Wellness
MLS Laser Therapy
FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses synchronized dual-wavelength light to reduce pain and inflammation and stimulate tissue repair at the cellular level. No surgery, no needles, no downtime.
FDA-Cleared Technology
85-90% Efficacy Rate
NY & NJ Locations
Overview
What Is MLS Laser Therapy?
MLS stands for Multiwave Locked System. It is a state-of-the-art Class IV laser technology that uses two synchronized wavelengths of therapeutic light, each targeting a different part of the pain and inflammation cycle simultaneously.
Unlike traditional low-level laser therapy, MLS laser therapy delivers faster, deeper, and longer-lasting results by locking these two wavelengths together to create a powerful synergistic effect. The result is enhanced tissue penetration and accelerated recovery that neither wavelength could produce alone.
At Pain Doctors Medical, Dr. Ilana Etelzon uses MLS laser therapy as part of a comprehensive approach to pain care, most often alongside PRP injections or bone marrow concentrate procedures, because the two work together in ways that neither achieves as consistently on its own.
"Pain is often a signal that tissue is irritated, inflamed, overloaded, or not healing properly. If we only numb the pain temporarily without improving the health of the tissue, the problem often keeps coming back."
Dr. Ilana Etelzon, MD | Double Board-Certified Interventional Pain Physician
808nm
Anti-Inflammatory Wavelength
Continuous emission that reduces swelling and inflammation by improving blood circulation and stimulating lymphatic drainage, helping the body heal naturally.
905nm
Analgesic Wavelength
Pulsed emission that provides rapid pain relief by blocking pain signals before they reach the brain, often producing noticeable improvement during or shortly after treatment.
Why locking the wavelengths matters
By synchronizing both wavelengths simultaneously, MLS creates a synergistic effect that enhances tissue penetration and accelerates recovery more effectively than treating inflammation and pain separately.
85-90%
Efficacy rate for conditions that have not responded to other treatments
6-10
Typical number of sessions for lasting results in chronic conditions
10-15 min
Average session length with no downtime or recovery period required
Conditions
What Does MLS Laser Therapy Treat?
MLS laser therapy is most valuable when the underlying problem involves irritated, overworked, or slow-to-heal tissue. It is particularly effective for conditions that have not responded to other treatments.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Reduces numbness and pain in diabetic or chemotherapy-induced neuropathy by improving circulation around nerve tissue.
Plantar Fasciitis
Rapid reduction of heel pain and inflammation. One of the most consistently responsive conditions to MLS treatment.
Arthritis & Bursitis
Managing degenerative joint disease and fluid buildup in knees, hips, shoulders, and other joints.
Sports Injuries
Sprains, strains, rotator cuff tears, and tendinitis that are slow to heal or have become chronic.
Sciatica & Back Pain
Treating herniated or bulging discs and nerve-related back pain non-surgically by reducing the inflammatory environment.
Knee & Shoulder Pain
Chronic joint irritation and soft tissue inflammation that keeps flaring despite medication or physical therapy.
Tendinopathy
Tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendon issues, and other chronic tendon conditions.
Post-Procedure Support
Used after PRP or stem cell injections to improve the tissue environment and enhance the healing response.
A Different Approach
Why Cortisone and Medications Leave the Problem Untouched
Patients who have spent months cycling through anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections, and rest without lasting improvement often ask why nothing has worked. Dr. Etelzon takes that question seriously.
Treating symptoms vs. changing the tissue environment
Cortisone and Medications
- Reduce inflammation quickly but temporarily
- Do not improve structural quality of tissue
- Repeated use can weaken tissue over time
- Symptom management without addressing root cause
MLS Laser Therapy
- Improves microcirculation at the cellular level
- Increases ATP production to fuel tissue repair
- Reduces inflammatory mediators in the tissue
- Addresses why the tissue keeps failing to recover
"Instead of only asking how we block the pain, the approach becomes: why is the tissue remaining irritated or failing to recover?"
Dr. Ilana Etelzon, MD
Your Visit
What to Expect During Treatment
MLS laser therapy sessions are comfortable and straightforward. Most patients describe feeling mild warmth or a gentle tingling sensation at the treatment site. There are no injections, no cutting, and no recovery period.
- Session length Typically 10 to 15 minutes per session. No preparation required beforehand.
