Neuropathy can cause persistent pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the extremities, making even simple daily activities challenging. While traditional treatments often focus on medication to mask symptoms, Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy is a noninvasive, drug-free approach that targets the source of neuropathic pain rather than just alleviating symptoms.
At St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center, our skilled foot doctors provide this innovative treatment for neuropathy. Below, our St. Cloud podiatrists discuss how MLS laser therapy works, what to expect during treatment, and why it can be a good option for people with neuropathy or who need diabetic foot care.
How MLS Laser Therapy Works for Neuropathy
MLS laser therapy is an advanced treatment for neuropathy that targets underlying causes rather than simply seeking to manage or mask symptoms. This treatment uses specific light waves to penetrate deeply into tissue and stimulate cellular repair processes.
Unlike older laser technologies, MLS therapy synchronizes two wavelengths—one for pain relief and one for reducing inflammation—creating a more powerful therapeutic effect. The system delivers controlled pulses of laser energy that penetrate deep into the affected tissue without generating excessive heat or damaging surrounding areas.
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When the laser light used in MLS therapy reaches the damaged nerves, it increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), essentially providing more energy to cells for self-repair. This helps accelerate healing processes that may have stalled due to chronic inflammation or poor circulation.
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MLS laser therapy also improves microcirculation around nerve fibers, helping to deliver more oxygen and nutrients while also removing cellular waste products.
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It also stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers. This is one reason why patients often experience immediate pain relief after treatment.
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MLS therapy also reduces levels of inflammatory compounds that cause persistent pain. As a result, it offers more lasting relief than medications that only mask symptoms.
Key Benefits of MLS Laser Treatment for Neuropathy
When considering neuropathy treatment options, there are several compelling reasons that MLS laser therapy stands out as a good option. For example:
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Cumulative pain reduction. Many patients experience a reduction in pain after just a few sessions, and the results typically improve over time with consistent treatment.
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Noninvasive treatment. MLS laser therapy isn’t invasive or painful. Many patients describe feeling only a gentle warmth or slight tingling during sessions.
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No need for downtime. You can resume your normal activities immediately after receiving MLS therapy at our St. Cloud foot care clinic.
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Drug-free pain relief. By stimulating your body's natural healing mechanisms, laser therapy can reduce or sometimes eliminate the need for pain medication.
Additionally, MLS therapy works well alongside other treatments. The skilled St. Cloud podiatrist you see at our Central Minnesota podiatry practice may recommend combining laser therapy with appropriate footwear, physical therapy, or nutritional support for comprehensive management of your neuropathy, which may yield better results than any single therapy alone.
Comparing MLS Laser Therapy to Other Neuropathy Treatments
When evaluating neuropathy treatment options, it's helpful to understand how MLS laser therapy compares to traditional approaches.
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Medication has long been the standard first-line treatment for neuropathic pain. Unlike medications, MLS laser therapy targets the source of pain without systemic side effects, and many patients can reduce or eliminate their dependence on pain medicine after successful laser treatment.
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Topical treatments can provide temporary relief but require frequent reapplication and only affect surface-level tissues. MLS laser energy penetrates deep into foot tissues to reach damaged nerves, offering more comprehensive treatment than creams or patches can provide. MLS therapy's effects build over time rather than quickly wearing off.
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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can provide temporary relief during use, but it doesn't promote healing or address underlying inflammation. MLS laser therapy not only interrupts pain signals but also stimulates cellular repair processes that can lead to lasting improvement in nerve function.
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Physical therapy (PT) can improve strength, balance, and circulation in neuropathy patients, complementing other treatments. When combined with MLS neuropathy laser treatment, PT exercises can prove more effective as patients experience less pain during movement and can participate more fully in beneficial exercise.
What to Expect During MLS Laser Treatment
Most neuropathy treatment protocols involve 6-12 sessions, usually scheduled 2-3 times per week for optimal results. Your St. Cloud foot doctor will determine the appropriate number of sessions based on your condition's severity and your response to treatment. Maintenance sessions may be recommended every few months to sustain improvements.
When you arrive for your first MLS laser therapy session at our St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center, we'll begin with a detailed assessment of your neuropathy symptoms and overall foot health. This helps customize the treatment protocol to your specific needs and establish a baseline for measuring progress. Treatment sessions are straightforward and comfortable, as follows:
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You'll be seated or reclined in a comfortable position while the treatment area is exposed. There's no need for anesthesia or special preparation before therapy.
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The MLS laser device will be positioned over the affected area. During the procedure, you'll feel little to nothing as the laser energy penetrates the tissues. You may feel a gentle warming sensation or slight tingling, but not pain.
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The device makes a soft humming sound as it works, and you may notice a pulsing red light. A typical session lasts between 10-15 minutes per treatment area.
Patients often report noticing a reduction in pain and discomfort immediately following neuropathy laser treatment. This initial relief may be temporary at first, lasting hours to days, but it tends to extend with each subsequent session. Unlike some treatments that leave you feeling worse before better, MLS laser therapy typically provides some degree of immediate comfort.
Progress monitoring occurs throughout your treatment course. Your podiatrist will regularly assess changes in pain levels, sensation, balance, and functional ability. Many patients keep a symptom journal to track improvements that might otherwise go unnoticed, such as sleeping better or walking longer distances comfortably.