It’s likely that either you or a close friend or family member has struggled with a severe injury, chronic pain, or some type of degenerative disease and experienced the difficulty in managing the discomfort. The chronic symptoms can be debilitating and have major effects.  

What are our choices to combat the pain?  We have resorted to long-term use of anti-inflammatories or addictive narcotics for the discomfort.  Maybe even taking a leap of faith with surgery. Put the brakes on!  Fortunately, advances in medical research and technology have proven once again to offer effective relief.  Welcome to laser therapy.

Laser therapy is the use of specific wavelengths of light. Both red and near-infrared stimulate the body’s natural response to healing.  This will then draw water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area. Then, we will have an optimal healing environment to allow the following; expedite the healing time, decrease pain, muscle spasm and stiffness, cause an increase in the circulation and minimize swelling.

Through intensive research and with FDA approval, the various wavelengths emitted with use of the laser have been found to cause an increase in metabolic activity within the cell.  By improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane there is an increased formation in cellular energy (ATP). This then allows for the above benefits to begin.

The doctors at Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic (FASMA) are committed to offering our patients the latest in the fast paced technological advancements of medicine. As such, we are proud to offer specialty services such as laser treatment. Laser treatments come in many forms and can be used for many different ailments. Two laser treatments available to FASMA patients are the CoolTouch Laser and Cutera laser for toenail fungus and the Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser for pain and inflammation.

CoolTouch & Cutera Nail Laser are an FDA approved, non-surgical laser treatment for onychomycosis, or nail fungus. These nail lasers produce specific energy absorbed by water associated with collagen in the tissues of the nail matrix. Because the thermal energy of the laser can penetrate the thick nail plate, it is able to selectively reach the proper target leading to death of the fungus. The treatment then stops instantly and then the nail is cooled with a spray. This allows for fungal death without damaging the skin or the nail growth plate. This also allows fast, painless treatment sessions. Most patients prefer the laser treatment to avoid side effects from oral medications. Ask your doctor today if nail laser therapy is right for you.

In Summary, here's what you can expect:

• Quick, painless treatments lasting approximately 10 minutes
• No downtime
• Easy, low maintenance sessions, once monthly, for an average of 6 months
• Clear nail growth at base of nail and less discoloration in as little as 1 treatment
• No side effects

Multiwave Locked System (MLS) is a non-surgical laser approved by the FDA which uses specific, dual wavelengths and pulsed emissions to decrease pain and inflammation on a cellular level. Extensive research by top institutions such as Harvard University has shown that cellular activity is stimulated to decrease inflammatory products like histamine and promote pathways which block pain signals. In addition, the laser wavelengths encourage angiogenesis, or increased blood flow and circulation to the treatment area which is essential for healing and recovery. For most patients, improvement is noted within three treatments, with the average full treatment being 6-10 sessions. The progress with each session is cumulative which is why it is not recommended to stop treatments sooner than recommended by your doctor. The sessions themselves are quick and painless, usually lasting around 10 minutes. Some patients experience a gentle warming sensation while others report no sensation at all. Because this treatment works on a cellular level to enhance natural body processes, there are many applications for MLS treatment.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Soft tissue injuries such as strains and sprains
• Tendonitis
• Degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis
• Stress fractures
• Neuropathy and other nerve pain
• Pre and Post surgical treatment

The MLS laser can reduce pain in chronic conditions while speeding recovery for more acute ailments such as trauma or injury. There has also been excellent results with post-operative pain. With this safe, quick, and effective treatment you don't have to worry about side effects as with oral medications. So whether you have been battling pain for years or recently experienced an injury, ask your doctor if MLS laser therapy can be implemented into your treatment plan.

In Summary, here's what you can expect:

• Quick, painless treatments lasting approximately 10-15 minutes
• No downtime
• 6-10 sessions for full treatment
• Decrease in swelling and pain in as little as 3 treatments
• No side effects

We use laser therapy in our offices because we want to provide an effective and safe treatment option for our patients to heal quickly, recover fully and reduce pain effectively.  

Give us a call today and see first-hand the benefits of laser therapy.