MLS Laser Therapy for Pain Relief and Recovery

MLS Laser Therapy for Pain Relief, Healing, and Recovery

Abstract

In this educational post, I will guide you through the sophisticated world of Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy, a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment modality that is revolutionizing how we manage pain, inflammation, and tissue repair. Drawing from the latest evidence-based research and clinical applications, we will explore the deep physiological mechanisms that make this technology so effective. We will discuss the concept of photobiomodulation, the critical importance of specific wavelengths and energy density, and how MLS laser therapy stands apart with its patented, synchronized dual-wavelength system. I will break down the practical application of this therapy for conditions like low back pain, detailing the setup, treatment protocols, and the synergistic use of robotic and handheld applicators. We will also explore its powerful role as an adjunct to regenerative medicine, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, and how it can optimize patient outcomes. Finally, this post will explain how we integrate this advanced therapy into a comprehensive, integrative chiropractic care model to provide a holistic and effective path to wellness.

Understanding the Core of MLS Laser Therapy: Beyond the Surface

When a patient presents with pain and stiffness, my goal is to address the issue at its source, not just to mask the symptoms. This is where advanced modalities like Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy become integral to my practice. This technology is a form of photobiomodulation (PBM), a process in which light energy stimulates a cascade of beneficial biological events at the cellular level.

Think of it this way: Just as plants use sunlight for photosynthesis, our cells can use specific wavelengths of light to kickstart their healing and regenerative processes. The “secret sauce” of the MLS system lies in its patented ability to deliver two therapeutic wavelengths simultaneously:

• 808 nanometer (nm) continuous wave: This wavelength is primarily absorbed by the cytochromes within the mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells. This absorption triggers a significant increase in the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the body’s main energy currency. This energy boost fuels cellular repair and reduces inflammation.
• 905 nanometer (nm) super-pulsed wave: This wavelength is delivered in very short, high-power bursts. Its primary effect is analgesic, or pain-relieving. It works by interfering with the transmission of pain signals along nerve fibers, providing rapid relief. Furthermore, its pulsed nature allows deep-tissue penetration without generating excessive heat, a key safety and efficacy feature.

The synchronization of these two wavelengths is what makes MLS unique. They work in synergy, with the 808 nm wave targeting inflammation and edema while the 905 nm wave provides immediate pain relief. This synchronized delivery, followed by a period of rest in the pulse cycle, allows the tissue to absorb the energy efficiently without overheating, a phenomenon known as the bioinhibition paradox, where too much energy can actually hinder the healing process.

A Clinical Application: Treating Low Back Pain with the M6 Robotic Laser

To illustrate how this procedure works in a clinical setting, let’s walk through a typical session for a patient, whom we’ll call John, presenting with low back pain and stiffness, specifically around the L4-L5 facet joints with some radiating discomfort.

Patient Comfort and Setup

The first and most critical step is ensuring patient comfort. This is especially important when using the robotic M6 laser, as the patient will remain stationary for the duration of the treatment, which typically lasts between six and twelve minutes. For low back pain, a face-down position on the treatment table is ideal. The laser must be applied directly to the skin for optimal energy delivery.

Once John is comfortable, I position the M6 robotic laser head over the affected area. The interface is intuitive. I select the “Back” program and specify “Joint Pain and Stiffness.” I then zero out the X and Y axes on the control panel. This temporarily fixes the laser’s position, allowing me to precisely center the targeting beam over the primary site of his pain—the L4-L5 region.

The Clinical Multimodal Approach

My philosophy is not just to treat the “spot” of pain but to adopt a more global, or clinical multimodal, approach. The pain you feel is often just the loudest symptom of a more complex underlying issue involving surrounding tissues. Therefore, after centering the laser, I expand the treatment area using the X and Y controls. This ensures we are not only targeting the specific facet joints but also the surrounding connective tissue, ligaments, and musculature. By treating the entire functional unit, we address the source of the problem and support the kinetic chain, a cornerstone of integrative chiropractic care.

The M6 laser is designed to operate at an optimal distance of six inches from the skin. We use a provided ruler to ensure a precise focal point, maximizing energy penetration into the target tissues. The beam is collimated, meaning the light rays are parallel, which provides a small margin of error and ensures a consistent energy dose across the treatment area.

Energy Density vs. Total Joules: A Critical Distinction

A common point of confusion in laser therapy is the focus on “total joules.” While it seems logical that more energy is better, the scientific literature, supported by organizations such as the World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT), emphasizes the importance of energy density, measured in joules per square centimeter (J/cm²). This represents the dose of energy delivered to a specific area.

The goal is to hit a therapeutic window, typically between 4 and 10 J/cm². Below this range, the effect may be negligible; above it, you risk the bioinhibition I mentioned earlier. For John’s condition, the protocol calls for a density of 6 J/cm². The M6’s sophisticated software automatically calculates the required treatment time to achieve this target density across the defined area. If I were to change the size of the treatment area, the machine would automatically recalibrate the time to maintain that precise 6 J/cm² dose—a significant technological advancement that ensures consistent and effective treatment.

Synergistic Treatment: Combining Robotic and Handheld Lasers

During the eight-minute robotic treatment, I don’t have to remain idle. The MLS system allows concurrent use of a handheld applicator that operates on a separate channel. This is perfect for addressing specific, localized issues like trigger points—those tight, painful “knots” in the muscle.

