You’ve dealt with aching heels, nagging sports injuries, or persistent foot inflammation, and you're ready to try something new. But when you hear “laser therapy,” your first thought might be: Will it hurt?
At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, Dr. Craig H. Thomajan and his team recognize that a fear of discomfort can be a significant barrier to care. That’s why they offer MLS laser therapy, a gentle, non-invasive treatment designed to reduce pain—not cause it. If you’ve been avoiding care out of concern for discomfort, here’s what you should know about this innovative approach.
Understanding What MLS Laser Therapy Actually Does
MLS stands for Multiwave Locked System, and it's one of the most advanced therapeutic lasers available in podiatric care. Rather than relying on medication or surgery, MLS therapy uses synchronized light waves to stimulate natural healing in the body’s tissues.
How MLS Laser Therapy Promotes Healing
This system uses two wavelengths of light simultaneously:
- Anti-inflammatory wavelength. This targets swelling and reduces inflammation, which is often the source of chronic pain.
- Analgesic wavelength. This wavelength acts directly on nerve endings to block pain signals and increase blood flow to the area.
This dual-action process speeds up the body’s natural healing mechanisms without damaging surrounding tissues.
How MLS Compares to Other Foot Pain Treatments
When exploring treatment options for foot or ankle pain, it's not just about results—it’s also about what you have to endure to get them. Here’s how MLS laser therapy stacks up:
- Versus injections. MLS requires no needles or corticosteroid-related side effects.
- Versus oral medication. MLS carries no gastrointestinal risks or long-term liver concerns.
- Versus surgery. MLS therapy requires no incision, no scarring, and no recovery time.
MLS Laser Therapy is especially beneficial for:
- Athletes. Those who need quick recovery without invasive procedures often benefit from MLS therapy.
- Older adults. Those who may have conditions that limit their options for medication or surgery benefit from a medication-free treatment.
- Diabetics. Those who are at higher risk for infection benefit from non-invasive care.
What the Treatment Feels Like (and What It Doesn’t)
One of the most common concerns about laser therapy is how it feels. Fortunately, MLS laser therapy is remarkably gentle. In fact, most patients describe the experience as completely painless and at times warm or soothing.
Here’s what sets MLS apart from other therapies:
- No cutting or burning. The laser doesn't break the skin or heat tissues to harmful levels.
- No pressure. The handheld device either hovers just above or lightly touches the treatment area.
- No prep or recovery. You won’t need numbing agents, anesthesia, or downtime.
Even sensitive patients—such as those with nerve pain or post-surgical tenderness—typically tolerate MLS well.
What You Can Expect Post-Treatment
Unlike some treatments that bring temporary relief but long-term aggravation, MLS laser therapy supports healing from the inside out. The results aren’t just noticeable—they’re sustainable. Here’s what you can expect:
- No downtime. You can return to work, errands, or light exercise the same day.
- Cumulative benefits. Relief often builds with each session, especially after 4–6 visits.
- Rare, mild soreness. In rare cases, patients feel slight tenderness, similar to post-workout stiffness, as blood flow increases and tissues begin to repair.
Because MLS doesn’t mask symptoms—it targets the root causes—it delivers longer-lasting comfort over time.
Real Conditions, Real Relief—Without the Discomfort
MLS isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a clinically supported solution used to treat a wide range of podiatric problems. Whether you’re battling a chronic condition or recovering from injury, MLS can help relieve pain and inflammation without discomfort.
Common conditions that benefit from MLS therapy include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Neuropathy
- Post-surgical inflammation
- Sports injuries
Each of these issues often involves deep tissue inflammation that MLS targets directly—without painful interventions.
A Comfortable Path to Healing
Laser therapy might sound intimidating, but MLS has rewritten the story. It doesn’t hurt. It doesn’t disrupt your routine. And for many patients, it delivers results faster than expected.
If you're hesitant to seek help for foot pain because you fear more pain, MLS Laser Therapy offers a reassuring alternative: a comfortable, non-invasive solution from a team you can trust.
