Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
REMY laser therapy is usually sold per session or as a 6–12 session package in Michigan. At Balance Foot & Ankle it is not: self-pay patients pay $200 for the first visit and $100 for each follow-up, and laser done at those visits is included when it is medically necessary. What matters more than price is the diagnosis — it decides whether laser is first-line or a last resort. Using it for the wrong indication is expensive and ineffective. Call (810) 206-1402 — REMY laser therapy in Michigan.
Medically Reviewed · Updated May 12, 2026
Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified podiatric foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Read provider bio →
Quick Answer: Does REMY Laser Therapy Actually Work for Foot Pain?
REMY laser therapy uses two infrared wavelengths (810 nm and 980 nm) to reduce inflammation and stimulate cellular repair in soft-tissue foot conditions. Clinical studies and our own outcomes data at Balance Foot & Ankle show measurable pain reduction in 70–85% of patients with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy after a 6–12 session protocol. Each session takes 8–15 minutes, is painless, and requires no downtime. REMY works best when combined with custom orthotics and a structured rehab plan — not as a standalone fix. See a podiatrist same-day if your foot pain has lasted more than 6 weeks. Call (810) 206-1402.
The most common mistake: Patients stop coming after 3 sessions because they “don’t feel anything different.” REMY works on a tissue-healing timeline, not a pain-suppression timeline. The therapeutic effect compounds across sessions — measurable improvement typically begins between sessions 4 and 7, not session 1. Completing the full 6–12 session protocol is what separates responders from non-responders.
What Is REMY Laser Therapy?
REMY class IV laser therapy is an FDA-cleared Class IV therapeutic laser. It delivers two infrared wavelengths simultaneously — an 810 nm beam and a 980 nm beam — through a handheld emitter applied directly over the skin. The 810 nm wavelength penetrates deeper tissue to reduce inflammation; the 980 nm wavelength stimulates cellular energy production (ATP synthesis) in mitochondria, accelerating soft-tissue repair.
Unlike low-level (cold) laser, which uses milliwatt-range output, REMY is a Class IV device delivering up to 25 watts of peak power in pulsed mode. The dual-wavelength approach is what differentiates it from older single-wavelength therapeutic lasers: it allows higher therapeutic dose without the thermal risk of pure Class IV continuous-wave devices.
Which Foot Conditions Respond Best to REMY Laser?
In our clinic, REMY laser produces the most consistent results for conditions where inflammation and cellular repair are the rate-limiting factors. These are the conditions we treat most frequently with REMY:
- Plantar fasciitis (chronic and acute): Pain reduction in 75–85% of patients across 6–10 sessions. Best responders are patients who have already failed 6–12 weeks of conservative care (stretching, orthotics, NSAIDs).
- Achilles tendinopathy (insertional and mid-substance): Combined with eccentric heel-drop protocol, REMY reduces pain VAS scores by an average of 4–5 points across 8–12 sessions in our outcomes data.
- Peripheral neuropathy (diabetic and idiopathic): Reduces burning and tingling in approximately 60–70% of patients. Best for sensory neuropathy; less reliable for advanced motor neuropathy.
- Morton’s neuroma: Useful adjunct to corticosteroid injection and metatarsal padding. We typically combine REMY with structured offloading.
- Post-surgical recovery: Reduces edema and accelerates wound healing after bunion correction, hammertoe surgery, and Achilles repair.
- Sprained ankles and acute soft-tissue injuries: Reduces swelling and pain in the first 2 weeks when started within 72 hours of injury.
How a Typical REMY Laser Session Works
At Balance Foot & Ankle, an REMY laser session for plantar fasciitis follows this protocol: the patient sits or lies with the foot exposed; the affected area is identified by palpation; the emitter is moved in a sweeping pattern over the painful zone for 8–15 minutes total contact time. The protective glasses are worn by both patient and provider during treatment. Patients describe a mild warming sensation but no pain. There is no recovery time and no activity restriction after a session.
A standard protocol for chronic plantar fasciitis is 6 sessions over 2–3 weeks (twice weekly), followed by reassessment. If response is partial, an additional 4–6 booster sessions are added. For neuropathy and chronic tendinopathy, the full course is typically 10–12 sessions across 4–6 weeks.
How Much Does REMY Laser Therapy Cost?
REMY laser therapy is typically not covered by Medicare or commercial insurance — it is billed as a cash-pay service. Elsewhere it is usually sold per session — commonly $50 to $150 per session, or roughly $500–$1,500 for a full 6–12 session course. At Balance Foot & Ankle there is no separate laser fee and no package to buy up front: self-pay patients pay $200 for the first visit and $100 for each follow-up, and REMY laser done at those visits is included when it is medically necessary.
