Laser for Musculoskeletal Pain

How Does it Work?

At Cheshire Foot Clinic we have 2 Class IV lasers: an MLS and a Remy laser.

The MLS laser delivers two wavelengths, 808nm and 905nm in a synchronised manner. Because the stronger 905nm wavelength is nanopulsed (this means it pulses on and off rapidly), any risk of thermal damage to your tissue is removed and the laser is completely safe to use. The 808 /810nm wavelengths targets tissue repair and regeneration and the 905/915 nm wavelength has an analgesic effect and targets pain and inflammation.

The Remy laser works in 3 wavelengths: 810nm / 915nm and 1064 nm and does generate some degree of heat as is usually expected with laser treatments. The 810nm / 915nm wavelengths are similar to the wavelengths used in the MLS laser but the beam is not pulses and so generates heat.  The 1064nm wavelength is used specifically to target fungus in fungal nail treatments. (If you have a fungal nail infection check out our page on Laser Treatment for Fungal Nails). 

Both these Class IV lasers works to create vasodilation (expansion of the blood vessels) in the area they are treating. This leads to an increase in oxygen, healing cells and anti-inflammatory proteins as well as a ‘wash out’ effect which helps to clear waste products and pro-inflammatory molecules. Laser therapy also reduces the speed of the transmissions of pain messages in the nerves and helps muscles to relax. Finally, laser can help to reduce swelling by flushing out and pushing through any fluid accumulations.

How Many Treatments Will I need?

Laser treatment is cumulative which means each treatment builds upon the effects of the last. For this reason we try and see you as regularly as possible to maintain and increase the effects from each treatment. The number of treatments required varies because every body is different however depending on the condition and your body’s response you may need between 2-15 sessions. Generally, we work on an initial course of 6 sessions carried out at 1 or 2 sessions per week. Acute conditions may need fewer treatments with chronic issues potentially requiring more. Please attend each session as recommended by your clinician so you can obtain optimal effect from your laser treatment.

What Can I Expect?

After an intial assessment to diagnose your issue and develop your treatment plan, we will begin your course of laser therapy. Your clinician will decide the appropriate settings for your condition and then the laser will be placed on or directed over the area of pain or injury. Depending on which of our lasers we use for your therapy you may feel warmth or you may only be aware of the feeling of the wand moving across your skin or in the case of laser which is not in contact with your body, you may not feel anything. This can be strange as we expect to feel something (often pain!) as a method of healing. Trust us, the laser works without causing you any discomfort at all.

Your treatment will be usually be anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes long (or even a little longer) depending on your issue and the treatment protocol required.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Very occasionally a body will ‘over react’ to the laser treatment and will experience a temporary increase in inflammation, usually lasting 24-48 hours. This is rare however if it does happen, please don’t worry. It’s just the way your body has responded to the treatment which indicates that the treatment has caused cellular changes and a process is underway in your area of pain. You will most likely feel better after this rebound response than you did before. If this happens, please tell our Podiatrist and they will reduce the settings on the machine for your next treatment. 

How Quickly Will It Work?

We often see results after 1-3 sessions. Remember that the effect of laser is cumulative and you’re more likely to see results as you go further in your course of treatment. It’s also really important that you stick to any other elements of your treatment plan such as wearing orthotics, exercises, taping or activity modification etc to allow for the best results possible.