Expert Foot & Ankle Treatment from Michigan’s #1 Podiatrist - Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist
Board Certified Podiatrists
Expert Foot & Ankle Care
Expert Foot & Ankle Treatment from Michigan’s #1 Podiatrist - Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist
Expert Foot & Ankle Care
Cold Laser Therapy in Howell & Bloomfield
Are you struggling with persistent foot or ankle pain, inflammation, or slow-healing injuries? Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment designed to reduce pain, accelerate healing, and restore mobility—without surgery or medication. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Michigan, we proudly offer cold laser therapy near me as part of our comprehensive podiatric services. Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, or arthritis, this innovative treatment may be the breakthrough your body needs.
How does cold laser therapy for pain work? What is cold laser therapy? Is cold laser therapy a hoax or a scam? See what the SCIENCE says!
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See us for a NO OBLIGATION consultation for MLS therapy in Michigan.
At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, we want to be the answer to the question “What is the best cold laser therapy near me?”
Cold laser therapy is a non-painful laser treatment that stimulates healing while using low levels of light.
The laser we use at our office is FDA approved for treatment for health conditions.
This is called “cold” laser therapy because the low light levels aren’t enough to burn your body’s tissue.
The level of light is low compared to other forms of laser therapy, such as those used to destroy tumors and coagulate tissue. It is also low compared to surgical and aesthetic lasers.
Cold therapy does not burn the tissue.
Cold laser therapy is also known as:
In Summary, here’s what you can expect:
We use laser therapy in our offices because we want to provide an effective and safe treatment option for our patients to heal quickly, recover fully and reduce pain effectively.
Yes cold therapy is extremely effective for numerous lower extremity skin, soft tissue, and nerve problems.
As mentioned above, we use a cold laser device called the MLS laser therapy. This stands for multi-wave locked system therapy.
In the foot & ankle, cold laser treatment can be used for:
How does cold laser therapy work:
These are some of the features of cold laser therapy.
MLS Cold Laser Therapy has no known adverse side effects, a non-invasive, non-pharmacological solution for even the most complex cases.
There are no major known side effects. This is a well-studied device that is FDA approved for the treatment of the lower extremity (Foot & Ankle)
We have been using this therapy for numerous years and have had no significant issues or problems.
It is known that specific light emissions can transfer energy to cells and tissue essentially. Upon exposure to laser light, areas subject to poor metabolism recover total activity.
However, some light emissions are more effective than others.
The MLS Cold Laser wavelengths guarantee the most profound possible action by identifying an extremely efficient waveform. This is based on scientific findings on the capacity of coherent light to penetrate biological tissues (epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue). The depth reached by light emissions depends on the incidental radiation wavelength. The reason lies in the presence of specific superficial chromophores that present areas of maximum absorption in correspondence to particular wavelength intervals, which will therefore be filtered and not reach the deepest tissue layers and transparent in other areas of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The interval between 600 and 1200 nm is known as the ‘therapeutic window’ because there are no chromophores in this range to filter the light emission. The wavelengths of the emissions making up the cold laser pulse fall into this precise interval, meaning that they can reach the deepest anatomical structures that are often involved in ailments that cold laser therapy is most suitable for treating. Other wavelengths do not have the same effect.
The cold laser emission can wholly and quickly restore an optimal biochemical and bioelectrical balance utilizing efficient energy transfer. The use of the cold laser makes it possible to recruit intracellular photoreceptors immediately and restore higher energy conditions to the cells.
The new & improved laser:
Cold laser therapy has brought about an effective change in the way many challenging pathologies are managed.
This powerful, targeted treatment modality delivers anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, and analgesic relief. Though laser therapy has been available for nearly 35 years, recent advances in technology have eliminated previous limitations and maximized effectiveness, yielding exceptional treatment results.
The MLS Cold therapy laser features a synchronized combination of two unique laser emission modes, continuous and pulsed, each delivering their characteristic beneficial effects.
The accelerated mitigation of pain and consistently positive outcomes produce considerably reduced treatment times. By synchronizing its continuous and pulsed emissions, Cold Laser Therapy can provide an intense and direct therapeutic effect on inflammation and edema and the painful symptoms accompanying them.
Treatment:
Cold Laser Therapy is painless, with most patients reporting no sensation at all while receiving laser therapy. Treatments average 8 minutes.
