Accelerating Post-Surgical Healing with MLS Laser Therapy for Joint Replacement Patients

by | Oct 20, 2023 | Blog

Knee Replacement Laser

Undergoing joint replacement surgery is a life-changing decision that can greatly improve one’s quality of life. However, the road to complete recovery often requires a significant amount of time and effort. To aid in this recovery process, medical professionals are increasingly turning to MLS laser therapy as a valuable tool to enhance post-surgical healing. In this blog post, we will explore how MLS laser therapy can be beneficial for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery, enabling them to recover more quickly and get back to their daily activities with reduced pain and improved mobility.

Understanding Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery is a complex procedure aimed at replacing damaged or diseased joints, such as the hip, knee, or shoulder, with artificial prosthetics. While advancements in surgical techniques have improved the success rates of these procedures, the recovery process remains crucial to achieving optimal outcomes.

Challenges in Post-Surgical Healing

Post-surgical healing can be a challenging and lengthy process due to various factors, including inflammation, pain, tissue damage, and restricted mobility. These factors often limit the patient’s ability to engage in physical therapy and regain full range of motion, leading to prolonged recovery periods.

MLS Laser Therapy Explained

MLS laser therapy, short for Multiwave Locked System laser therapy, is an innovative treatment modality that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This FDA-cleared therapy combines two laser emissions—continuous wave and pulsed—to penetrate deep into the targeted tissues, providing both pain relief and accelerated healing effects.

Benefits of MLS Laser Therapy for Post-Surgical Healing:

  • Pain Reduction: MLS laser therapy helps alleviate post-surgical pain by reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow, and releasing endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving substances produced by the body.
  • Faster Healing: The laser’s photobiostimulation effect promotes cellular regeneration and tissue repair, enabling faster healing of the surgical site. It stimulates the production of collagen, a key component of connective tissue, and accelerates the formation of new blood vessels, aiding in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the area.
  • Reduced Swelling and Inflammation: MLS laser therapy effectively reduces swelling and inflammation, which are common post-surgical challenges. By enhancing lymphatic drainage and reducing the production of inflammatory mediators, it helps restore normal tissue function and minimizes discomfort.
  • Improved Range of Motion: Joint replacement surgery aims to restore mobility, and MLS laser therapy plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. By promoting tissue healing and reducing scar tissue formation, it helps improve joint flexibility and range of motion.
  • Non-Invasive and Side-Effect Free: MLS laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that does not involve medication or surgical intervention. It offers a safe and side-effect-free alternative to traditional pain management techniques, such as opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Incorporating MLS Laser Therapy into Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

During treatment sessions, the MLS laser device is directed to the surgical site, delivering laser energy to the affected tissues.

Example Treatment Plan

Start 2 days post-surgery. Typically, treatments would be 3 times per week over the next 2-4 weeks for a total of 6-12 sessions.

It is worth noting that MLS laser therapy is often used as part of a comprehensive post-surgical rehabilitation plan, which may include physical therapy exercises, pain management strategies, and other modalities tailored to the patient’s specific needs.

Conclusion

MLS laser therapy offers a promising avenue for improving post-surgical healing after joint replacement surgery. By providing pain relief, accelerating tissue healing, reducing swelling, and enhancing range of motion, this innovative treatment modality can significantly contribute to a faster and more effective recovery.

References

Bahrami, A., et al. Low-level laser and light therapy after total knee arthroplasty improves postoperative pain and functional outcomes: A three-arm randomized clinical trial. Arthroplasty Today, Feb 2023, Volume 19.

Ahmad M.A., MS AH, Yusof A. Effects of low-level and high-intensity laser therapy as adjunctive to rehabilitation exercise on pain, stiffness and function in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy. 2022;114:85–95.

Stausholm M.B., Naterstad I.F., Joensen J., Lopes-Martins RÁ B., Sæbø H., Lund H., et al. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials. BMJ Open. 2019;9:1–13. e031142.

MF DEO, Johnson D.S., Demchak T., Tomazoni S.S., Leal-Junior E.C. Low-intensity LASER and LED (photobiomodulation therapy) for pain control of the most common musculoskeletal conditions. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2022;58:282–289.

Cotler H.B., Chow R.T., Hamblin M.R., Carroll J. The use of low level laser therapy (LLLT) for musculoskeletal pain. MOJ orthopedics Rheumatol. 2015;2:188–194.