FDA-cleared in the early 2000s, the MLS Laser is one of the most potent and non-invasive healing modalities used in medical practices today. Achieving benefits like tissue repair, cell growth, reduced scar tissue, and inflammation relief, this laser has proved to be an effective and painless treatment that can help a wide range of people with various ailments or pains in a short time.
In this blog, we will break down the science behind the MLS Laser, how it works, and what kinds of benefits you can expect from a treatment session.
Table of Contents:
What is MLS Laser Therapy?
MLS Laser Therapy is a medical treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to promote tissue healing, reduce pain, and decrease inflammation. It is another form of photobiomodulation, a non-invasive therapy that can stimulate positive benefits for the mind or body using light. Often called the “cold laser,” this laser is neither cold nor hot, but since it does not produce heat, it is sometimes called the cold laser. The laser is painless and commonly used in physical therapy, sports medicine, and rehabilitation settings.
How Does Light Play a Role in Healing?
Photobiomodulation is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light (unique to a specific device) to stimulate cells and other biological functions to promote various therapeutic benefits. Countless companies are integrating photobiomodulation into their products to give users the advancements light can bring to the body. The MLS Laser, developed by Cutting Edge Laser Technologies, is one of the top medical lasers and has been changing lives since 2001 and was FDA-approved in the early 2000s.
Dual-Wavelength Technology:
To grasp the principles behind light science or photobiomodulation, one must recognize that different colors of light serve distinct purposes and provide various health advantages. Some devices employ colors of green, blue, yellow, or red light with varying intended purposes. Infrared light is invisible to the human eye but still delivers valuable benefits. MLS Laser Therapy utilizes a combination of red and infrared light. Individual companies determine the allocation or administration of specific light colors in differing devices, and it is often safeguarded as proprietary or patented information.
Nevertheless, the MLS Class IV Laser Therapy system is engineered to heighten the therapeutic impact of laser therapy by applying a dual combination of continuous wave (CW) and pulsed wave (PW) laser light emissions using red and infrared light. CWs entail a constant stream of laser light, whereas PWs involve light emitted in bursts or pulses. The CW light waves emit at a wavelength of 808nm, while the PW emits at 905nm. Nm denotes Nanometer, the unit of measurement for light wavelengths (NASA, 2010). Specific nanometers of light produce distinct benefits and can differ significantly between companies and devices. By employing these dual wavelengths simultaneously in the MLS Laser, deeper penetration into tissues and amplified therapeutic effects are achieved.
How Does the MLS Laser Work?
The laser is robotic and does not need manual handling by a technician to perform the treatment session. Instead, one of our team members will set up the laser based on the needs of each patient for a quick 10-15 minute treatment. Being robotic, the laser can be programmed to work in different motions covering a diverse range of treating space—the MLS laser works by emitting a red-colored light and infrared light with the healing benefits desired by the laser itself.
The Difference Between the MLS Laser & Red Light Therapy:
While the MLS Class IV Laser has a red light emitting wavelength, this does not mean that the MLS Laser is the same as red light therapy. Red light therapy is a growing wellness trend gaining ground in the health and wellness space. Red light therapy devices range from full-body red light panels to handheld acne treatment lights. Depending on the company and device, red light therapy devices may emit different wavelengths of light than the cold laser device. This means these red light devices will not provide the same benefits as the MLS Laser/Cold Laser. While red light therapy and MLS cold laser technology differ, they fall under the same category of photobiomodulation. Check out this blog post to learn more about red light therapy and photobiomodulation.
*Please do not look into the laser’s red light as it may be harmful to your eyes and vision*
How The MLS Laser Works:
Light Energy: The laser emits light energy through photons to penetrate the body.
Penetration: The red light and infrared photons penetrate the skin and underlying tissues, reaching the designated target area(s).
Cellular Effects: Light energy interacts with the body’s cells, promoting various physiological benefits, including:
Increased Circulation: MLS Laser Therapy improves blood flow in the treatment area, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells while eliminating waste products from the body.
Pain Relief: The laser acts on nerve cells in the treatment area, inhibiting pain signals and inflammation while boosting pain-killing chemicals called endorphins.
Tissue Repair and Cell Growth: The laser stimulates cellular activity (cells in the body), promoting tissue repair while speeding the healing process for damaged cells.
Anti-Inflammatory: Activates the lymphatic drainage system, removing wastes and swelling from the area of concern.
Improved Vascular Activity: Allows new capillaries to form, speeding up the healing process while improving local microcirculation.
4. Non-Invasive and Non-Thermal: The MLS Laser is a non-invasive, pain-free technology, and non-thermal technology, meaning it does not produce heat that could damage tissues.
In as little as 10 minutes, through the emission of light waves, various physiological responses and benefits occur using the MLS Class IV Laser. Nevertheless, there are many other benefits the laser gives, such as:
Increases Metabolic Activity
Trigger Point & Acupuncture Point Stimulation
Reduces Scar Tissue
What is MLS Laser Therapy Ideal For? | Enhanced Relief From? |
Tendon & Ligament Injuries | Arthritis & Bursitis |
Soft Tissue Injuries | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome |
Muscle Strains & Tears | Dislocations, Strains & Sprains |
Sore Muscles & Joints | Hematoma |
Degenerative Joint Conditions | Hip & Knee Pain |
Neurological Pain | Herniated Discs |
Chronic Non-Healing Wounds | Lumbar Pain & Sciatica |
General Pain | Muscular Contraction & Tears |
| Neuropathy |
| Plantar Fasciitis |
| Post-Surgery Recovery |
| Fibromyalgia |
And More! | Long Covid & More! |
How Does Cold Laser/MLS Laser Therapy Feel?
MLS Laser therapy is entirely painless. The team here at Better Brain & Body have each had their experiences with the laser. Our lead functional neurologist, Dr. Brown, says a slightly warm sensation may be felt during the treatment session or not at all. This warm sensation is not associated with pain and does not harm tissues in the body. Instead, it may act as a relaxing add-on to the treatment, leaving patients feeling relaxed.
Long Covid: Maybe Something You Didn’t Know…
MLS Laser Therapy presents a potential solution for individuals experiencing Long Covid. This FDA-approved device can effectively reduce inflammation in specific treatment areas, offering relief to Long Covid symptoms related to breathing and respiration. For those struggling with lung inflammation due to Long Covid, targeting each lung with the pain-free laser for 15 minutes each can accelerate the healing process and alleviate the inflammation responsible for unwanted Long Covid symptoms in the lungs.
Looking for a non-invasive healing option like MLS Laser Therapy? Here in Charlotte, NC, Better Brain & Body has you covered. Call 704-752-8100 to schedule a free phone consultation to discuss with Dr. Brown if MLS Laser Therapy is right for you. Or, please fill out this form.
Check out this link to visit our webpage about the MLS Laser Therapy device at Better Brain & Body.
Reviewed by Dr. Alicia Brown, DC, DACNB.
Sources:
Science Mission Directorate. "Visible Light" NASA Science. 2010. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. [insert date - e.g. 10 Aug. 2016] http://science.nasa.gov/ems/09_visiblelight