MLS & MiS Laser Therapy in Radlett | A&A Podiatrists & Chiropodists

Laser therapy for pain and inflammation in the feet and legs, at our clinic in Radlett. Our MLS and MiS lasers use infrared light energy to help your cells heal, with no pain or sensation during treatment.

Book an MSK appointment Call 01923 856 235

About 20 minutesfor most foot problems; a knee may take around half an hour

No pain or sensationduring treatment

Six sessions advisedusually twice a week; many patients notice a difference within three

From £55per laser session for one area; your £120 first appointment includes the first session if suitable

What can laser therapy help with?

MLS laser therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that uses light energy to stimulate your body’s natural healing process. It is a safe, non-invasive treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.

We most often use it for plantar fasciitis (heel pain), Achilles tendinitis, bursitis, sprains, joint pain and osteoarthritis. We also treat ulcers and peripheral neuropathy. The MiS laser is specifically indicated for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain (read the research).

We can also treat other areas of the body, subject to a referral letter or the result of scans. We also have physiotherapists at our clinic, and we coordinate treatment with them as needed. Your initial consultation is typically with the podiatrist.

Heel pain that does not settle. If your heel pain does not resolve promptly, seek professional help to establish the cause and a programme of treatment.

How does laser therapy work?

Laser therapy uses light to stimulate and accelerate the body’s natural healing processes. The laser is moved over the skin so that the light energy (photons) penetrates the tissue and interacts with your cells. This reduces pain in the area and speeds recovery of damaged cells.

How it works, in more detail

MLS stands for Multiwave Locked System. It uses 808nm and 905nm energised light in both pulsed and continuous emission, which produces an efficient and synergistic effect on the deep tissues. The type of laser and the dose depend on the structures being treated, and this is all pre-programmed in the machines according to the site and type of problem.

Light energy helps heal injuries and decrease pain by:

Stimulating cells to remove toxins (pro-inflammatory molecules)
Allowing oxygen and food loads into the cell (vasodilation), which also helps relax muscle contractions
Blocking and slowing pain signals in the brain and releasing endorphins and encephalin (natural painkillers)
Increasing the production and growth of cells, bringing blood flow into the area and accelerating the healing process
Jumpstarting the body’s own healing process by stimulating the mitochondria in the cells

MLS or MiS?

You do not need to choose. We select the laser and the dose that suit your condition and the area being treated.

The Mphi 5 MLS laser

MLS

We use the Mphi 5 multi-diode system, with a large and a smaller handpiece. That means large areas or joints can be treated, or two areas at the same time.

The MiS laser

MiS

Essentially the same as the MLS, but five times more powerful. That lets it penetrate deeper, and treatment times are faster. There is still no pain or sensation.

Laser or shockwave: what is the difference?

Shockwave

Shockwave uses pulses of sound (acoustic) energy to cause tiny areas of damage (microtrauma) in the tissue, which prompts the body’s healing response.

MLS and MiS laser

Laser achieves the same aim in a different way. Infrared light energy is absorbed by your cells and energises them into healing, without damaging the tissue.

Some chronic heel syndromes can benefit from a combined approach.

What to expect

Assessment and plan. Your podiatrist will assess and diagnose your problem, and provide a treatment plan of which the MLS is part. Laser works best as part of a combined approach, so we also consider exercises (stretching or strengthening), footwear advice, orthotics or insoles, activity modification and strapping.
Your treatment plan. The laser treatment regime is created by the podiatrist. It is usually applied by our practice manager, as prescribed by the podiatrist.
Treatment. Most foot problems take around 20 minutes to treat, and a knee might take half an hour. You will not feel pain or any sensation during treatment. Everyone in the room wears protective goggles.
Results. Many patients report reduced pain and increased mobility within three treatments, and six sessions are advised. We usually see you twice a week, and sometimes use a tapering plan of three sessions in the first week, two in the second and one in the third. Chronic conditions may take longer, and acute or more recent conditions tend to respond faster. It is important to complete the course of treatment. We monitor your progress throughout and adjust the treatment as needed.

What treatment looks like

Laser treatment applied to the heel and the calf at the same time, for plantar fasciitis — Plantar fasciitis: the heel and the calf treated together, for a complete treatment

Laser handpiece applied to the Achilles tendon — Treating the Achilles tendon

Laser handpiece applied to the big toe joint, for arthritis — Treating arthritis in the big toe joint

Tap a photo to see it larger.

Are there any side effects?

There are rarely any side effects. Sometimes there is an after-effect called rebound, or a healing response: there is an increase in activity in the area, and this can cause some discomfort. In most cases it disappears within a couple of days, and the area begins to feel much better. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken if needed, or an ice pack applied. We ask about any reactions whenever we see you, and adjust the settings of the laser accordingly.

