Managing Arthritis Pain with Non-Invasive MLS® Laser Therapy

    • Introduction

      Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. While traditional treatments such as pain medications, physical therapy and lifestyle modifications help manage symptoms, many individuals seek alternative, non-invasive options for long-term relief without side effects.

      One such innovative treatment is Multiwave Locked System (MLS®) Laser Therapy, a non-invasive, painless, and drug-free solution designed to reduce pain and inflammation while promoting tissue healing. This advanced laser therapy has gained popularity among arthritis sufferers due to its effectiveness in enhancing mobility and improving quality of life.

      Multi-Wave Locked System, also known as MLS® laser therapy, uses these specific wavelengths of light to ease chronic and acute pain and speed healing. MLS® laser therapy treats pain and inflammation associated with joint conditions like arthritis.

    • What Is Arthritis?

      Arthritis is a medical condition marked by the breakdown or inflammation of cartilage in joints that is the tough, elastic tissue that protects the ends of bones. When the underlying bones begin to rub together, it results in pain and stiffness.

      There are over 100 different types of arthritis each with different causes including wear and tear, infections, and underlying diseases 1. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

      Symptoms include pain, swelling, reduced range of motion and stiffness.

    • Arthritis’ Widespread Effect on Australians

      15% of Australians suffer from arthritis, amounting to 3.6 million people per year2. These staggering statistic makes it one of the most common causes of disability for people in Australia and worldwide.

      Arthritis commonly affects the elderly, especially women. One-third of people aged 65 years and older have arthritis, which is evident by radiography. The incidence of arthritis tends to increase with age with increasing pain and disability of the lower limb, which can seriously affect quality of life.

      Can Arthritis Be Cured?

      Unfortunately, there is no one cure for arthritis. However, there are many treatments to minimise pain and discomfort caused by the condition. Treating inflammatory arthritis as soon as it is discovered is vitally important. This will not only relieve the pain and fatigue but will stop joint and organ damage before it gets worse.

      Earlier diagnosis and advanced technologies for arthritis have changed the landscape of arthritis treatment. People with arthritis are now living longer and healthier lives than ever before. One such treatment making a huge impact on the painful condition is MLS® laser therapy.

      What is Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

      Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser therapy or photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that helps relieve arthritis pain and inflammation by stimulating cellular activity and promoting tissue healing. Laser therapy was introduced as a non-invasive treatment option for arthritis nearly 30 years ago.

      Understanding MLS® Laser Therapy

      MLS® Laser Therapy is an advanced form of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) that uses dual-wavelength laser technology that penetrates deep into tissues to stimulate cellular healing. It works by combining two synchronised laser wavelengths (808 nm and 905 nm) that create a unique therapeutic effect:

      • 808 nm (Continuous Wave Laser): Reduces inflammation and improves blood circulation.
      • 905 nm (Superpulsed Wave Laser): Blocks pain signals and stimulates cellular repair.

      Unlike traditional low-level laser therapy (LLLT), that uses a single wavelength, MLS® laser therapy’s dual-action approach delivers faster and more effective results. The synchronised pulses ensure deeper tissue penetration without excessive heat, making it both safe and comfortable for patients.

      MLS® laser therapy painlessly penetrates up to 4cm deep and generates no heat. Most patients cannot feel anything while getting the treatment. Treatment times are comparatively short and are completely painless and totally comfortable.

      How MLS® Laser Therapy Helps with Arthritis Pain

      MLS® Laser Therapy targets arthritis symptoms at the cellular level, promoting natural healing and pain relief.

      MLS® laser therapy produces many cellular effects that result in effective pain reduction and accelerated healing for arthritis. Laser energy stimulates cells to remove toxins, like histamines and cytokines. Laser waves block pain signals to the nociceptors in the brain and release endorphins (body’s natural painkillers) and encephalins. This produces effective pain reduction for many conditions including arthritis.

