Surgical Care
Robotic Joint ReplacementACL Surgery & BEAR® RepairCartilage RestorationHand & Wrist CarePartial Knee ReplacementRevision Joint ReplacementMeniscus RepairUnderstanding the Technology
Class IV describes laser power and safety requirements; it is not a score of clinical effectiveness. MLS therapy uses that light for photobiomodulation (PBM)—a process in which red or near-infrared photons interact with tissue and may alter cellular signaling.
Near-infrared light is delivered through the skin to the targeted musculoskeletal tissues.
Photobiomodulation research suggests light can influence mitochondrial activity, ATP production and cell signaling.
Those cellular effects may influence local circulation, inflammatory signaling and pain processing. The clinical effect depends on the diagnosis, dose and treatment protocol.
808 nm · Continuous
MLS device literature associates the continuous 808 nm wavelength with circulation, cellular metabolism and inflammatory signaling.
905 nm · Pulsed
The pulsed 905 nm wavelength is used for deeper tissue delivery and is described as influencing nociceptive pain signaling. MLS synchronizes both wavelengths in one treatment pattern.
What to Expect
A treatment area commonly takes about 5–15 minutes. There are no needles or incisions.
The MLS system delivers synchronized 808 nm and 905 nm infrared wavelengths over the treatment area.
Most patients need no recovery period after a session and can return to normal daily activity.
Common Orthopedic Uses
Laser therapy is not equally supported for every diagnosis. We first identify the source of your symptoms, then decide whether PBM is a reasonable adjunct.
An adjunct for pain and function, usually paired with exercise or physical therapy.
May be considered for selected soft-tissue and degenerative hip symptoms.
Used for selected tendinopathy, bursitis and overuse conditions.
Commonly used for Achilles, patellar and elbow tendon symptoms.
May support a rehabilitation plan for strains, sprains and soft-tissue injuries.
A non-invasive option used alongside activity modification and rehabilitation.
Sometimes incorporated into treatment for persistent heel and plantar fascia pain.
Evidence suggests possible pain benefit in selected chronic low-back pain patients.
Photobiomodulation is being studied as an adjunct for pain, swelling and early rehabilitation after orthopedic surgery.
May be considered in selected neuropathic or nerve-irritation symptoms as part of a broader diagnostic plan.
May help symptoms in selected cases, but it does not physically release a compressed median nerve.
Some practices use laser therapy around orthobiologic injections; evidence for added long-term benefit is still developing.
Potential Effects
These are proposed or reported biological effects—not promises of a specific clinical result.
MLS device literature and photobiomodulation studies describe effects on pain signaling and local tissue sensitivity.
Photobiomodulation may influence inflammatory signaling and local fluid movement in some conditions.
A proposed mechanism involves mitochondrial responses and increased ATP availability for cellular processes.
Therapeutic infrared laser devices are cleared for temporary increases in local blood circulation.
The strongest role is usually as an adjunct to exercise, physical therapy and condition-specific orthopedic care.
Treatment is non-invasive and drug-free, making it an option for patients looking for an additional non-pharmacologic modality.
Treatment is individualized. These figures describe common protocols rather than a guarantee of what any one patient will need.
What the Research Says
There is meaningful human research on photobiomodulation and high-intensity laser therapy, but protocols and devices differ. We do not treat every positive laser study as proof that every MLS protocol will produce the same result.
2023 systematic review & meta-analysis
Nine studies were included. The review found short-term pain improvement versus sham or conventional therapy, with benefit also seen when laser was combined with exercise. This literature evaluates high-intensity laser therapy broadly and is not specific to every MLS device or protocol.
Read the study →2025 randomized double-blind study
Thirty patients were studied. After 12 MLS sessions, the laser group had a larger reduction in pain scores than the exercise group. The study was small, and the authors specifically called for larger trials.
Read the study →2026 systematic review
Four randomized trials with 133 total participants suggested promising short-term improvements in pain, edema and some functional outcomes after arthroplasty. The review concluded that treatment protocols remain heterogeneous and the evidence is not yet conclusive.
Read the study →FDA context: FDA 510(k) clearance for ASA 808/905 nm therapeutic laser families includes temporary relief of muscle and joint pain and stiffness, arthritis pain or muscle spasm, temporary increase in local blood circulation, and muscle relaxation. FDA clearance is not the same as proof that the device heals every orthopedic condition.
Patient Reviews
“I have had knee problems for years as a powerlifter, plus a recent wrist strain. I had laser treatments to my knee and wrist — this was my first session and I felt a huge difference! My joints feel amazing.”
— Luvi· Google review
Review excerpts reflect individual patient experiences and may be lightly condensed. Results vary.
Questions, Answered
Class IV is a laser safety/power classification, generally used for lasers above 500 mW. It does not by itself prove that a treatment works. High-power therapeutic lasers must be used with appropriate protocols and eye protection.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is the use of red or near-infrared light to influence cellular activity. Proposed mechanisms include mitochondrial signaling and ATP production, with downstream effects on pain and inflammatory signaling. The clinical evidence varies substantially by condition and treatment protocol.
MLS stands for Multiwave Locked System. The system synchronizes an 808 nm continuous emission with a 905 nm pulsed emission. Device literature describes complementary effects from the two wavelengths, while the clinical benefit still depends on the condition being treated.
Most patients experience little or no discomfort. Treatment is non-invasive and does not require needles or an incision. Protective eyewear is used because this is a high-power laser.
A treatment area commonly takes about 5–15 minutes. The exact time depends on the body area, diagnosis and treatment settings.
Protocols vary. Many practices use approximately 6 sessions for acute problems and 10–12 for longer-standing conditions, but we individualize the course based on your diagnosis and response.
No. Laser therapy may help symptoms and function for some patients, but it does not restore severely damaged cartilage or correct structural problems that require surgery. We use it as one option within a broader orthopedic treatment plan.
Yes, it can be used as an adjunct around orthobiologic treatment. Some practices use PBM to improve comfort and support recovery, but evidence that the combination produces superior long-term outcomes is still developing. We do not present laser therapy as a way to guarantee a PRP or BMAC result.
Therapeutic laser devices are generally marketed through FDA 510(k) clearance rather than a drug-style “approval.” For example, FDA-cleared ASA 808/905 nm laser families have indications that include temporary relief of muscle and joint pain and stiffness, arthritis pain or muscle spasm, temporary increases in local circulation, and muscle relaxation. Clearance and indications vary by specific device model.
Coverage varies and many plans treat musculoskeletal laser therapy as a non-covered service. Our team will explain any patient cost before treatment.
We’ll identify what is actually causing your symptoms and tell you whether laser therapy is worth adding—or whether another treatment makes more sense.