As the M6 robot treats the broader lumbar region, I can use the handheld piece to target specific trigger points in John’s gluteal muscles and paraspinal muscles that I identified during my initial palpation. A physical therapist once taught me the analogy of feeling for “cooked meat” (the tight, knotted muscle) versus “raw meat” (the supple, healthy muscle). The goal is to use the laser to help “uncook” that knot, releasing the tension. The handheld treatments are very quick, often just 25 seconds per point, allowing me to address several trigger points during the main robotic session, enhancing the overall therapeutic effect.

What Does the Patient Feel?

One of the most common questions is, “Will I feel anything?” For the vast majority of patients, the answer is no. Because of the pulsed 905-nm wavelength and synchronized emission, there is no significant thermal effect. Some highly sensitive individuals might feel a gentle warmth or a slight tingling. In these cases, I reassure them that the sensation is a perfectly normal response—I playfully call them an “overachiever” because their body is so receptive to the energy. The priority is always to ensure the treatment is comfortable.

An interesting way to visualize the treatment is to view the laser through a smartphone camera. The camera can pick up the 808 nm wavelength, revealing a triangular pattern of light on the skin. This shows the actual area being treated at any given moment, which is much larger than the visible red aiming beam.

Enhancing Regenerative Medicine: MLS Laser and Orthobiologics

The application of MLS laser therapy extends powerfully into the realm of regenerative medicine, particularly with treatments like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). My clinical observations, supported by emerging research, show that combining MLS laser therapy with PRP can significantly enhance outcomes, with some estimates suggesting 15-20% greater efficacy than PRP alone.

The protocol is strategic and multiphased:

1. Preparation/Priming Phase: We administer two to three laser sessions before the PRP injection. The goal here is to “prepare the soil.” The laser therapy increases local blood circulation, reduces baseline inflammation, and energizes cells in the target area, creating an optimized healing environment for the incoming platelets and growth factors.
2. Day of Injection: A laser session is performed on the same day as the PRP injection to further augment the process.
3. Post-Injection Healing Phase: We then conduct a series of six laser sessions after the injection. This is crucial. While PRP initiates a pro-inflammatory healing cascade, the laser therapy modulates this response. It does not suppress the beneficial inflammation required for healing; instead, it augments and supports the process, helping to manage pain and swelling while continuing to fuel the cells with the ATP needed for robust tissue regeneration.

This comprehensive protocol leverages the synergy between the two modalities, taking full advantage of the body’s innate healing potential.

The Cascade of Healing: From Acute Relief to Chronic Repair

The effects of MLS laser therapy unfold in a cascade, addressing both acute symptoms and the underlying chronic dysfunction.

• Acute Effect (First 1-3 Treatments): The initial treatments provide rapid pain relief primarily through the analgesic effect of the 905 nm wavelength on nerve fibers. This is often accompanied by a reduction in inflammation and swelling. Patients typically start to “feel better” within hours of the first session, though significant and lasting improvement is often noted after three treatments.
• Cumulative and Chronic Effect (4-12+ Treatments): As treatments continue, the significant, more profound effects take hold. The consistent stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis (the creation of new mitochondria) and ATP production leads to sustained cellular repair and tissue regeneration. The immune response is modulated, and blood flow is improved. This is why completing the full recommended course of treatment—typically 6 sessions for an acute condition and 12 for a chronic one—is so critical. The effects are cumulative. Stopping treatment as soon as the pain subsides is like stopping an antibiotic course early; you haven’t fully resolved the underlying issue.

From a metabolic standpoint, this therapy directly targets and enhances mitochondrial function. In a world where many common medications, such as statins, can negatively affect mitochondria, MLS laser therapy offers a way to counteract these effects and optimize cellular energy. This opens up exciting possibilities for an integrative approach, where we can also use nutritional strategies (such as CoQ10, Creatine, and NAD+) to further support mitochondrial health and amplify the effects of laser therapy.

The Role of Integrative Chiropractic Care

Within my practice, MLS laser therapy is not a standalone treatment. It is woven into a comprehensive integrative chiropractic care plan. The journey begins with a thorough diagnosis, including a physical exam and, if needed, imaging, to understand the structural and functional aspects of a patient’s condition.

• Chiropractic adjustments are used to restore proper joint mechanics, alleviate nerve interference, and improve spinal alignment.
• MLS Laser Therapy is then applied to reduce pain and inflammation at the cellular level and accelerate tissue healing.
• Functional rehabilitation exercises are prescribed to stabilize the spine and joints, improve strength and flexibility, and prevent re-injury.
• Nutritional and lifestyle counseling addresses systemic inflammation and provides the body with the building blocks it needs for repair.

This integrated model ensures we are addressing the patient’s health from all angles—structural, cellular, and systemic. The laser therapy acts as a powerful catalyst, accelerating the results achievable through chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation alone, leading to faster, more effective, and longer-lasting outcomes for my patients.

References

• World Association for Laser Therapy. (n.d.). Dose & Dose Rate. WALT. Retrieved from waltza.co.za/documentation-and-guidelines/dose-dose-rate-and-treatment-frequency/
• Cotler, H. B., Chow, R. T., Hamblin, M. R., & Carroll, J. (2015). The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) For Musculoskeletal Pain. MOJ Orthopedics & Rheumatology, 2(5), 00068. doi.org/10.15406/mojor.2015.02.00068
• Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337–361.