      Laser light also increases ATP production and cell growth by bringing blood flow to the area, resulting in accelerated healing. The MLS® laser stimulates the mitochondria in cells to jumpstart the body’s own healing process. Like an antibiotic, each treatment is cumulative, building upon previous treatments.

      Here’s is a summary of it benefits for arthritis sufferers:

      1. Reduces Inflammation :Arthritis often leads to chronic inflammation in the joints, causing swelling and pain. MLS® Laser Therapy enhances blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce inflammatory cytokines and improve oxygenation in the affected joints.
      2. Provides Natural Pain Relief: Arthritic pain occurs due to nerve irritation and tissue damage. MLS® laser therapy stimulates the production of endorphins (natural painkillers) and reduces nerve sensitivity, providing long-lasting pain relief without the need for medication.
      3. Enhances Mobility and Flexibility: Joint stiffness is a major issue in arthritis, limiting movement and daily activities. By reducing swelling and increasing collagen production, MLS® laser therapy improves joint lubrication and enhances range of motion, making it easier to move without discomfort.
      4. Accelerates Tissue Repair and Healing: MLS® Laser Therapy boosts ATP (cellular energy) production, essential for tissue regeneration. It helps repair damaged cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, slowing the progression of arthritis and improving joint function.
      5. Improves Circulation for Faster Recovery: Poor circulation can delay healing and worsen arthritis symptoms. The laser therapy stimulates microcirculation, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach damaged tissues for faster recovery and better joint health.
    • Benefits of MLS® Laser Therapy for Arthritis

      A practitioner using the MLS® M6 laser to treat a patient with arthritis.

      There are many benefits of MLS® laser therapy for arthritis, including:

      1. It is anti-inflammatory.

      Low level laser therapy works by improving energy production in joint cells, that results in reducing inflammation and normalises function. This means increased mobility in the joint and reduced pain for a longer period. This is important to managing arthritis as one of the main symptoms of the condition is swelling.

      2. It is safe.

      No known side effects were observed from laser therapy in more than 3,000 scientific studies in 37 different countries over a span of nearly three decades. This makes the treatment ideal for arthritic patients as side effects such as nausea, rashes, or weight gain are possible from various arthritis medications.

      3. It has an analgesic effect.

      The MLS® laser blocks pain transmitted by damaged cells to the brain which decreases nerve sensitivity. Due to reduced inflammation, there is also less oedema and pain. Another pain-blocking mechanism is the production of high levels of pain-killing chemicals, such as endorphins and enkephalin, from the brain and adrenal gland. This makes arthritis more bearable as the pain is significantly reduced.

    • What to Expect During Treatment

      MLS® laser therapy is fast and painless procedure that does not require downtime. Here’s what you can expect:

      • Session Duration: Each session typically lasts 10-15 up to 30 minutes, depending on the area or areas being treated.
      • Frequency of Treatment: Most patients undergo 6-12 sessions over a few weeks for optimal results. Some may need maintenance sessions for long-term relief.
      • Painless and Non-Invasive: The procedure does not involve heat, needles, or discomfort. Many patients experience immediate relief after just a few sessions.
      • No Recovery Time: You can resume daily activities immediately after treatment.

      Who Can Benefit from MLS® Laser Therapy?

      MLS® laser therapy is effective for various forms of arthritis, including:

      • Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common type of arthritis caused by cartilage degeneration.
      • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder that leads to joint inflammation and pain.
      • Psoriatic Arthritis: A type of arthritis linked to psoriasis, causing joint pain and swelling.
      • Bursitis & Tendonitis: Conditions that cause inflammation in the soft tissues around joints.
      • Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Joint pain resulting from injuries or surgeries.

      Additional Benefits of MLS® Laser Therapy

      • Non-invasive & Drug-free – No medications or injections required.
      • Safe for All Ages – Can be used by seniors and those with chronic pain conditions.
      • No Known Side Effects – Unlike medications such as opioids, laser therapy does not cause stomach issues, drowsiness, or dependency.
      • Can Be Combined with Other Treatments – Works well alongside physical therapy, exercise, and dietary changes.

