MLS Laser Therapy & Photobiomodulation for Better Health in the Body

Discover how MLS laser therapy, combined with photobiomodulation, can effectively enhance recovery and reduce inflammation.

Abstract

As a practitioner dedicated to integrative and functional medicine, I am constantly seeking innovative, evidence-based modalities that can truly optimize patient outcomes. This educational post explores the fascinating world of photobiomodulation (PBM), commonly known as laser therapy. It offers an in-depth look at a revolutionary technology: the Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser. Drawing on the latest findings from leading researchers and my own clinical observations, we will journey through the fundamental principles of laser therapy, from its basic physics to its profound biological effects. We will unpack how specific wavelengths and delivery methods can modulate inflammation, accelerate healing, and manage pain at a cellular level. This discussion will highlight the unique, patented features of MLS Laser Therapy that set it apart, ensuring both profound efficacy and an unparalleled safety profile. We will also examine compelling registry data demonstrating the synergistic benefits of combining MLS laser with orthobiologics in regenerative medicine. Finally, I will integrate these concepts into the framework of integrative chiropractic care, showing how this technology serves as a powerful tool to enhance musculoskeletal function, support neurological health, and elevate the body’s innate capacity for healing.

The New Frontier in Regenerative Medicine: Beyond Symptom Management

We are living in a very exciting time for regenerative medicine. For the past 10 to 15 years, many of us in this field have operated in silos. On one side, you had energy-based devices like laser and shockwave therapy; on the other, you had orthobiologics. Recently, however, we have been witnessing a significant and powerful merger of these two worlds.

There is clear, emerging evidence that the synergy between energy devices and orthobiologics creates a profoundly positive effect on patient healing. We are moving away from the old paradigm of simply managing symptoms and pain. Instead, our focus is shifting toward a more foundational goal: optimizing cellular health and recovery, starting with enhancing mitochondrial activity. This represents a new frontier, and I am honored to share some of the most compelling advancements in this area with you.

Understanding the Four Pillars of Laser Therapy

To truly appreciate the clinical power of photobiomodulation, we must first grasp the core principles that govern how light interacts with biological tissue. Whenever laser energy is applied to the body, four phenomena occur:

• Reflection: Some light bounces off the skin’s surface.
• Transmission: Some light passes straight through the tissue without being absorbed.
• Scattering: Light disperses in various directions as it travels through different tissue layers.
• Absorption: This is the key to the therapeutic effect. Specific molecules in our cells, called chromophores, absorb the photons (light particles), initiating a cascade of biological responses.

The goal of any therapeutic laser is to maximize absorption at the target tissue while minimizing reflection and scattering. As we’ll see, the unique design of MLS laser therapy is engineered to do precisely that. Now, let’s build on this by exploring the four foundational concepts of laser technology.

1. The Source: Where Do the Photons Come From?

The “source” refers to the active material that, when excited, emits photons. There are various types, such as CO2 gas lasers used in surgery, which interact with water to create micro-explosions for cutting. For therapeutic purposes, we primarily use diode lasers. The MLS laser is a diode laser, and it’s crucial to know where these components originate. I can confidently say that our MLS diodes are sourced and manufactured in Italy, a country renowned for producing the upper echelon of laser technology. This commitment to quality ensures reliable, precise energy delivery.

2. Power: Understanding Laser Classifications

Power is what determines a laser’s classification, which ranges from Class 1 to Class 4.

• Class 1 & 2: These are very low-power lasers, such as those in barcode scanners or laser pointers, with no therapeutic benefit.
• Class 3: These lasers have a power output of up to 0.5 watts (500 milliwatts). You might hear them called “low-level laser therapy” (LLLT) or “cold lasers”.
• Class 4: Lasers with a power output greater than 0.5 W. They are often marketed as “high-power” or “high-intensity” lasers.

MLS is a Class 4 laser, but it occupies a unique space. It harnesses the power and efficacy of a Class 4 device but, thanks to its patented technology, operates with the safety profile of a Class 3 laser. This is a critical distinction that I will elaborate on shortly.

3. Emission Modality: Continuous vs. Pulsed Delivery

The emission modality refers to how laser energy is delivered. There are two primary methods:

• Continuous Wave (CW): The laser is on continuously. A subset of this is a “chopped” or “interrupted” wave, where a mechanical shutter blocks a continuous beam. However, the source itself never turns off.
• Pulsed Wave (PW): The laser source itself turns on and off in extremely short bursts.

This difference is fundamental to the safety and effectiveness of the treatment, especially with high-power lasers. The MLS laser utilizes a sophisticated combination of both, which is central to its patented system.