Cold Laser Therapy is fast-acting; many patients in high levels of acute pain experience relief after the first or second treatment. Over 90% of patients experience positive results after the 3rd treatment, with the average course of treatment being 7 to 10 sessions. In many cases, swelling is significantly reduced by the 3rd or 4th treatment, and pain is diminished.
The effects of Cold Laser Therapy are cumulative; therefore, improvement is expected throughout treatment. Chronic conditions can be controlled with regular laser therapy treatments. Acute conditions usually subside quickly, typically within one phase of treatments. Overall reduction of treatment time through the simultaneous easing of the edema-contracture-pain triad distinguishes Cold Laser Therapy from other laser treatments. All beneficial effects are reciprocally strengthened, delivering timely and targeted results.
The Cold therapy laser features a synchronized combination of two unique laser emission modes, continuous and pulsed, each delivering their characteristic beneficial effects.
Continuous laser & pulsed laser emissions:
Continuous laser emissions act quickly on inflammation, stimulating blood and lymphatic circulation and inducing fast re-absorption of fluid build-ups; however, they only have a secondary effect on pain, which is diminished only after reducing the inflammatory process.
On the other hand, pulsed laser emissions directly affect pain since they can induce analgesia, interfering with the very transmission of the pain impulse to the higher brain centers. Still, they are less effective at treating inflammation and edema, only achieving results after a lengthy application period.
Cold Laser Therapy is unique in that it organizes continuous and pulsed emissions that generate simultaneous anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Our MLS Cold Laser Therapy has been cleared by the FDA and proven successful, as evidenced by extensive and credible studies conducted in our country’s finest institutions, including Harvard University.
We are proud to be at the medical technological forefront by offering MLS Cold Laser Therapy.
We have invested in the very best technology as a critical component of our continuing quest to offer the finest in health care.
The MLS cold laser means a multi-wave locked system laser. It is a particular model of low-level cold laser.
Cold laser therapy creates a spectrum of therapeutic wavelengths that can increase cell metabolism.
This 2018 study found that both shockwave therapy and cold laser therapy were very effective for plantar fasciitis. This study found excellent results at 6 weeks and 12 weeks following laser therapy.
On average, it is rare to improve 6.6 out of 10 in any treatment program.
These plantar fasciitis reviews correlate with our experiences which show excellent overall improvement.
This study confirms that MLS laser therapy for plantar fasciitis is very effective for foot pain, Achilles tendinitis, and others.
This 2020 scientific research study looked at the effective high-intensity laser therapy versus low-level laser therapy in treating plantar fasciitis.
MLS laser therapy was not specifically studied in this research paper, but MLS treatment does combine different wavelengths similar to these types of laser assistance.
This study determined that laser therapy also is very effective in treating plantar fasciitis.
This 2017 study found that shockwave therapy and low-level laser therapy were significantly superior to ultrasound therapy.
For this reason, we believe MLS laser therapy and shockwave therapy are much more beneficial than just ultrasound therapy.
This 2021 study aims to compare low-level laser therapy for Achilles tendonitis.
We are eagerly awaiting the results, and we anticipate that this will be a high outcome study.
This 2015 study looked at knee osteoarthritis with low-level laser therapy.
There are 2 things to consider:
In our opinion, it is unlikely that laser therapy can cure osteoarthritis, nor does it claim to.
Laser therapy can likely reduce inflammation and increased metabolism in the area.
Unfortunately, the body does not have the ability to self-heal osteoarthritis even when assisted by cold level therapy.
The cold laser has been proven to be scientifically validated for numerous foot and ankle pain conditions.
We always invite patients to come to see our podiatrist for a no-obligation consultation at our Michigan office.
This 2017 study shows the effectiveness of low High-intensity laser therapy and then testing with diagnostic ultrasound.
Consider seeing our podiatrists in our Michigan office for a no-obligation appointment for MLS laser therapy for Morton’s neuroma pain.
This 2019 study tested laser therapy on rats with induced nerve damage.
This 2015 study was a small study that looked at 6 adult sheep with induced tendon lesions. It measured how 10 treatments of MLS laser therapy resulted in tendon improvement.
Yes, cold laser therapy is considered safe. There are no documented significant side effects.
Cold laser therapy is FDA approved for treating foot and ankle lower extremity conditions.
There are no documented studies where cold laser therapy can cause cancer in human beings.
Yes, cold laser therapy is FDA approved.
Yes, cold laser therapy is considered to be very legitimate.
The cold laser treatment course is 5-10 minutes for most foot and ankle conditions, although it depends on the size of the area being treated.