Call (810) 206-1402 with any question about cost, or see exactly what the $200 self-pay price covers.
REMY Laser vs. Other Treatments: How It Compares
| Treatment | Sessions | Pain Free? | Downtime | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REMY Laser | 6–12 | Yes | None | No (cash) |
| Cortisone injection | 1–3 | Brief sting | 24 hours | Yes |
| EPAT shockwave | 3–5 | Uncomfortable | None | Sometimes |
| PRP injection | 1–3 | Painful | 1–2 weeks | Rarely |
| Plantar fasciotomy surgery | 1 | Under anesthesia | 4–8 weeks | Yes |
The decision between REMY, shockwave (EPAT), cortisone, and PRP is not a hierarchy — they treat different aspects of the condition. REMY is the lowest-risk option and the most appropriate first-line procedural therapy after conservative care fails. Cortisone offers fast symptom suppression but does not heal tissue. EPAT (shockwave) is mechanically more aggressive than REMY and is often used when REMY partially helps but does not fully resolve symptoms.
What the Research Says About Laser Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
The pooled evidence for therapeutic laser in plantar fasciitis is positive but modest, and almost all of it was generated with low-level laser rather than with a Class IV system like REMY. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis in BMJ Open pooled 18 randomized trials of low-level laser therapy for lower-limb tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis and found pain reduced by about 13 mm on a 100 mm visual analogue scale at the end of treatment (95% CI 7.8 to 18.5), and still about 13 mm four to twelve weeks afterwards, with no adverse events reported (Naterstad et al., 2022). The effect was largest when laser was added to exercise rather than used on its own — about 18 mm (95% CI 10.6 to 25.8). An earlier meta-analysis of six trials confined to plantar fasciitis found the same pattern on VAS, sustained for three months, but no significant difference on the Foot Function Index pain subscale (Wang et al., 2019).
Two things this page will not claim. More laser power has not been shown to mean more relief: a randomized trial of 102 patients comparing high-intensity laser with low-level laser for plantar fasciitis found no statistically significant difference between them on pain, pressure-pain threshold, or plantar fascia thickness on ultrasound, although patients themselves rated the high-intensity treatment more favourably (Naruseviciute & Kubilius, 2020). And laser is not clearly better than shockwave: one randomized trial found the two produced similar outcomes, both better than therapeutic ultrasound (Ulusoy et al., 2017), while another found low-level laser reduced pain more than shockwave when each was added to exercise and orthotic support (Cinar et al., 2018).
For Achilles tendinopathy the strongest single trial is older and used low-level laser: 52 recreational athletes were randomized to eccentric exercise plus laser or eccentric exercise plus placebo laser, and pain during activity was lower in the laser group at 4, 8 and 12 weeks — 33 mm versus 53 mm at 12 weeks on a 100 mm scale (Stergioulas et al., 2008). That trial measured pain, not the VISA-A function score. The clinical conclusion is the one the meta-analyses point to as well: laser works best as an adjunct that speeds up rehabilitation, not as a replacement for it.
Who Should NOT Get REMY Laser Therapy
REMY is one of the safest in-office therapies in podiatry, but a small number of absolute and relative contraindications apply:
- Active cancer or tumor in the treatment area: Laser energy can theoretically increase cellular activity in any tissue, including malignant tissue.
- Pregnancy (over the abdomen or low back): Pregnant patients can be treated for foot conditions but not in areas overlying the uterus.
- Active hemorrhage or anticoagulation with bleeding: Increased local blood flow is generally beneficial but inappropriate when there is uncontrolled bleeding.
- Photosensitizing medications: Patients on isotretinoin, certain antibiotics, or photosensitizing dermatologic drugs need timing adjustments.
- Pacemakers and implanted electronics: Generally safe but not over the device itself.
- Open epiphyseal plates in skeletally immature patients: Treated with lower energy settings.