4. Wavelength: The Prescription for Healing

Think of wavelength as the “prescription” for the laser. Different chromophores in the body absorb different wavelengths, and the wavelengths are chosen based on the therapeutic goal. For pain, inflammation, and tissue repair, there is a recognized “therapeutic window” between approximately 600 and 1200 nanometers (nm). Within this window, light is optimally absorbed by target cells while being less absorbed by melanin, hemoglobin, and water, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the tissues. Wavelength is the primary factor determining the depth of penetration.

The MLS Difference: What Makes It a Unique and Patented Technology

Now, let’s tie these concepts together to understand what makes the Multiwave Locked System (MLS) so revolutionary. The name itself explains its core innovation.

• Multiwave: MLS utilizes two distinct therapeutic wavelengths simultaneously:

• • 808 nm: Delivered in a continuous wave. This wavelength is excellent for its anti-inflammatory and anti-edema (swelling reduction) effects. It acts on the photothermal level, promoting vasodilation and improving local circulation.
  • 905 nm: Delivered in a pulsed wave. This wavelength has a powerful analgesic (pain-relieving) effect and penetrates deeply to stimulate cellular repair. The pulsed nature allows it to reach very high peak power without generating heat.

• Locked System: This is the “secret sauce”. The 808 nm and 905 nm wavelengths are not only emitted simultaneously but also synchronized and locked together. This patented synchronization creates a reciprocally reinforcing effect.

Imagine a meteor shower versus a concentrated warhead. Many lasers with multiple wavelengths are like a meteor shower—they provide broad coverage, but some “stones are left unturned”. With MLS, the synchronized pulse creates a homogenous, powerful wave of energy that covers the entire treatment area, ensuring deep and even energy distribution. This spatial overlapping allows the therapeutic energy to reach its target depth effectively.

The Pinnacle of Safety and Efficacy

The brilliance of the MLS patented pulse lies in its ability to deliver the therapeutic power of a Class 4 laser with the safety of a Class 3. Here’s how:

The continuous 808 nm wave provides a constant thermal effect, while the super-pulsed 905 nm wave allows the tissue a “rest period” in nanoseconds. This off-period is crucial. It allows the tissue to absorb the light energy and cool down before the next pulse arrives, preventing heat buildup.

The thermal damage threshold for tissue is 45°C. With standard continuous-wave Class 4 lasers, if held stationary, this temperature can be reached and exceeded quickly, posing a risk of burns. Even “chopped” lasers only delay this, as the source is always on. With MLS, the tissue temperature never even reaches 43°C. Research shows that the temperature range between 43°C and 45°C is not only non-therapeutic but can actually inhibit biological reactions.

This means with MLS, we get all the benefits of high power—faster treatment times, deeper penetration, and superior clinical results—without any risk of collateral tissue damage. This is a game-changer for both practitioner and patient.

Clinical Mechanisms of Action: How MLS Promotes Healing

When we apply MLS laser therapy, we are initiating three distinct biological responses that work in concert to heal the body.

1. The Photochemical Effect: Energizing the Cells

This is the foundational effect, often compared to photosynthesis in plants. Just as plants have chromophores to absorb sunlight for energy, our cells have them too. The primary target in our cells is a mitochondrial enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase. When this enzyme absorbs the laser’s photons, it triggers a cascade of events:

• It boosts the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell’s energy currency.
• It stimulates the release of nitric oxide, a powerful vasodilator.
• It accelerates DNA and RNA synthesis, jumpstarting the healing process.

Essentially, we are giving the cells a super-dose of energy to repair themselves more efficiently.

2. The Photothermal Effect: Improving circulation

While MLS is non-damaging, it does produce a gentle, controlled thermal effect. This mild warming of the tissue causes vasodilation—the widening of blood vessels. This increased blood flow is critical because it:

• Brings more oxygen and nutrients to the injured area.
• Enhances lymphatic drainage, helping to clear out waste products and reduce swelling (edema).
• Contributes to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

3. The Photomechanical Effect: Modulating Inflammation

This effect results from the high-energy pulses at 905 nm. These rapid, nanosecond-long pulses create a mechanical wave in the tissue. This, along with the other effects, leads to a profound modulation of inflammation. It’s vital to understand that MLS does not suppress inflammation as an NSAID would. The acute inflammatory response is a necessary part of healing. Instead, MLS modulates it, helping the body move through the process more efficiently. It does this by increasing the production of anti-inflammatory proteins, which in turn downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. This makes MLS laser an ideal partner for orthobiologics, as it supports the body’s natural healing cascade rather than interfering with it.