Yes, cold therapy is real.
Cold laser therapy is about healing and not masking a condition, or covering it up.
There is a study that compared radial shockwave therapy and class IV laser therapy for plantar fasciitis.
Peripheral neuropathy of the foot and ankle, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Laser treatment also works for soft tissue muscle conditions such as plantar fasciitis: Achilles tendinitis, Morton’s neuroma, foot, and ankle ulcers, skin conditions as well as overuse muscle-tendon injuries.
It is normal sometimes to wonder if cold laser therapy is a hoax. This is reasonable to assume since traditional insurance does not cover it.
Cold laser therapy is a very effective treatment that has been utilized extensively without much downside.
Yes, cold laser therapy works extremely well.
Further in this article, we describe exactly how it works and link to numerous research papers showing how it works in new developing benefits realized from cold laser therapy.
Cold laser therapy works by admitting a beam of light that stimulates her body’s soft tissues and cell membranes.
Because traditional insurances do not cover cold laser therapy, it is reasonable to assume that it is a scam.
The use of cold laser therapy is for many health conditions throughout the lower extremity.
We specifically use this for:
Laser treatment also works for soft tissue muscle conditions such as:
Cold laser therapy is FDA approved for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, but it is not covered by insurance.
We stand so strongly by this treatment method that we offer no-obligation treatment visits to see if you are the right candidate for cold laser therapy.
Cold laser therapy is FDA-approved and proven to be very effective, but Medicare does not cover MLS laser therapy.
Insurance generally does not cover newer and advanced treatment modalities.
Our strong belief is that cold laser therapy in class IV laser therapy can effectively reduce the need for surgical procedures and is very beneficial in healing wounds and swelling. Unfortunately, we all have to keep asking the question, “is cold laser therapy covered by Medicare?” The answer is NO.
We believe so strongly in this treatment and standby cold laser therapy reviews that we offer a no-obligation consultation.
We believe that there is a minimal risk as if the patient does not see an early benefit from this treatment, we will do what it takes to make the situation right.
Unfortunately, cold laser therapy is not covered by insurance.
It is FDA approved and accepted as a valid cost-effective treatment option.
Unfortunately, cold laser therapy is not covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield at this time.
If the patient does not see rapid improvement, we will do what it takes to make things right.
Is cold laser therapy covered by insurance?
Cold laser therapy is FDA approved, but unfortunately, cold laser therapy is not covered by insurance.
We believe so strongly in its effectiveness that we offer a no-obligation visit to test this therapy for yourself and see how beneficial it can be.
We also go over all the scientific research and studies to show the effectiveness for you.
We can perform toenail, toe, foot, heel & ankle surgery in the office!
We can help with:
Our experienced podiatric surgeons combine precision, care, and innovation to deliver successful outcomes in flatfoot reconstruction. With modern facilities, patient education, and compassionate care, we’ve become the trusted choice for foot and ankle surgery in Southeast Michigan. We’re committed to restoring your stride—comfortably and confidently.
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing at the cellular level. The laser penetrates the skin without heat, increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair.
It can help with a variety of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, arthritis pain, neuromas, sprains, strains, nerve injuries, and chronic inflammation in the foot or ankle.
Not at all. Most patients feel nothing more than a gentle, soothing sensation during treatment. There are no incisions, no needles, and no downtime.
This depends on your condition’s severity. Many patients notice improvement within 3–6 sessions, while chronic issues may require more treatments for long-lasting relief.
Side effects are extremely rare. The treatment is safe, FDA-cleared, and does not damage the skin or tissue.
Some patients feel improvement after their first session, while others notice gradual relief over several visits as the tissues heal.
Yes. We often combine cold laser therapy with orthotics, physical therapy, stretching programs, and other treatments to accelerate recovery.
Coverage varies by plan. Our office can help check your benefits and discuss affordable options if it is not covered.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-qualified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon serving Southeast Michigan at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. A Michigan native, Dr. Biernacki earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed a three-year comprehensive surgical residency in foot and ankle surgery in the Detroit metro area.
Dr. Biernacki specializes in the treatment of heel pain, bunions, hammertoes, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, flatfoot correction, and minimally invasive foot surgery. He is dedicated to providing evidence-based, patient-centered care that helps people of all ages stay active and pain-free.
He sees patients at multiple convenient Metro Detroit locations and is committed to community education through the MichiganFootDoctors.com resource library. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA).
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