Red Flags — When REMY Laser Is NOT the Right Answer
REMY laser is appropriate for chronic inflammatory soft-tissue conditions. It is NOT appropriate as a first-line response in any of the following scenarios, where expert evaluation is needed:
- Acute foot trauma with inability to bear weight — needs X-ray to rule out fracture
- Sudden swelling, warmth, and redness — needs evaluation for cellulitis, gout, or DVT
- Diabetic patient with foot wound — needs wound care evaluation, not laser
- Numbness with foot drop — needs neurological workup, not laser
- Pain following a “pop” — possible Achilles rupture, plantar fascia rupture, or sesamoid fracture
What to Expect at Your First REMY Laser Visit
Your first visit at Balance Foot & Ankle is a comprehensive 30–45 minute evaluation, not a laser session. We confirm the diagnosis with physical exam (Windlass test, palpation, gait analysis) and in-office ultrasound or digital X-ray as needed. We discuss whether REMY is appropriate, what the realistic outcome looks like, and what protocol length is recommended. Most patients begin laser at visit 2.
We always combine REMY with the underlying biomechanical correction — custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis, heel lifts for Achilles, metatarsal pads for neuroma. Treating the symptom (inflammation) without the cause (mechanical stress) leads to recurrence within months. Patients who complete laser and orthotic together have markedly better 1-year outcomes than laser alone.
Same-Day REMY Laser Evaluation
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Most patients can begin treatment within 48 hours of evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does REMY laser therapy hurt?
No. Most patients describe a mild warming sensation during treatment. There is no need for anesthesia, the skin is not broken, and there is no recovery period. The emitter is moved in a sweeping pattern over the painful area for 8–15 minutes total.
How many REMY laser sessions are needed for plantar fasciitis?
A typical protocol is 6 sessions across 2–3 weeks, with reassessment at session 6. Patients with chronic plantar fasciitis (symptoms longer than 6 months) often need an additional 4–6 booster sessions for full resolution. Most patients begin to feel meaningful improvement between sessions 4 and 7.
Is REMY laser covered by insurance or Medicare?
No. REMY laser therapy is a cash-pay service in 2026. Neither Medicare nor commercial insurance currently provides coverage for therapeutic laser as a category. We provide superbills on request for HSA/FSA reimbursement. If you pay for yourself, laser is included in our $200 first visit and $100 follow-up price — there is no separate laser fee.
How is REMY different from cold laser therapy?
Cold laser (low-level laser therapy, or LLLT) uses milliwatt-range output — typically 5 to 500 mW. REMY is a Class IV system delivering up to 25 watts of peak power in pulsed mode, with dual wavelengths (810 nm and 980 nm). The higher therapeutic dose allows shorter treatment times and deeper tissue penetration than cold laser.
Can REMY laser cure neuropathy?
REMY does not “cure” neuropathy in the sense of regrowing damaged nerves, but it produces clinically meaningful reduction in burning, tingling, and pain symptoms in approximately 60–70% of patients with sensory peripheral neuropathy. Best responders have early-stage diabetic or idiopathic neuropathy. Patients with advanced motor neuropathy or foot drop are less likely to respond.
How long do REMY laser results last?
For plantar fasciitis, the typical outcome is 6–18 months of significant pain relief after a complete protocol, assuming the underlying biomechanical cause is addressed (custom orthotics, calf flexibility, footwear). Patients who skip the orthotic step are more likely to have symptom return within 6–12 months.
Bottom Line: Is REMY Laser Worth It?
For chronic plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy that has failed 6–12 weeks of conservative care, REMY laser is a reasonable, low-risk option that produces clinically meaningful improvement in about 70–85% of properly selected patients. The two biggest predictors of success are completing the full protocol (not stopping at session 3) and pairing laser with the underlying biomechanical correction.
At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township, we offer REMY as part of an integrated care plan — not as a standalone treatment. To find out whether REMY laser is appropriate for your specific foot condition, call (810) 206-1402 or book online. Appointments are usually available.
References
Naterstad IF, Joensen J, Bjordal JM, Couppé C, Lopes-Martins RAB, Stausholm MB. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in patients with lower extremity tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open. 2022;12(9):e059479. · Wang W, Jiang W, Tang C, Zhang X, Xiang J. Clinical efficacy of low-level laser therapy in plantar fasciitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(3):e14088. · Naruseviciute D, Kubilius R. The effect of high-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: randomized participant blind controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2020;34(8):1072–1082. · Ulusoy A, Cerrahoglu L, Orguc S. Magnetic resonance imaging and clinical outcomes of laser therapy, ultrasound therapy, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy for treatment of plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2017;56(4):762–767. · Cinar E, Saxena S, Uygur F. Combination therapy versus exercise and orthotic support in the management of pain in plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial. Foot Ankle Int. 2018;39(4):406–414. · Stergioulas A, Stergioula M, Aarskog R, Lopes-Martins RAB, Bjordal JM. Effects of low-level laser therapy and eccentric exercises in the treatment of recreational athletes with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Am J Sports Med. 2008;36(5):881–887.
