What Sports Injuries Can MLS Laser Therapy Help Treat?

Sports injuries are often categorized as either an acute injury (something with a sudden onset) or overuse injuries (something that becomes problematic over time). Both types of sports injuries can quickly derail your athletic aspirations.

Although there are many types of treatments 一 following the RICE protocol, using cold and/or heat therapy, using athletic tape, going to physical therapy 一 we want to highlight one treatment in particular: multiwave locked system (MLS®) laser therapy from ASA Laser. MLS laser therapy uses light energy to penetrate through your skin and reach any injured tissues. This stimulates healing and encourages new tissue growth. 

But which type of injuries can benefit from this type of therapy? Dr. Dustin Hamoy answers that question below. 

Read on to discover some of the most common sports injuries that can be treated with MLS laser therapy here at Precision Laser Joint and Spine Pain Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland.

Which sports injuries can benefit from MLS laser therapy?

Soft tissue injuries, especially those that affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments, respond well to MLS laser therapy. This includes:

• Patellofemoral syndrome (jumper’s knee)
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow)
• Achilles tendonitis 
• ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears
• MCL (medial collateral ligament) tears
• Meniscal tears
• Rotator cuff tears
• Torn muscles
• Hamstring strain

Some of the most acute sports injuries may require immediate care. For example, a broken bone needs to be set quickly. A dislocated joint needs to be replaced with manipulation or surgery. That being said, even if a sports injury requires multiple types of treatment, it can still benefit from MLS laser therapy. According to research published in the journal Laser Therapy, laser therapy can help all sports injuries in some capacity, but it excels at improving certain conditions above others. 

Fractures and head injuries are two types of sports injuries that aren’t often treated with MLS laser therapy as a first line of defense. However, laser therapy may later be added to your treatment plan to address specific issues. 

Any sports injury that is accompanied by open fractures, severe bleeding, or head injury requires emergency medical attention. 

Benefits of MLS laser therapy for sports injuries

One of the biggest advantages of MLS laser therapy is that it helps treat your current injury, but it also helps reduce the risk of future reinjury, according to a 2017 Italian study. Other reasons to consider MLS laser therapy include:

• Quick 15-minute sessions
• Sessions are comfortable
• No needles or injections needed
• Reduction of pain (as new tissue grows) 

Don’t let a sports injury sideline you. Even if MLS laser therapy isn’t right for your injury, our physical therapy team can curate the exercises and treatments 一 Kinesio Taping® Method, soft tissue mobilization, massage therapy, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and more! 一 that are right for you. 

We’re here to support you on your healing journey and help you get back to the sport you love. Call 410-324-2968, or use our online booking tool to book your appointment.