      What Is the Evidence of Laser Therapy for Arthritis?

      There are many scientific articles that demonstrate that laser therapy is effective for arthritis. In one such study, scientists Drs Alayat and Ali investigated the effect of MLS® laser therapy on knee pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis3.

      50 adults between the ages of 55 and 88 years old were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 received MLS® laser therapy plus exercises while Group 2 received a placebo laser plus exercises. The exercise program was applied for both groups three times weekly for four weeks. The exercises included range of motion, stretching, isometric, and isotonic resisted exercises to the quadriceps and hamstring muscles.

      At the conclusion of the study, the researchers found that the MLS® laser combined with exercise was more effective than exercise alone in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis.

      As found in many other studies, MLS® laser significantly reduces chronic pain in rheumatoid arthritis, chronic arthritis, knee osteoarthritis and knee injuries. Researchers have found favourable analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and bio-stimulating effects of the device.

       

       

    • MLS® Laser for Arthritis in Use: Melbourne Arthritis Specialist Centre

      Dr Farshad Ghazanfari (right) and his wife, Morvarid Sadeghian (left), from the Melbourne Arthritis Specialist Centre standing with MLS® laser’s ‘Active Again’ banner.

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      Morvarid Sadeghian with their MLS® M8 laser.

    • One clinic that has successfully used MLS® laser therapy to treat arthritis is the
      Melbourne Arthritis Specialist Centre in Victoria.

      Dr Farshad Ghazanfari is the Consultant Physician, Perioperative Physician, Musculoskeletal and Sports Physician and Founder of the practice.  Ranked the number one arthritis clinic in Australia, the Melbourne Arthritis Specialist Centre offers state-of-the-art physiotherapy services utilising the latest technology, with their hallmark device being the MLS® M8 laser.

      • Morvarid Sadeghian with their MLS® M8 laser.

      How have patients benefitted from Dr Farshad’s laser? “Every single patient has benefitted from MLS® laser,” Dr Farshad relates. “If the patient has acute injuries, the laser significantly helps them. Patients not only improve in their range of movement, but their pain is quickly diminished.”

      The MLS® laser has also elevated Dr Farshad’s treatments by enabling him to provide non-opioid alternatives: “Using the MLS® M8, my wife and I have been extremely successful in minimising the use of drugs, especially opioids. In terms of opioid-sparing medicine, MLS® laser has been tremendously helpful.” Now his patients have access to treatment that is non-invasive, pain-free, and opioid-free with no side effects. This is one of the factors that has helped his practice’s reputation grow to become recognised as a leading centre for arthritis treatment in Australia.

      Watch Dr Farshad’s full testimonial here:

      https://youtu.be/0T21OBoNhzI

      Enhanced clinical outcomes lead to:

      • Increased patient satisfaction,
      • More referrals,
      • Boosted reputation, and
      • Stronger ROI.

      To find out more about these benefits for your clinic, download our free eBook, ‘Revolutionise Your Practice with MLS® Laser Therapy’.

      MLS® Laser in your clinic

      Are you interested in adding MLS® laser therapy to your clinic for better arthritis treatment?  Book a demo of our lasers to learn more about the technology and see if it’s right for your practice.

      Is MLS® Laser Therapy Right for You?

      If you are seeking a safe and effective alternative to pain medications or surgery, MLS® laser therapy may be an excellent option. Many patients experience significant pain relief, increased mobility, and better joint function after completing their treatment plan.

      Next Steps

      If you’re interested in trying MLS® Laser Therapy for arthritis pain, consider:
      Consulting a healthcare provider to discuss your condition and treatment goals.
      Finding a MLS® laser therapy provider in your area.
      Starting with an initial assessment to determine the right treatment plan for your needs.

      Would you like assistance in locating a nearby MLS® laser therapy clinic. Check out our Find a Practitioner Page to locate a MLS clinic near you.

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