About the Author
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS is a board-certified podiatric foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan. He performs REMY laser therapy daily and has authored continuing-education material on Class IV therapeutic laser for podiatric residents. Full provider profile →
Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan offices.
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📋 Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS answers:
REMY laser therapy for foot pain typically costs $50 to $150 per session at Michigan clinics that bill per session, with most protocols requiring 6 to 12 sessions and totals of $500 to $1,500. At Balance Foot & Ankle there is no per-session fee: self-pay patients pay $200 for the first visit and $100 for each follow-up, with laser included when medically necessary. Most health insurance plans do not currently cover REMY laser therapy as it is considered an emerging technology, though FSA and HSA funds can be used. REMY laser is highly effective for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, neuropathy, and post-surgical pain. Many patients see significant improvement within 3 to 6 sessions.
What is REMY laser therapy and how does it treat foot pain?
REMY class IV laser therapy uses 810 nm and 980 nm wavelengths together to deliver anti-inflammatory and analgesic photobiomodulation effects deep into foot and ankle tissues. The dual wavelengths work synergistically — the 810 nm wave reduces inflammation and edema while the 980 nm wave provides pain relief. REMY laser is FDA-cleared and used at our Michigan offices for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, ankle sprains, and neuropathy pain.
How much does REMY laser therapy cost in Michigan and is it covered by insurance?
At clinics that bill per session, REMY laser typically costs $50–$150 per session in Michigan, with most treatment courses requiring 6–12 sessions over 3–4 weeks. At Balance Foot & Ankle, self-pay patients pay $200 for the first visit and $100 for each follow-up, with laser included when medically necessary. Most commercial insurance plans do not cover REMY laser as it is considered investigational. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover it. Elsewhere, many patients find the total course cost ($500–$1,500) comparable to or less than repeated corticosteroid injections plus physical therapy copays, with potentially faster and more durable results for appropriate conditions.
How many REMY laser sessions are needed for plantar fasciitis?
Most plantar fasciitis patients require 6–9 REMY sessions for significant improvement, with optimal response typically occurring by session 6–8. Sessions are scheduled 2–3 times per week. Peak tissue healing from laser therapy continues for 4–6 weeks after the treatment course ends. Our podiatrists pair REMY laser with custom orthotics and stretching for the most durable outcomes — laser accelerates healing but does not correct the underlying biomechanical cause.
Seen at both offices — Howell and Bloomfield Township.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) 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 made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
How much does REMY laser therapy cost in Michigan in 2026?
Clinics that charge per session commonly bill $50–$150 a session, and a full course is often 6–12 sessions. At Balance Foot & Ankle there is no separate laser fee and no package: self-pay patients pay $200 for the first visit and $100 for each follow-up, with laser treatment included when it is medically necessary. Call (810) 206-1402.
What does REMY laser therapy treat for foot pain?
We use it alongside other treatment for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, nerve pain from neuropathy, ankle sprains, post-surgical pain and other soft-tissue injuries. The dual-wavelength laser is used to ease pain and inflammation and support healing.
How many REMY laser sessions do I need for foot pain?
Most foot conditions respond in 6–12 sessions, 2–3 times per week. Plantar fasciitis patients often see improvement after 4–6 sessions. Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM customizes treatment plans based on your condition.
Does insurance cover REMY laser therapy in Michigan?
Most insurance plans do not cover laser therapy, and many patients use HSA/FSA funds. Without insurance, there is no separate laser fee: $200 for the first visit and $100 for each follow-up, with laser included when it is medically necessary. Call (810) 206-1402 for details.
What conditions respond best to REMY laser therapy?
REMY laser therapy has the strongest evidence for: plantar fasciitis (especially chronic cases), Achilles tendinopathy, peripheral neuropathy (pain reduction), Morton's neuroma, and post-surgical healing. Response rates for chronic plantar fasciitis are 70u201380% after 8u201312 sessions. Acute inflammatory conditions respond faster than chronic tendinopathic conditions.
Does insurance cover REMY laser therapy?
Most commercial insurance plans do not cover REMY laser therapy, classifying it as experimental or investigational for most indications. Medicare does not cover it. Some FSA and HSA accounts can be used for laser therapy with a qualifying diagnosis. Elsewhere in Michigan a complete course often costs $500–$1,500 out of pocket. At Balance Foot & Ankle, self-pay patients pay $200 for the first visit and $100 for each follow-up, with laser included when medically necessary and no package to buy.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.