Darker skin. Darker skin can absorb the light faster. In these circumstances we use a lower intensity of energy for a longer amount of time.

Is laser therapy suitable for me?

We can treat children and people with diabetes. We assess each patient first. Laser therapy is not suitable in some situations, including pregnancy, active bleeding, if you have taken medicines that make the skin sensitive to light (photosensitising drugs), and where there is a tumour. Please tell us if any of these apply to you.

Results

Most of our patients find that laser therapy works for them. Results vary, and chronic conditions can take longer to respond.

How much does it cost?

First appointment: musculoskeletal (MSK) assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan (45 minutes). If MLS laser is suitable and there is time, your first laser session is included	£120
Shorter MSK appointment for sooner availability (30 minutes)	£120
Laser session: one area	£55
Laser session: two areas (for example, both feet)	£75
Laser session: three areas	£100

Your first appointment is usually a musculoskeletal (MSK) appointment with the podiatrist. It costs £120, and if MLS laser is suitable and there is time, your first laser session is included. If the wait for a 45-minute appointment is too long, you can check the slightly shorter 30-minute appointment with the podiatrist, which may have sooner availability.

Laser session prices are typical for an appointment between 9am and 4pm, and are paid at the time of the appointment. We may adjust the price, up or down, depending on the time, the areas treated and the problem, and if you need more treatments.

Book an MSK appointment Book a shorter appointment (30 mins)

Frequently asked questions

What happens at my first appointment?

Your first appointment is usually a 45-minute musculoskeletal (MSK) appointment with the podiatrist (£120). The podiatrist will assess and diagnose your problem, and provide a treatment plan of which the laser is part. If MLS laser is suitable and there is time, your first laser session is included in the £120. If the wait is too long, you can check the shorter 30-minute appointment for sooner availability (also £120). Book an MSK appointment.

How long does a treatment take?

Most foot problems take around 20 minutes to treat. A knee might take around half an hour.

How many treatments will I need?

Many patients report reduced pain and increased mobility within three treatments, and six sessions are advised. We usually see you twice a week, and sometimes use a tapering plan of three sessions in the first week, two in the second and one in the third. Chronic conditions may take longer, and acute or more recent conditions tend to respond faster. It is important to complete the course of treatment.

Does it hurt?

No. There is no pain or sensation during treatment. Sometimes there is an after-effect called rebound, or a healing response, which can cause some discomfort. In most cases it disappears within a couple of days, and the area begins to feel much better.

Is it safe?

It is a non-invasive treatment, and there are rarely any side effects. We adjust the laser settings according to how you respond. Laser therapy is not suitable for everyone, so please see who it is suitable for.

What is the difference between MLS and MiS?

They are essentially the same, but the MiS is five times more powerful. That means it can penetrate deeper, and treatment times are faster. There is still no pain or sensation. We choose the laser that suits you.

What is the difference between laser and shockwave?

Shockwave uses pulses of sound (acoustic) energy to cause tiny areas of damage (microtrauma) in the tissue, which prompts the body’s healing response. Laser uses infrared light energy, which is absorbed by your cells and energises them into healing, without damaging the tissue. Some chronic heel syndromes can benefit from a combined approach.

Can children or people with diabetes have laser therapy?

Yes, we can treat children and people with diabetes.

Can laser therapy be used on darker skin?

Yes. Darker skin can absorb the light faster, so in these circumstances we use a lower intensity of energy for a longer amount of time.

Will laser therapy be the only part of my treatment?

It works best as part of a combined approach. Your podiatrist will assess you and provide a treatment plan of which the laser is part, and we also consider exercises (stretching or strengthening), footwear advice, orthotics or insoles, activity modification and strapping.

How much does it cost?

From £55 for one area, £75 for two areas (for example, both feet) and £100 for three areas. We may adjust the price, up or down, depending on the time, the areas and the problem, and if you need more treatments.

Can you treat other parts of the body?

Yes, subject to a referral letter or the result of scans. We also have physiotherapists at our clinic, and we coordinate treatment with them as needed. Your initial consultation is typically with the podiatrist.

Who carries out the treatment?

Your podiatrist assesses you, diagnoses the problem and creates your treatment plan, including the laser treatment regime. It is usually applied by our practice manager, as prescribed by the podiatrist.

Watch: MLS laser at A&A Podiatrists

Ready to find relief?

Book your consultation today at A&A Podiatrists, 9 Station Road, Radlett.

Book an MSK appointment Book a shorter appointment (30 mins)Call 01923 856 235

Also see: musculoskeletal assessment and foot pain · physiotherapy