MLS Laser Therapy Explained 2026: How It Works & Who It Helps

Quick answer: Mls Laser Therapy Explained affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

Related Conditions

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

MLS Laser Therapy: What It Is, How It Works & Who It Helps

MLS Laser Therapy: The Podiatrist’s Complete Guide

MLS (Multiwave Locked System) laser therapy is one of the most innovative treatment tools in modern podiatry — and one of the most misunderstood. Patients often come in wondering if “laser treatment” means cutting or burning. It’s actually the opposite: MLS laser uses synchronized light wavelengths to stimulate healing at the cellular level. Here’s a thorough explanation of what it does, who it’s for, and what the evidence says.

What Is MLS Laser Therapy?

MLS laser is a Class IV therapeutic laser system that delivers two synchronized wavelengths of near-infrared light (808nm and 905nm) simultaneously. The dual-wavelength system is the key innovation: the 808nm continuous wave provides an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect; the 905nm pulsed wave provides biostimulatory effects that promote tissue repair and regeneration. Used together, these waves penetrate 3-4 centimeters into tissue — deep enough to reach tendons, ligaments, and even superficial joints.

How Does It Work at the Cellular Level?

The laser light is absorbed by mitochondria (the energy-producing organelles in cells) and stimulates increased ATP production. This cellular energy boost accelerates the body’s natural repair processes: increased circulation to the area, reduced inflammatory mediators, enhanced lymphatic drainage (which reduces edema), stimulated nerve regeneration (particularly important for neuropathy), and accelerated tissue repair in tendons, ligaments, and skin.

Conditions MLS Laser Treats

Plantar fasciitis and heel pain: Multiple clinical studies show significant pain reduction and functional improvement, particularly in chronic cases. Works well in combination with shockwave therapy for severe cases.

Peripheral neuropathy: This is one of the most exciting applications. Studies show MLS laser promotes peripheral nerve regeneration and significantly reduces neuropathic pain in diabetic and idiopathic neuropathy patients. We’ve seen notable improvements in sensation and pain levels in our neuropathy patients.

Achilles tendonitis: Promotes collagen synthesis and reduces tendon inflammation. Particularly effective for insertional Achilles tendonitis combined with eccentric exercise protocols.

Post-surgical healing: Applied after bunion, ingrown nail, or other foot surgery, laser therapy significantly accelerates wound healing and reduces post-operative swelling.

Arthritis: Reduces joint inflammation and improves mobility in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis affecting the foot and ankle.

What a Treatment Session Feels Like

MLS laser treatment is completely painless — patients typically feel a gentle warming sensation in the treated area, or nothing at all. Each session takes 8-15 minutes. No anesthesia, no incisions, no recovery time. Patients can drive themselves to and from appointments and resume normal activities immediately. The recommended protocol is typically 6-12 sessions over 2-4 weeks, though some patients begin feeling improvement after 2-3 sessions.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Ideal candidates: patients with chronic plantar fasciitis who have tried conservative care, peripheral neuropathy patients seeking non-medication pain relief, anyone wanting to accelerate post-surgical healing, patients with Achilles tendonitis, and arthritis patients wanting to reduce joint inflammation. Contraindications: active cancer, pregnancy, and laser application over pacemakers or open growth plates in children.

Products Our Doctors Recommend

• Night Splints — complement laser therapy for PF
• Orthotics — maintain gains from laser treatment
• Browse All Products →

Interested in MLS laser therapy? We offer Cutting Edge Class IV MLS laser treatment at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.

📞 Call (810) 206-1402 | 📅

Book Online →

Serving Howell, Bloomfield Hills, and communities across Livingston & Oakland Counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MLS laser therapy FDA-approved?

Yes. The MLS laser system is FDA-cleared for the temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain, minor arthritis pain, relaxation of muscle spasms, temporary increase in local circulation, and temporary reduction of minor edema. Clinical use for specific conditions like neuropathy and plantar fasciitis is supported by published clinical research.

How many MLS laser sessions will I need?

Most protocols involve 6-12 sessions. Acute conditions may respond in 6 sessions; chronic conditions typically require the full 12-session protocol. Many patients continue with monthly maintenance sessions after the initial treatment course to maintain benefits, particularly for neuropathy and arthritis.

Does insurance cover MLS laser therapy?

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, currently classify therapeutic laser as investigational or experimental and don’t cover it. Out-of-pocket costs vary. Many patients find the investment worthwhile compared to ongoing medication costs and procedures. Ask about our package pricing for multi-session courses.

Can MLS laser really help nerve pain?

