How does it work?

The M7  is a Class IV laser approved by the FDA for the temporary relief of  pain, inflammation, and arthritis. It utilizes two wavelengths: 808 nanometers for treatment of inflammation and 905 nanometers for treatment of pain. Both of these wavelengths are in the infrared spectrum, meaning you can’t see them with a naked eye, but you can see them using a cell phone camera. The 808 wavelength  for inflammation and swelling relief  is long lasting. The 905 wavelength for  pain relief  is fast acting. Together, they are very effective.

There are over 3,000 studies performed in the last three decades that validate the efficacy of laser therapy. Laser therapy was cleared by the FDA in 2002 and is currently being used by a variety of medical specialties, as well as professional sports teams. The laser can penetrate 3-5cm deep and generates no heat. There are no known harmful effects.

How Do Lasers Work?

Laser energy stimulates cells to remove toxins and allow oxygen and food loads into the cell. It helps with ATP production and cell growth. Life is about energy. Energy is about ATP. Your body normally makes 88 lbs. of ATP per day and uses that  ATP sort of like  a coin in a slot machine. Lasers also block the pain signals to the pain receptors (nociceptors) in the brain, and release endorphins and encephalin. It also  brings blood flow to the injured area.

MLS Laser Therapy may actually decrease healing time by 30-40%. In fractures, it will increase osteoblast production within the first 10 days only.

Acute injuries will typically need 4 to 6 treatments,  2 treatments per week for 2 -3 weeks.  Acute patients may experience relief before they leave the office but the maximum benefit will be experienced  5-7 hours post treatment.  Some sprains and strains may only require  2 or 3 treatments and these may be delivered 24 hours apart.

Chronic patients will need 10-12 treatments 3x per week for 2 weeks to start which should be Mon-Wed-Friday then 2x per week for 3 weeks.  For chronic patients it may take up to 4 treatments before you feel any difference.

For arthritis, after your initial 10-12 treatments, a treatment once a month or every other month may help you manage your arthritis pain

Laser treatments take between 5-14 minutes each depending on your injury and most patient feels nothing during the treatment.

While laser therapy is among the most advanced technology in all of medicine, it is too new to be covered by insurance. The good thing is that it is non-invasive, an alternative to addictive pain medications, and maybe an alternative to surgery in some cases.