the day.
Your series of treatments required varies depending on the nature of your pain. Many people report significant symptom improvement after just one or two visits. However, a full treatment course typically involves either 6 sessions for acute conditions or 12 sessions for chronic conditions, spread over a few weeks, with 2–3 appointments per week.
Because the treatments stimulate healing and don't just mask pain, the results stack with each session—and they tend to last, too. Even if you’re still experiencing some pain after a couple of sessions, you can feel confident that the results should only improve as you continue the treatment course.
Shine the Light on Your Foot or Ankle Pain
Perhaps you've tried everything else, and now you're ready for treatments that actually deliver results. At Sunshein Podiatry, our board-certified foot and ankle specialists look at the whole you, not just the part that hurts. While we're not quite yet to the point where we can snap our fingers and take your pain away, MLS laser therapy is still an incredible piece of technology that can deliver exceptional, long-term pain relief results in a far shorter timespan than you may have ever thought possible. Living with pain isn't your style—trust us to help you make a positive change.