INFORMATIONAL VIDEOS
Impact of MLS Laser Therapy
Practitioners who use MLS Laser therapy have reported that MLS relieves pain associated with the following conditions:
MLS Laser Therapy has an 85%-90% efficacy rate in relieving pain and inflammation. With high levels of consistency, efficacy, and safety, MLS Laser Therapy can help relieve pain and restore lives.
What are the benefits?
There are very few contraindications. MLS Laser should not be used when analgesia may mask progressive pathology (avoid the use of analgesia in order to retain the beneficial aspects of pain. MLS should not be used over a pacemaker. MLS should not be used over a pregnant uterus. MLS should not be used over the thyroid gland. MLS Laser may worsen a hemorrhage. Caution should be taken when treating patients on blood thinners.
The Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy is FDA cleared and is based on the patented MLS wave form.
Lasers are regulated and classified by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Most therapeutic lasers fit into Class IIIB and Class IV. Class IIIB Lasers have low power, require longer treatment times over many sessions, and offer limited biostimulation. Class IV Therapy Lasers were developed with the idea that higher power would lead to better and more efficient results. However, with higher power there is a risk of thermal damage to tissue associated with Class IV Lasers if the laser energy is not controlled.[i] Therefore, ASA Laser created MLS Laser Therapy.
MLS is a Class IV Laser designed to optimize the safety of a Class IIIB Laser with the efficiency and results of a Class IV Laser. The MLS laser can penetrate 3-5cm deep without generating heat, efficiently reducing pain and inflammation while minimizing the risk of thermal damage often associated with other Class IV Lasers.[ii].
MLS Technology
MLS Laser Therapy uses a form of non-ionizing electromatic radiation to increase ATP production and cell growth, block pain signals, and stimulate cells to remove toxins, easing pain and inflammation associated with a variety of conditions.[iii] The photons of light from the laser penetrate the tissue, accelerating cellular reproduction and growth to repair damaged cells and form new capillaries in damaged tissue.[iv]
MLS combines and synchronizes two therapeutic wavelengths. The continuous 808nm decreases inflammation (anti-edemic and anti-inflammatory) by stimulating blood flow and lymphatic drainage of swollen areas.[v] The pulsed 905nm works to reduce pain (analgesic), blocking the pain transmitted by nerve cells to the brain and producing high level of pain killing hormones such as endorphins and enkephalin.
The superpulsed 905 nm emission ensures a deeper penetration without generating heat. When synchronized with the 808 nm, these emissions reinforce each other to strengthen the lasers effects. [vi]
Unlike early-generation Class IV lasers, MLS Laser Therapy has the capability to deliver controlled laser energy, providing a more accurate therapeutic dose delivery, leading to consistent and repeatable results.
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****Access to MLS Laser treatments is not limited to only patients referred to COTHUE for skilled OT hand therapy services. ANY person can be referred for stand-alone MLS Laser treatments with a valid prescription from a licensed medical provider (MD/DO/PA/NP/CNM). PLEASE include a diagnosis on the prescription. COTHUE only treats diagnoses involving the shoulder/upper arm/elbow/forearm/wrist/digits. We do not treat backs/necks/lower extremity diagnoses.
As a general rule, and despite the fact that it is an FDA -approve treatment modality, most insurances will not cover MLS Class IV Laser treatments even when implemented by orthopedic physicians, podiatrists, physiatrists, chiropractors, etc. We are working with Cutting Edge Lasers for guidance on best-billing practices, but most patients will have to pay out of pocket. We will be billing $50.00 per treatment with discounts for prepaid “packages”. Most acute diagnoses require 5-6 treatments and most chronic conditions require 6-10 treatments. COTHUE will be working with the NCIC and Worker’s Compensation carriers on a case-by-case basis.
Carolina Occupational Therapy Hand & Upper Extremity Rehabilitation