- During treatment You are positioned comfortably while a handheld device moves over the treatment area, delivering laser energy through the skin. Most patients report nothing more than comfortable warmth.
- After treatment No downtime, no drugs, and no risk of thermal injury. Most patients return to normal activity immediately after each session.
- How many sessions A standard course involves 6 to 10 treatments for lasting results. Acute conditions often respond in 4 to 6 sessions. Chronic or degenerative conditions may require more.
- When results begin Many patients feel relief after the first visit. Others notice gradual improvement over several weeks as the effects accumulate. Cumulative treatment is more effective than single sessions.
Is MLS laser therapy covered by insurance?
MLS laser therapy is not currently covered by most insurance plans. During your consultation, Dr. Etelzon's team will walk you through pricing and available options.
Part of a Bigger Program
Explore All Regenerative Treatments
MLS Laser Therapy Within a Regenerative Program
At Pain Doctors Medical, MLS laser therapy is rarely prescribed in isolation. Dr. Etelzon typically offers it as part of a comprehensive regenerative program, most commonly paired with PRP injections or bone marrow concentrate procedures.
PRP and stem cell injections deliver biologic signals directly to damaged tissue to initiate repair. But the environment surrounding that tissue matters. Many chronic injuries present with poor circulation, accumulated inflammation, and cellular dysfunction that can limit how well tissue responds to an injection regardless of what it delivers.
MLS laser therapy addresses that surrounding environment. Used before or after an injection, it improves microcirculation, calms reactive tissue, and supports the lymphatic drainage that clears inflammatory debris, creating better conditions for the regenerative treatment to work.
PRP Injections
Stem Cell Injections
Shockwave Therapy
"The injection provides the biologic material and healing signals, while the MLS laser helps create a healthier environment for the tissue to respond and recover."
Dr. Ilana Etelzon, MD
Common Questions
MLS Laser Therapy FAQs
Is MLS laser therapy painful?
No. Most patients describe feeling comfortable warmth at the treatment site. There is no cutting, no needles, and no meaningful discomfort. The session is entirely non-invasive with no known side effects.
How is MLS different from other laser treatments?
MLS uses two synchronized wavelengths, 808nm and 905nm, that work simultaneously. The 808nm wavelength reduces inflammation and swelling; the 905nm wavelength blocks pain signals for rapid relief. Locking these wavelengths together creates a synergistic effect that single-wavelength cold laser or LLLT devices cannot replicate.
How many sessions will I need?
A standard course for lasting results typically involves 6 to 10 treatments. Acute conditions may respond in 4 to 6 sessions. Chronic or degenerative conditions may require more. Dr. Etelzon will give you a realistic estimate based on your specific diagnosis during your consultation.
Can MLS laser therapy replace surgery?
For some patients it may help avoid or delay surgery by addressing the underlying tissue environment. Dr. Etelzon will give you an honest assessment of what is realistic for your specific condition and how MLS fits into your overall treatment plan.
Can MLS laser therapy be used alongside PRP or stem cell injections?
Yes, and this is often how Dr. Etelzon uses it. MLS helps prepare the tissue environment before an injection and supports recovery afterward, which can meaningfully improve how the tissue responds to the biologic treatment.
Patient Stories
What Patients Are Saying
★★★★★
"Dr. Etelzon always makes sure you are comfortable and leave her office with less pain than you came in with. She gets to the root of the problem. No long waits, efficient visit. Highly satisfied with my treatment plan."
★★★★★
"Doctor Etelzon is very knowledgeable and really cares about her patients. She will take her time to discuss the patient problem, answer questions, and use her expertise to help."
★★★★★
"Dear Dr. Etelzon, thank you again. I am starting to feel more like myself again. Today I decided to go do my nails, which I had not done for a long time. I also asked my daughter if we could go to the park. A big weight has been lifted."
* Like all medical procedures, procedures at Pain Doctors Medical have a success and failure rate. Patient reviews and testimonials on this site should not be interpreted as a statement on the effectiveness of treatment for anyone else.
Find Out If MLS Laser Therapy Is Right for You
Dr. Etelzon reviews your history and diagnosis before recommending any treatment. Your consultation is a conversation, not a commitment.
Schedule Your ConsultationAvailable at Brooklyn, NY · Clifton, NJ · Newark, NJ · Perth Amboy, NJ