The evidence is compelling. Multiple peer-reviewed studies specifically on peripheral neuropathy show significant improvements in both pain levels and objective measures of nerve function (vibration threshold, monofilament sensitivity) following MLS laser treatment. For patients with moderate neuropathic pain who don’t want to add more medications, MLS is one of the most promising options available.

Is MLS laser safe for diabetic patients?

Yes — MLS laser is actually one of the safest and most beneficial treatments for diabetic patients. It promotes circulation, accelerates wound healing, and helps with neuropathic pain without systemic side effects. We use it regularly in our diabetic patient population with excellent safety and outcomes.

About the Author: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, with locations in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He has treated over 5,000 patients.

---

Related Treatment Guides

• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Custom 3D Orthotics
• Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
• Bunion Treatment

Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)

If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle conditions, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a podiatrist?

See a podiatrist if: foot or ankle pain has lasted more than 2–4 weeks without improvement, you’re changing your gait to avoid pain, you have an open wound or sore that isn’t healing, you notice nail discoloration or thickening, you have diabetes and any foot concern, or pain is severe enough to wake you at night. Most foot conditions are easier and cheaper to treat early — what starts as a minor issue can become a surgical problem with months of delay.

What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon?

Podiatrists (DPM — Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) specialize exclusively in the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Orthopedic surgeons (MD/DO) have broader musculoskeletal training but variable foot/ankle subspecialization. For foot and ankle-specific problems, a podiatrist often has more focused training and experience. For injuries involving the leg above the ankle, complex pediatric cases, or multi-level reconstruction, orthopedic consultation may be appropriate. We frequently co-manage patients with orthopedic colleagues.

How do I know if my foot pain is serious?

Signs that warrant same-day or next-day evaluation: severe pain that appeared suddenly without clear cause, swelling, redness, and warmth that appeared suddenly (possible gout, infection, or Charcot fracture), an open wound that looks infected (redness spreading, pus, warmth), inability to bear weight, or any foot problem in a diabetic patient. Pain that’s been present for weeks and is stable is important but not an emergency — schedule within 1–2 weeks.

Can foot problems cause back and knee pain?

Yes — this is a kinetic chain effect. Abnormal foot mechanics (overpronation, supination, leg length discrepancy) cause compensatory changes in knee, hip, and lumbar alignment. Roughly 30% of patients presenting to our clinic with knee pain have a treatable foot-level biomechanical cause. Correcting foot mechanics with orthotics or appropriate footwear often provides significant knee and back relief. If you have chronic knee or back pain and haven’t had your foot mechanics evaluated, it’s worth a consult.

Are orthotics worth it?

For the right conditions, yes — custom orthotics are among the most cost-effective interventions in podiatry. They’re most effective for: plantar fasciitis, flat feet with secondary knee/back pain, leg length discrepancy, metatarsalgia, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and diabetic foot pressure management. Quality OTC orthotics ($35–60) resolve symptoms for 60% of patients with mild-to-moderate conditions. Custom orthotics are appropriate when OTC options have failed or when the biomechanical problem is complex. We cast custom orthotics in-office.

How do I choose the right running shoes?

Start with your foot type (flat, neutral, high arch) and running pattern (overpronator, neutral, supinator). Flat feet and overpronators do best in stability or motion-control shoes. Neutral feet do well in neutral-cushioned shoes. High arches need maximum cushioning with flexible soles. Always buy running shoes at the end of the day (foot swelling peaks then), get properly fitted by a specialist, and replace every 300–500 miles. If you’ve been injured repeatedly, a gait analysis can identify the mechanical flaw driving your injury pattern.

What is the difference between a sprain and a fracture?

A sprain is a ligament injury (the tissue connecting bones); a fracture is a break in the bone itself. Both can occur with the same trauma (ankle roll, fall). The old test — ‘if you can walk, it’s not broken’ — is wrong; many fractures are initially weight-bearable. Key differences: a fracture typically produces localized bone tenderness along the bone itself, while a sprain is tender over the ligament. X-ray is the standard to differentiate. High-grade sprains without proper treatment can be as disabling as fractures.

How do I prevent foot and ankle injuries?

The four most impactful prevention strategies: (1) Supportive, appropriately fitted footwear for your foot type and activity. (2) Gradual activity progression — the 10% rule (never increase weekly mileage or intensity by more than 10%). (3) Regular calf and ankle mobility work. (4) Strengthening the posterior tibial tendon, peroneals, and intrinsic foot muscles. Most overuse injuries are preventable; most acute injuries are not — but ankle sprain recurrence (60–70% without rehab) is prevented by balance and proprioception training.

Related Care at Balance Foot & Ankle

Clinical foot and ankle services at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.

Custom OrthoticsFoot BracingMLS Laser