MLS Laser Therapy for Foot & Ankle Pain

Sarah Bradley treating a patient with Shockwave therapy at One Step Ahead Podiatry Whitefield

When your foot or ankle is painful, inflamed or taking longer than expected to recover, it can affect everything from walking and working to exercising and sleeping comfortably.

At One Step Ahead Podiatry in Whitefield, we offer MLS® Laser Therapy as a non-invasive treatment option for a range of painful foot and ankle conditions.

MLS stands for Multiwave Locked System. This specialist laser technology uses carefully controlled light energy to support the body’s natural healing processes, while helping to reduce pain and inflammation.

What is MLS laser therapy?

MLS laser therapy is a form of photobiomodulation. This means that specific wavelengths of light are delivered into the tissues and absorbed by the body’s cells.

The MLS Multiwave Locked System synchronises two different infrared wavelengths. These work together to support cellular activity, local circulation and the body’s natural tissue-repair processes.

Unlike surgical lasers, MLS laser therapy does not cut or damage the skin. Treatment is non-invasive, does not involve needles and does not create the uncomfortable heat associated with some other high-powered laser systems.

What can MLS laser therapy be used for?

Following an assessment, MLS laser therapy may be considered for a variety of foot and ankle problems, including:

  • Plantar heel pain and plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles tendon pain
  • Tendon and ligament injuries
  • Ankle sprains and sports injuries
  • Muscle strains
  • Joint pain and arthritis
  • Pain and inflammation around the big-toe joint
  • Morton’s neuroma and some forms of nerve irritation
  • Swelling following an injury
  • Painful or sensitive scar tissue
  • Recovery following certain foot procedures

Laser therapy can be especially helpful when pain or inflammation is making it difficult to begin rehabilitation exercises or return comfortably to normal movement.

Not every type of foot pain will respond to laser therapy, so an assessment is important before treatment is recommended.

What happens during MLS laser treatment?

You will be positioned comfortably while the laser is applied over the treatment area. Both you and the podiatrist will wear protective eyewear during the treatment.

MLS laser therapy is usually painless. Many people feel very little during the session, although some may notice a gentle sensation around the area.

There are no needles, injections or incisions, and you can normally continue with your day immediately afterwards.

How is MLS different from other types of therapeutic laser?

There are many different devices described as laser therapy, but they do not all deliver treatment in the same way.

The Multiwave Locked System uses synchronised continuous and pulsed infrared wavelengths. This allows a carefully controlled therapeutic dose of light energy to be delivered into the tissues while minimising the risk of unwanted heating.

The treatment settings can be selected according to the condition, whether it is more recent or longstanding and the part of the foot or ankle being treated.

Is laser therapy used on its own?

MLS laser therapy is usually most effective when it forms part of a wider treatment plan.

Depending on what we find during your assessment, this might include:

  • Footwear advice
  • Activity modification
  • Strengthening and rehabilitation exercises
  • Manual therapy
  • Gait and biomechanical assessment
  • Orthotics or insoles
  • Advice about gradually returning to activity

Laser therapy may help settle pain and inflammation, but it is also important to understand why the tissue became irritated and how we can improve its ability to cope with everyday movement and activity.

How many MLS laser treatments will I need?

The number of treatments required will vary. It will depend on the condition, how long the problem has been present, the tissues involved and your response to treatment.

More recent injuries may require fewer appointments, while longstanding or recurring problems may benefit from a course of treatments. We will explain the recommended plan and review your progress as treatment continues.

Some people notice an improvement quite quickly, while others experience a more gradual change. As with any treatment, results cannot be guaranteed, and MLS laser therapy will not be suitable for every patient or every condition.

Laser therapy for foot pain in Whitefield

At One Step Ahead Podiatry, MLS laser therapy is not offered as a one-size-fits-all treatment. It is prescribed for a particular purpose after we have assessed your symptoms, movement, activity and overall foot function.

If foot, heel or ankle pain is affecting your everyday life, book a foot and ankle assessment at our Whitefield podiatry clinic. We can identify the likely cause of the problem and discuss whether MLS laser therapy could be a helpful part of your treatment plan.

Empowering your foot health, one step at a time.