✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas 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 remarkable 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.

More Podiatrist-Recommended Laser Essentials

Hoka Clifton 10

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Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.

PowerStep Pinnacle Insole

PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles, Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis Relief, Made in USA Orthotic Insoles, Arch Support Inserts with Moderate Pronation, #1 Podiatrist Recommended (M 14-15)

• The Pinnacle Full length insoles for men & women provide maximum cushioning, from high activity to moderate support. The PowerStep arch support shape provides stability to the foot and ankle, helping to relieve foot pain.
• When you spend all day on your feet, every step counts. PowerStep insoles are a podiatrist-recommended orthotic to help relieve & prevent foot pain related to athletes, runners, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs & other common foot, ankle & knee injuries
• The Pinnacle plantar fasciitis insoles offer superior heel cushioning and arch support. The dual-layer cushioning is designed to reduce stress and fatigue, while PowerStep premium arch support is designed for plantar fasciitis relief.
• The PowerStep Pinnacle arch support inserts for men & women can be worn in a variety of shoe types such as; athletic, walking, running, work & some casual shoes. Orthotic Inserts are ordered by shoe size, no trimming required.
• Made in the USA & backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. PowerStep orthotic inserts for men & women are designed for shoes where the factory insole can be removed. HSA & FSA Eligible

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The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.

OOFOS Recovery Slide

OOFOS OOahh Recovery Slide, Black - Women’s Size 14, Men’s Size 12

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• Finding Your Size - For your perfect fit, consult the “size chart” link above. Wear a half size? In general, we recommend that women who wear a ½ size size UP, and men who wear a ½ size size DOWN
• OOahh - An evolution of the OOriginal, the OOahh slide features our proven foundation of OOfoam technology + patented footbed design with a slide-style strap that has become a best-seller in the OOFOS line
• OOfoam Technology - Our revolutionary OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foams to reduce the stress on your feet, joints & back. Plus, the closed-cell foam is machine washable and designed to minimize odor
• Patented Footbed - Our patented footbed cradles and supports arches to reduce energy exertion in the ankles by up to 47% compared to competitors’ footwear. So walking is easier. Recovery is faster. And yOO feel better

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Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.

As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.

When to See a Podiatrist

Laser treatment for toenail fungus has higher clearance rates than topicals alone, particularly for moderate-to-severe cases. Balance Foot & Ankle offers in-office laser fungal treatment — painless, 15-minute sessions, no medication side effects. Most patients see visible improvement in 3-6 months as new clear nail grows in.

Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402  ·  Book online  ·  Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills

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.

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Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.

Hoka Bondi 9 Dr. Tom’s Pick

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PowerStep Pinnacle Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: General arch support

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KT Tape Pro Synthetic Dr. Tom’s Pick

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Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick

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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.

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PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

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👨‍⚕️ Dr. Tom’s Verdict: This single insole eliminates plantar fasciitis pain in 60% of patients within 2 weeks. The lateral wedge is the active ingredient — it stops the overpronation that causes the fascia to overstretch with every step. Pair with a max-cushion shoe for compound effect.

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👨‍⚕️ Dr. Tom’s Verdict: Choose your arch height from a wet-foot test (low/med/high). Wrong arch = re-injury. For runners, athletes, or anyone who failed standard insoles — this is the closest you can get to custom orthotics without paying $500. The carbon heel is what professional athletes use.

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👨‍⚕️ Dr. Tom’s Verdict: Apply to plantar fascia + calves before bed. Combined with stretching, eliminates morning fascia pain. The clean formula means you can use it daily long-term — Voltaren has 30-day limits, Dr. Hoy’s doesn’t.

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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.