We help you get back on your feet.
A Step Above Foot Care is proud to be on the leading edge of medical technology. We have the FDA approved MLS Laser Therapy treatment for foot and ankle injuries and pain. A Step Above Foot Care helps relieve foot and ankle injuries and other conditions with the MLS laser in Long Beach and surrounding areas.
Laser Therapy is an advanced modality for the treatment of inflammatory or painful conditions
The MLS Laser Therapy effectively treats:
- Heel pain
- Sports injuriies
- Plantar fasciitis
- Circulation issues
- Neuromas
- Tendinitis, such as Achilles tendinitis
- Ligament injuries, such as a sprained ankle
- Soft tissue injuries
- Muscle strains and tears
- Sore muscles and joints
- Wounds
- Pre-surgical and post-surgical pain and swelling
- Muscle strains and tears
- Neurological pain
- General pain
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Anti-inflammatory applications
The Benefits of MLS Laser Therapy
- Rapid relief of pain (by blocking pain transmitted by nerve cells to the brain which decrease nerve sensitivity. It also increases endorphins and encephalin from the brain and adrenal gland)
- Strong anti-inflammatory effect (reduces swelling caused by bruising or inflammation)
- Timely healing of sprains and strains (accelerates cellular reproduction and growth; photons of light from the laser penetrate deeply into tissue and accelerate tissue repair and cell growth)
- Rapid recovery of the structural integrity of injured region
- Rapid resolution of swollen areas
- Immediate improvement of local blood circulation (the laser light will significantly increase the formation of new capillaries in damaged tissue which speeds up the healing process, closes wounds quickly, and reduces scar tissue)
- Reduces formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from cuts, scratches, burns, or surgery.
- Rapid repair of superficial injuries, such as wounds and ulcers(the MLS laser stimulates fibroblast development in damaged tissue. Fibroblasts are the building blocks of collagen, which is the essential protein required to replace old tissue or to repair tissue injuries.)
- Improves nerve function (laser therapy speeds up the process of nerve cell reconnection)
- Stimulates the body’s own healing ability
- Often provides an immediate reduction of pain as well as improved mobility and function
- Is non-invasive
- No side effects
- Does not require anesthesia
- Painless
What is MLS Laser Therapy?
It is an alternative solution to treat pain in your feet. The MLS laser is a state-of-the-art therapy that assists in restoring mobility to patients with various painful foot and ankle conditions. It has been proven effective through extensive and credible studies conducted by some of the best institutions in the country, including Harvard University. This laser therapy, also known as cold laser therapy, is a healthy, alternative solution to relief of foot pain without surgery or medication. It is also used in conjunction with medications and surgery. The MLS Laser Therapy is a safe way of treating painful feet, and is effective in just a few treatments. An additional advantage is that each treatment is quick and affordable.
What does MLS stand for?
MLS stands for Multi-wave Locked System. This patented system delivers two specific synchronized wavelengths of laser light. One laser emission acts on inflammation, and the other has an analgesic, pain-relieving effect.
For Patients
What to Expect
Laser therapy is a non-invasive technique to help reduce pain and inflammation. Laser therapy can be safely used as an adjunct or replacement for pharmaceutical drugs and/or surgery. This pain relief treatment is FDA cleared and enables patients to have an alternative to drugs and surgery.
Laser therapy treatments last between 5 and 10 minutes depending on the condition being treated. Laser therapy treatments must be administered directly to skin, as laser light cannot penetrate through layers of clothing. It is painless.
Safety and Efficacy
The MLS Lasers are cleared by the FDA and adhere to strict standards in order to provide you with the safest non-invasive treatment option on the market. Laser therapy provides you with a safe and effective alternative to drugs and surgery.
Most patients see results within 3 to 5 short treatments. The MLS Laser Therapy works by flooding the tissues with photons, which energizes cells, resulting in increased circulation to the injured area and ultimately pain reduction. Laser therapy allows your body to utilize its own healing powers by inducing a series of healing responses in your body. During treatment you may feel a soothing warmth that identifies the beginning of an 18-24 hour process of modulated cellular activity leading to decreased pain and inflammation. Some patients state they feel a comfortable warm sensation in the area being treated, while other patients usually don’t feel the laser. There is no pain, heat, or swelling during or after the treatment.