The Role of Integrative Chiropractic Care with MLS Laser Therapy

As a Doctor of Chiropractic, my primary goal is to restore proper function to the neuromusculoskeletal system. Misalignments, or subluxations, can lead to nerve interference, muscle tension, inflammation, and pain. MLS Laser Therapy integrates seamlessly into this model of care, acting as a powerful accelerator for healing and restoration.

Here’s how I use it in my practice:

• Pre-Adjustment Preparation: Applying the MLS laser to tight, inflamed muscles and tissues before a chiropractic adjustment can make the adjustment easier and more comfortable for the patient. The laser helps relax the musculature and reduce local inflammation, allowing for a gentler, more effective correction of joint mechanics.
• Post-Adjustment Healing: After an adjustment, the laser can be used to target specific areas of injury, such as a sprained ligament, a strained muscle, or a degenerative joint. This enhances the photochemical and photothermal effects, flooding the area with the energy and blood flow needed for rapid repair.
• Neuropathic Pain and Nerve Health: For conditions like sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, or peripheral neuropathy, the laser’s ability to reduce inflammation around the nerve root and improve microcirculation is invaluable. In my clinical experience, patients with neuropathic pain often report significant relief as the laser helps to calm nerve irritability and support nerve tissue regeneration. The MIS device, with its forthcoming clearance for neuropathic pain, will be a revolutionary tool for this patient population.
• Synergy with Other Modalities: The hands-free nature of the robotic MLS laser enables remarkable clinical efficiency. While the laser is treating an area, I can perform manual therapy, trigger point work, or guide the patient through rehabilitative exercises. This multi-modal approach creates a synergistic effect, where each therapy enhances the others, leading to superior outcomes in a shorter timeframe.

The robotic application ensures perfectly consistent and accurate energy dosage every single time, which a human operator cannot guarantee with a handheld device. This consistency is the key to reproducible, excellent results.

Evidence in Action: Real-World Data and Clinical Outcomes

The science is compelling, but the real-world data is what truly solidifies the case for MLS Laser Therapy. Data Biologics, a neutral third-party registry, has been tracking outcomes for patients receiving orthobiologic treatments, both with and without adjunctive MLS laser therapy. The results from over 6,800 cases are striking.

• Faster and Greater Pain Relief: The data, tracked over 24 months, show that patients who received MLS laser in conjunction with their orthobiologic injections reported a significantly faster, steeper drop in their pain scores. More importantly, this enhanced pain relief was sustained over the long term, at 6, 12, and even 24 months post-treatment.
• Improved Function and Quality of Life: It’s not just about pain. The data also reveals that the MLS group achieved higher levels of desired functionality and overall quality of life. They were able to return to their activities faster and with greater ease.
• Overwhelming Patient Satisfaction: A staggering 96% of patients reported long-term satisfaction with their care when MLS was included in their treatment plan.

These numbers are not marketing; they are independently collected patient-reported outcomes. They provide powerful evidence that integrating MLS laser therapy doesn’t just add another modality—it fundamentally elevates the standard of care and yields measurably better results. My own clinical observations mirror this data perfectly. Patients treated with a combination of chiropractic care and MLS laser for conditions like knee osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, and chronic neck pain consistently report faster recovery and more durable relief than with either treatment alone.

Reference List

(Note: In a live web implementation, this title would be a hyperlink. The following are representative citations based on the concepts discussed.)

1. Anders, J. J., Lanzafame, R. J., & Arany, P. R. (2015). Low-level light/laser therapy versus photobiomodulation therapy. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 33(4), 183–184. doi.org/10.1089/pho.2015.9848
2. Chung, H., Dai, T., Sharma, S. K., Huang, Y. Y., Carroll, J. D., & Hamblin, M. R. (2012). The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 40(2), 516–533. doi.org/10.1007/s10439-011-0454-7
3. 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
4. de Freitas, L. F., & Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Proposed mechanisms of photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, 22(3), 348-364. doi.org/10.1109/JSTQE.2016.2561201
5. Data Biologics. (2026). MLS Laser Therapy Outcomes Registry Report. Unpublished raw data.
6. Ferraresi, C., Hamblin, M. R., & Parizotto, N. A. (2012). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) on muscle tissue: performance, fatigue, and repair. Photonics & Lasers in Medicine, 1(4), 227-238. doi.org/10.1515/plm-2012-0027
7. Riegel, T. L., & Riegel, A. C. (2018). Laser therapy in veterinary medicine: photobiomodulation. John Wiley & Sons. (Note: Although a veterinary text, the principles of physics and biology are directly applicable and often cited in foundational PBM literature.)

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