Over 90% of patients experience positive results after the third treatment, with the average course of treatment being 7 to 10 sessions. In many cases, by the 3rd or 4th treatment, swelling is greatly reduced and there is a rapid relief of pain. The effects of MLS Laser Therapy are cumulative; therefore, expect to see improvement as you proceed through your Treatment Plan. Chronic conditions can be controlled with regular treatments. Acute conditions usually subside quickly, typically within one phase of treatments.
It is critical that once you start,you complete the course of treatments recommended by your doctor or symptoms are likely to reoccur.
FAQs
How does MLS (the Multi-wave Locked System) Laser Therapy work?
The MLS Laser Therapy uses specific wavelengths of light that have a strong anti-inflammatory, anti-swelling effect on tissues that are exposed to the laser. Painful conditions accompanied by swelling or inflammation benefit from this technology.
Photons of laser energy penetrate deeply into tissue and accelerate cellular reproduction and growth. The laser energy increases circulation – drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved. Cell-level effects occur as photons, delivered from the laser, interact with cells. This leads to an increase ATP (adenosine triphosphate) levels, an increase in cell membrane permeability, and dilation of blood and lymphatic vessels. These events results in a cascade of beneficial effects - increasing cellular energy and overall health.
As a result of exposure to the MLS Laser, the cells of tendons, ligaments and muscles repair themselves faster. The area to be treated is carefully outlined, and the laser zeros in on the exact area that needs to be treated. The laser is precisely calibrated to deliver light in a therapeutic dose, wavelength, pulse and duration. The dual action and precise synchronization of pulsed and continuous laser emissions work at a cellular level and strengthen the therapeutic effect. MLS Laser Therapy promotes healing and quickly brings cells back to an optimal condition - all in five to ten minutes.
As inflammation is reduced, pain subsides very quickly. In simple terms, laser energy kick-starts the healing process, thereby speeding up recovery. Unlike some pharmacological solutions, there are no known negative side effects. Laser therapy is cleared by the FDA and is safe and effective. Until now, there have been only pulsed light lasers that control swelling and continuous light lasers that control pain. The MLS (Multi-wave Lock system) provides both in one treatment.
What is the depth of penetration of the laser?
4-5 cm (approximately 2 inches)
Will the laser hurt or damage my eyes?
Protective eyewear is worn by the patient and therapist operating the laser.
Is there a difference between the robotic and the handheld laser?
No. During your treatment session, the technician may switch from the large laser to the handheld laser. The handheld laser allows the technician to treat a smaller area. The strength of the laser is the same.
Is the MLS laser a hot or cold laser?
The MLS laser is a state-of-the-art class IV infrared cold laser.
How is MLS Laser Therapy different from other laser therapies currently offered?
Current traditional laser therapy provides partial treatment at best by reducing inflammation or pain, but never both at the same time. The MLS Laser Therapy synchronizes the dual action of both continuous and pulsed light therapy to reduce pain, swelling, and speed recovery and healing.
Does the laser hurt?
Laser therapy is painless. Most patients report no sensation at all while receiving laser therapy. The average treatment time is 8 minutes. The MLS is fast-acting. Many patients in high levels of acute pain experience relief after the first or second treatment.
How long is the treatment?
The MLS laser treatment lasts for 15 minutes.
What type of results can I expect from the MLS Laser Therapy?
A vast majority of patients experience significant improvement of their symptoms. Many patients see improvement and experience significantly less pain within the first three or four treatments.
What if I don’t feel full relief from the MLS Laser Therapy Treatments?
For a small percentage of patients, the laser treatments may provide only temporary or limited relief. Just as with all treatments for pain and injury, it is not possible to predict who will achieve full relief.
Are there side effects?
There are no known side effects. While a few patients feel a comfortable warm sensation in the area being treated, patients usually don’t feel the laser. There is no pain, heat, redness or swelling during or after the treatment.
Who should not have laser therapy?
Laser therapy cannot be given directly over an area within 48 hours after a cortisone injection, over an area of known skin cancer, and over the abdomen of a pregnant woman.
Can I use my flexible spending account for MLS Laser Therapy?
Yes.
Is the MLS Laser Therapy covered by insurance?
MLS Laser Therapy is not covered by insurance.
What is the cost for MLS Laser Therapy?
$100 for an individual session. We offer a discount package $700 for ten sessions. We recommend ten sessions for the best outcome.
In addition to MLS laser therapy, we offer shockwave therapy to treat tendon and plantar fasciitis problems.